WEEK 4, 2021

The National Palace Museum Traditional Culture The 24 Chinese Solar Terms Rhythms of Heaven, Earth, and All Beings

Cora Wang

he four seasons tell us where we are in the story of our year, but did you know that within each one, there are six Tminiseasons that last 15 days each? At least as far back as 139 B.C., sages in China recorded a seasonal change each year begin- ning around February 4 and called it Spring Commences. This season is followed by Spring Showers, Insects Awaken, Spring Equinox, Bright and Clear, and Grain Rain. Summer, fall, and winter dance their intricate steps, too, which we’ll explore in this article, for a total of 24 solar terms. Each term is divided into three no- table periods or pentads, of which there are 72. This ancient and sophisticated calculation of Earth’s circuit holds so much wisdom that Asian people who have long moved away from agricultural lifestyles still use it to optimize their diet and health and to mark important milestones. UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cul- tural Heritage includes the ancient Chinese understanding of season- al rhythms. No matter how mod- ernized we become, our bodies will always be subconsciously in tune (or painfully out of tune) with the year’s inescapable rhythms. Knowing the 24 solar terms can give us insight into what to expect next and what simple choices can help put us in step with nature. The classic four seasons are only the beginning. The solar terms were first recorded in the book “Huainan Zi,” and they are evenly marked on the ecliptic in seg- ments of 15 degrees. The descrip- tion of the four seasons below is from Wu Cheng’s “A Collective Interpretation of the 72 Pentads,” a work from the Yuan Dynasty (A.D. 1271–1368).

Spring: The Preface “Lichun” (Spring Commences) is the first solar term of a year. Its three pentads depict the subtlety of nature awakening: The mild breeze thaws the river, fish swim upward to the surface, and in- sects come out from hibernation. “Yushui” (Spring Showers) ensues; the ice melts, and the air becomes moist when raindrops fall. Otters hunt fish that swim upstream, wild geese migrate back to their northern homes, and seeds begin to sprout. The Chinese have long divided each of the four seasons into six terms that last 15 days each. “Dahan” (Great Cold) is the last solar term of the year. This famous painting depicts children merrily celebrating the Chinese New Year in heavy snow. “Snow Dedicated to the Emperor’s Poem,” Qing Dynasty, by Dong Gao. Continued on Page 4 B22 | ARTS & CULTURE TUESDAY, JANUARYWeek 26, 4, 2021 TUESDAY,Week 4, 2021 JANUARY 26, 2021 ARTS & CULTURE |B3 3

PubLiC DomAin Ho/AFP viA GETTy imAGES Literature Never Say Die: Lessons From Michael Walsh’s ‘Last Stands’

Behind the Jeff Minick this desolate place, both Custer and his men and the combined forces of hroughout history, men Native American tribes—the Little with their backs to the wall Bighorn marked the beginning of the Subscription have time and again fought end of their resistance—made their against overwhelming odds last stands. rather than surrender to their Your subscription will not only provide you with Tenemies. Why do they die battling to Patria accurate news and features, but also contribute the last? What force drives them to fight Walsh makes the point in “Last to the revival of American journalism and help on with rocks and fists after the blades Stands” that men will go their deaths of their swords are broken or their rifles for their country, not so much for ide- safeguard our freedoms for future generations. are empty of bullets? als like democracy but for the reali- In the book “Last Stands: Why Men ties of their homes, their towns and PubLiC DomAin We aim to tell you what we see, not how to think; we Fight When All Is Lost,” Epoch Times farms, and their loved ones. We hear a formal ceremony on April 30. centuries later in Warsaw fighting the (Above) Famous paint- columnist Michael Walsh raises these little these days of “Mom, the flag, and Soldiers such as these, and others Germans died defending their fami- ing of the last stand made at strive to deliver you a factual picture of reality that questions and others. Listen, for ex- apple pie,” but soldiers throughout our whom Walsh examines, remind us lies, friends, and fellow combatants. the Alamo. “The Fall of the lets you form your own opinions. ample, as he asks: “What is heroism? history have given their lives for these that we too have a duty to our country The outnumbered troops at Rorke’s Alamo,” 1903, by Robert Jen- What are its moral components? Is values. They die for what they love. and to the preservation of our institu- Drift, the Marines at the Chosin Res- kins onderdonk, depicts Davy it altruism, love, self-sacrifice? What When Hannibal and his forces tions, that we should acquit ourselves ervoir, the Hungarians wiped out by Crockett wielding his rifle as a We believe that we live in truly epochal times, where are its amoral components—fear of crushed the Roman legions at Cannae with honor in the public square, and a Turkish army at Szigetvar: all those club against mexican troops the faithful representation of our current events cowardice, lust for glory, pride? Why (216 B.C.), surrounding them so that that we should take pride in our Amer- who perished in these battles died who have breached the walls of the mission. won’t just be important for the people of today, but was it once celebrated, and now often the packed legionaries could barely icanism. Like those warriors, we must fighting for their fellow combatants as dismissed as anachronistic at best, move and were cut down, so many defend those things we hold dear—not well as for themselves. (Above right) The “Pasta” also for the generations to come. The records we foolish and vainglorious at its worst?” were lost that nearly every family in with bayonets and bullets, but with In the political battles ahead of us, building afire in July 1944 keep now will directly inform the foundations of the Throughout “Last Stands,” Walsh Rome went into mourning. Yet the words, wit, conviction, and prayer. we should recognize as our comrades during the Warsaw uprising, history they’ll learn and the values they’ll cherish— explores these topics by an exami- senate and the people of Rome never anyone who champions the ancient where Jewish Poles made nation of 17 battles ranging from considered surrender. They raised an- Comrades verities: liberty, truth, goodness, beauty, a last stand against nazi and this knowledge is what drives us. Thermopylae in 480 B.C. to the brutal other army, devised different tactics, “Why do men fight?” Walsh asks. and tradition. Whether we are black, invaders. 1950 engagement between the United subdued Carthage, and became rulers “What or whom is worth dying for?” white, or brown, rich or poor, we can- (Right) The battle of Sziget- States Marines and the Chinese com- of the Mediterranean. His response: “The answer, as we not allow anything to divide those of us Learn more at var when Count Zrinski, munists at Korea’s Chosin Reservoir. “Patria,” which gives us “patriot,” is shall see in these pages, is surprising- who believe in the American Dream. the viceroy of Croatia, and EpochSubscription.com In addition to his fine descriptions of the Latin word for “country,” and the ly simple: they fight for themselves, for We are brothers and sisters bound to- his men defended the cas- these conflicts, Walsh provides excel- Romans at that point in their history their brothers-in-arms, and therefore gether in the spirit by our belief in “Life, tle of Szigetvar against the Let’s gather together for lent brief histories of the events that revered that idea. As a result, they lost for their women and children and for Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” besieging Turks in 1566. foreshadowed these last stands and a battle but then won a war. their country, which is the expression Like so many of those who gave their The 1825 painting is by love of our country and their consequences, and short biogra- We who love our country, who be- of the family.” lives for a cause, let’s gather together for Johann Peter Krafft. Hun- stand shoulder to shoulder TRUTH AND TRADITION phies of the commanders involved. lieve in its ideals of liberty and justice, The Jews who fell in A.D. 74 at love of our country and stand shoulder garian national Gallery in In each case study, Walsh also dis- might take a metaphorical lesson Masada fighting the Romans and 19 to shoulder for truth and justice. budapest. for truth and justice. cusses what inspired these soldiers to from those events. The election may make the supreme sacrifice. be behind us, but we can still win Given the current unrest in our country, back America. understanding the motivations of these warriors may prove instructive and rouse Duty, Honor, Pride us as well to fight the good fight. Both William Travis of Alamo fame and Charles George “Chinese” Gor- Desperation and Despair don, who died defending Khartoum When George Custer led troopers of the in 1885, had the opportunity to retreat Seventh Cavalry to the terrible massa- before commencing battle, yet both cre at the Little Bighorn (1876), he made men felt compelled to stand at their several mistakes. He divided his force posts in the face of enormous odds. in the face of the enemy without care- As Walsh writes of those at the Alamo ful reconnaissance; he depended on (1836), “They died for those most subordinate commanders who proved abstract and yet most fundamental weak and disobedient; and worst of all, of concepts: duty, honor, country.” he believed that the Sioux and other Gordon also died for these values, warriors would run from the cavalry as though his countrymen at the time they had in the past. were the Sudanese people as well as Instead, the Indians attacked and the English. slaughtered Custer and his men, In the 1863 Battle of Camarón, a tiny many of whom were poor shots, band of French Foreign Legionnaires inexperienced riders, and ill-trained fought against a superior Mexican in military maneuvers. Outnumbered force. “The Mexicans were fighting and overwhelmed, most of them went for their country,” Walsh tells us, “the down fighting, but for no other rea- legionnaires were fighting for their son than that they had no choice. Sur- honor.” One motto of the Legion, even render was impossible, for to be taken today, is Legio Patria Nostra—“The alive meant death by torture. Some of Legion is our country”—and that day, the Sioux later reported that several the legionnaires nearly all gave their of the soldiers committed suicide for lives to remain true to that idea. The fear of falling under the knives of the battle ended when the last six men Ying and Yang by Sandra Kuck women. still on their feet charged with their As a last stand, the Little Bighorn bayonets into the Mexican ranks. Two is the most ignominious of Walsh’s of them were killed, one was badly examples. The soldiers who died in wounded, and the other three were that short battle went to their deaths captured. neither for hearth and home nor for a To this day, the French Foreign Legion cause larger than themselves. Here in remembers and honors those men with

PubLiC DomAin

Original artworks, canvas wraps, and prints of Award-winning oil A Symbol of Hope: paintings now available at Shen Yun's Mystical Phoenix InspiredOriginal.Org/Store Enjoy % off 15 selected jewelry ShenYunShop.com | TEL: 1.800.208.2384 “Custer’s Last Stand,” 1899, by Edgar Samuel Paxson. Whitney Gallery of Western Art. 4B4 | ARTS & CULTURE TUESDAY, JANUARYWeek 26, 4, 2021 TUESDAY,Week 4, 2021 JANUARY 26, 2021 ARTS & CULTURE |B5 5

ALL PHOTOS BY THE NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM Four paintings from the book “A Grove in Four Seasons,” Qing Dynasty, by Zhang Ruoai. In the paintings, the seasons are identified by the names for the first solar terms of each season: Spring Commences, Summer Commences, Autumn Commences, and Winter Commences.

TRADITIONAL CULTURE The 24 Chinese Solar Terms Rhythms

“Wild Geese by the Reeds and the of Heaven, Cold Lake,” Yuan Dynasty, Earth, and by Wang Yuan. All Beings

Continued from Page 1 UNESCO’s Lists The Lantern Festival falls during this so- lar term. The first night of the year with of Intangible a full moon marks the return of spring. Cultural “Jingzhe” (Insects Awaken) is the third solar term; peaches begin to blossom, Heritage orioles chirp, and caterpillars become butterflies. In traditional Chinese cul- includes the ture, spring is the time when the earth ancient Chinese showers its benevolence on all living beings. understanding On “Chunfen” (Spring Equinox), of seasonal there are equal periods of daylight and darkness across both hemispheres. In rhythms. the days to come, the Northern Hemi- sphere will have longer daylight hours and more moisture. Throughout three pentads, swallows arrive in the north and nest, and thunderstorms crack with lightning. The solar term “Qingming” means “bright and clear,” for the sky is bright, the air is fresh, and the breeze is bracing during these days. It’s the perfect time for a spring outing. Flowers are bloom- ing and rainbows appear. The Tomb- Sweeping Festival falls on this day. That’s when people go to cemeteries to pay respect to their deceased relatives with offerings. “Guyu” (Grain Rain) falls at the end of spring. It originates from the proverb “Rain nourishes all grains.” Duckweed sprouts, cuckoos fly, and the rice seed- lings and spring tea leaves keep farmers “Bird and Peach Blossoms in Spring,” Qing Dynasty, by Zou Yigui. occupied.

Summer: A Dynamic Period During “Lixia” (Summer Commences), crickets and grasshoppers chirp, earth- ripening of crops, and the buzzing of are suggested to prepare for the frigid worms crawl out, and gourds ripen. cicadas. “Chushu” (End of Heat) marks winter: chicken soup, ginger duck soup, Farmers markets carry all kinds of mel- the end of summer. Temperature drops mutton hot pot, and the like. “Xiaoxue” The solar terms ons. In “Xiaoman” (Grain Buds), crops after each autumn rain, eagles hunt (Minor Snow) embraces the dormancy have started to plump but have not yet other birds, and millet ripens. of winter, and the snowy season be- were first matured, while some grasses wither in From the first day of “Bailu” (White gins. “Daxue” (Great Snow) heralds the recorded in the the harsh sunlight. Dew), yin becomes dominant. During heaviest snow, and the “winter-crying” “Mangzhong” (Grain on the Ear) is the the night, water vapor turns into tiny birds go silent. book ‘Huainan busiest time to seed millet and harvest droplets that shine like crystals in the On “Dongzhi” (Winter Solstice), Zi,’ and they are barley and wheat. Sensing the damp- morning sunshine. Birds hoard food yin gradually abates and yang rises, ness, the mantises come out, the shrikes for the cold winter, and wild geese and enabling the spring water to flow. evenly marked start to sing, and the mockingbirds swallows migrate southward. Elk, which are associated with yin in become silent. It’s a day to say farewell On “Qiufen” (Autumnal Equinox), the traditional Chinese culture, drop their on the ecliptic to flower fairies, as many blossoms are sun shines exactly above the equator, antlers during this period. People in in segments of fading. The Dragon Boat Festival is ap- and both hemispheres experience an ancient times believed that spring proaching. It’s also a day to commemo- equal amount of daylight. From then on, would arrive in the 81 days after elk 15 degrees. rate Qu Yuan, a famous exiled intellec- the Northern Hemisphere sees longer drop their antlers. tual who fought against corruption in nights and shorter days. The sound of “Xiaohan” (Minor Cold) is the bitter- the Warring States Period (475–221 B.C.). thunder begins to soften, water freezes, cold stage of winter, when wild geese On “Xiazhi” (Summer Solstice), the insects return to their nests, and flora begin to fly northward, swallows build Northern Hemisphere sees the longest and fauna wither away. This solar term nests to prepare for the new year, and day and the shortest night, and crops overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival, pheasants crow from distant fields. are in their prime. “Xiaoshu” (Lesser when families admire the moon and “Dahan” (Great Cold) is the last so- Heat) is a period when the weather is feast on mooncakes together. lar term of the year. But the frigidity hot but not scorching. Fireflies and “Hanlu” (Cold Dew) falls when the doesn’t stop people from welcoming crickets are active in the balmy breeze, dew is so cold that it is about to freeze. the Chinese New Year: They paste New and eagles soar high in the sky. By This is the best time to appreciate chry- Year’s couplets on their doors and comparison, “Dashu” (Great Heat) is santhemums in all their many shapes bring new purchases home. Although much hotter. This is when people go and colors. On “Shuangjiang” (Frost’s rivers are still frozen, hens start to hiking and swimming, or enjoy sweet Descent), dew turns to frost. As yang hatch chicks and watch out for attacks watermelon slices to stay cool. Accord- recedes, plants shed leaves and wither, from eagles. ing to folklore, dead grass can turn into insects go dormant, and wolves start Knowing the 24 solar terms gives us a fireflies during damp summers. The to hunt. glimpse into the beauty and character- story implies the cycles of life. istics of seasonal changes. Zou Yigui impeccably captures Winter: A Solemn Time the soothing feminine essence Autumn: A Time of Serenity During “Lidong” (Winter Commences), This article was written by Cora Wang of the chrysanthemum in this “Liqiu” (Autumn Commences) falls water begins to turn to ice, the earth and translated by Anne Chan and Brett painting through his use of when yang is receding and yin is grow- hardens, and pheasants look for clams Chudá into English. It is republished gentle brush strokes and soft ing. It signifies cooler weather, the “Five Deer,” Ming Dynasty, by Chen Chun. in the lakes. Warming foods and tonics with permission from Elite Magazine. pastel colors. B66 | ARTS & CULTURE TUESDAY, JANUARYWeek 26, 4, 2021 TUESDAY,Week 4, 2021 JANUARY 26, 2021 ARTS & CULTURE |B7 7

RIjksMUseUM ALL PHOTOs COURTesY OF WARNeR BROs. hilariously rabidly antagonistic relationship in “Midnight Run” dissolved into a realiza- tion by both men, that in another lifetime they might have been friends, Kimble and Gerard bond in a great mutual respect. From the famous standoff on the edge of a roaring dam, where Kimble shouts “I didn’t kill my wife!” and Gerard replies sarcastically “I don’t care!” they evolve to the amusing, heartwarming scene where Gerard applies an ice pack to Kimble’s inju- ries, and Kimble says “I thought you didn’t care.” And Gerard, with a twinkle in his (Above) Tommy Lee jones (L) and joe Pantoliano as eye, says “I don’t.” Th ey share a laugh, and U.s. marshals in “The Fugitive.” Gerard adds “Don’t tell anyone, will you?” (Left) One of the famous moments in “The Fugitive,” when Dr. Richard kimble (Harrison Ford) is about to jump off a high dam to escape a U.s. marshal. Th e Real Crux of the Matter But the real high point of “Th e Fugitive” is when Kimble goes after the above-men- evasion, resistance, and escape). tioned med school classmate giving a talk Mark Jackson grew up in Spring Val- Th is is an action buff ’s action movie, with at a large function for investors. Kimble ley, N.Y., where he attended a Waldorf high tension in every scene, including the crashes the assembly and declares: “He FILM INSIGHTS school. At Williams College, his pro- fessors all suggested he write pro- spectacular bus-train collision that of- falsifi ed his research so RDU-90 could be fessionally. He acted professionally fers Kimble an opportunity to escape and approved and Devlin MacGregor could WITH MARK for  years instead. Now he evade his pending death sentence. give you … Provasic!” writes professionally about Like the proverbial hellhound on his In “Erin Brockovich” (about the Pacifi c JACKSON acting. In the movies. trail, along comes the scathingly sarcastic, Gas and Electric Company), the crux is, terminator-like (you can’t shake him) U.S. as lawyer Ed Masry (Albert Finney) says: Marshal Sam Gerard, played by Tommy “On December 7, 1987, the discharger Lee Jones, with the immense deliciousness notifi ed the regional board and the San rEWIND, rEVIEW, AND rE-rAtE that occurs when an actor fi nally sinks his Bernardino County Environmental Health teeth into the role he was born to play. Services of the discovery of 0.58 ppm of Sam Gerard is the Grim Reaper, but he’s hexavalent chromium in an on-site ground fi nally met his match. It’s like the (also water monitoring well. Everything the Ir- Running From proverbial) immovable object meeting vings have had is proven reaction to expo- the unstoppable force. Kimble’s too smart, sure to hexavalent chromium.” can’t be caught. Gerard puts the dog in dog- And Ed’s whistle-blowing assistant Erin the Law, Following gedness. Make that pit bull. Who will win? Brockovich (Julia Roberts) adds: Cinematic tension at its fi nest. “Th ey’ve had breast cysts, uterine cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, immune defi ciencies, Close but No Cigar asthma, chronic nosebleeds.” the Truth Cops know to watch for criminals return- In “Michael Clayton” (about U-North, an ing to the scene of the crime. Kimble, of agricultural corporation), whistle-blowing MarK JaCKSon ‘The Fugitive’ course, knows this too, but he has to return lawyer Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) says: to Chicago where his wife was murdered, “Twelve percent of my life has been spent In “Th e Fugitive,” Harrison Ford plays con- D i r e c t o r regardless, in order to solve the mystery. protecting the reputation of a deadly weed- Andrew Davis victed murderer Dr. Richard Kimble. Th e So he’s always right under Gerard’s nose. killer! Th ey killed these people, Michael. movie was inspired by a hit 1960s TV series starring And Gerard (“don’t ever argue with the Little farms. Family farms. Th is girl, Anna, of the same name and theme. Th e series was Harrison Ford, Tommy big dog; big dog is always right”) can smell did you see her? You need to see her. Talk Lee Jones, Sela Ward, leaden; Ford’s version is anything but. And Julianne Moore, Joe Kimble’s trail. But the salty marshal, not even to her. She’s a miracle. She’s is God’s per- though he’d been working for years, this is the Pantoliano, Jeroen Krabbé with the help of the Chicago PD, FBI, chop- fect creature. And for fi fty million dollars movie that put Tommy Lee Jones on the map. pers overhead, cars whizzing around, com- in fees I have spent twelve percent of my rated “Th e Fugitive” (1993) has much in com- PG- puter whizzes on computer info networks, life destroying perfect Anna and her dead mon with 2000’s “Erin Brockovich,” 2007’s brainstorming meetings—not even with all parents and her dying brother.” “Michael Clayton,” and 2019’s “Dark Wa- running time that can Gerard manage to nail Kimble. In “Dark Waters” (about DuPont corpo- "Militia Company of District II Under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq," commonly known as "The Night Watch," 1642, by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.  hours,  minutes On loan from the City of Amsterdam. ters.” Th ey all tell tales of major Ameri- Th en Kimble, borrowing money from a ration’s Tefl on), reporter Rob Bilott (Mark can corporations trying to cover up their release Date former med school classmate (Jeroen Krab- Ruff alo) asks while looking in a creek: FINE Arts underhanded foisting of cancer-causing Aug. ‚ƒ „„ bé), rents an apartment, doctors himself up “What am I looking for?” chemicals on the unsuspecting American a fake ID card, and sneaks into a hospital Farmer Wilber Tennant (Bill Camp) replies: public. More on that later. to inspect the prosthetic limbs department “You blind, boy? Stones as white as the hairs for clues of that one-armed man. on my head. Bleached! Th at’s chemicals, I’m Meeting Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ Not a Murderer Th ere, he has a close call with a hypervigi- telling ya. My animals drink this water. Cool Wrongly convicted Dr. Kimble is deter- lant staff doctor played by Julianne Moore off in ‘er. Get them bloody welts, them dead mined to free himself from the charge of in what was arguably the role that also put eyes. Charge at me, crazy-like. Animals that Lorraine Ferrier and police) commissioned Rembrandt to A couple of mouse clicks takes me to the Rembrandt depicted, nevertheless, shows murdering his beloved wife, Helen (Sela her career on the map. used to eat out of my own hand.” paint the scene for the Kloveniersdoelen, painting, and I begin the highlights tour. national pride, discipline, and order, for Ward), by fi nding the mysterious one- Almost like a dramatic version of the co- Say what you will about Hollywood mak- he mere mention of Rembrandt’s the militia’s shooting range. My audio guide first introduces me to some once the captain commands them, each armed man who killed her. medic symbiotic relationship between the ing money telling stories about big com- painting “The Night Watch” Rembrandt staggered the figures and of the militia. At first glance, the scene de- one will fall into line as one unit. Ford plays Kimble as a man whose doc- characters that Robert De Niro and Charles panies making money exploiting people’s brings up the rush of excitement placed them in the back, middle, and fore- picted appears to be a gathering of arms tor-level intelligence also translates to a Grodin play in “Midnight Run,” Kimble and health. Stories about whistle-blowing and I had when I first approached ground, rather than on one plane (the men before the militia marches into battle, but More About ‘The Night Watch’ resourcefulness on par with a special op- Gerard were destined to meet and test each truth-telling need telling, and the world the painting more than 15 years at the back are even elevated slightly), all to actually the scene was painted in peace- The painting is full of surprises. It’s not the erations soldier in SERE mode (survival, other’s wits. And in the same way that the needs to listen. Tago. I still vividly remember my visit to the give the painting depth. On the left, a man time. These militia were wealthy, well- entire painting that Rembrandt painted. In Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to view the in red cleans his gun. Farther back on the known locals who were called on to calm the 18th century, it was hung in Amsterdam painting. It’s a memory that never fades. left, at the edge of the painting, a man holds local disturbances or to attend ceremonies. Town Hall, but the space was smaller than Awe struck me before I even reached the a pike and is part of a small group. Similar The captain and 17 of his militia paid to be the painting, so the painting was trimmed WARNeR BROs. painting. groups are seen throughout the painting in the painting. Their names are written on to fit the space. and then his car explodes. Th at’s the said boss, she hires the henchmen From across the other side of the gal- readying themselves for their captain’s the shield high above the lieutenant’s head, In the 19th century, the painting was cinematic prelude. to start unpacking the more deadly lery, Rembrandt’s painting had a presence command. The focal point is the three although it is unclear whether Rembrandt named “The Night Watch,” but that’s not Michael leads a jam-packed, non- solutions in their arsenal. that demanded attention, a presence that figures gently lit: the girl in white, and the painted the shield himself as it was added the title Rembrandt chose. The original stop life of problem-solving for the Michael eventually starts investi- pulled me in before I could even distin- captain with his lieutenant, Willem van after the painting was varnished. name was “Militia Company of District high-profi le law fi rm he works for. gating Arthur’s sudden death, and guish what the painting was truly about, Ruytenburch. Describing the composition, the audio II Under the Command of Captain Frans He eventually gets entangled in a the facts eventually come to light, re- let alone marvel at any of the details. guide highlights the three main characters Banninck Cocq.” However, by the 19th cen- multimillion-dollar class-action sulting in a breathtaking cobra-ver- That’s what great art does; it pulls you into Rediscovering ‘The Night Watch’ bathed in light: the girl in the white dress in tury, the painting had taken on a darker lawsuit covering up damaging sus-mongoose verbal entrapment fi - the picture. And Rembrandt was a master As a rule when I visit a gallery or museum, I the left of the painting, and the two main tone: Time, dirt, and varnish had taken its evidence against U-North, an ag- nale between Clayton and Crowder, storyteller. In “The Night Watch,” he clev- try to view the art with a keen curiosity characters in the center (the captain toll, so viewers thought the painting was ricultural conglomerate. U-North giving the audience the climatic erly used a complex composition, light and and a pure heart, like a newborn with the red sash and his lieuten- a night scene. Hence, it was named “The is one of his fi rm’s clients, which payoff they’ve been waiting for. shade, and brilliant brushstrokes to narrate baby seeing for the first time. My ant dressed in cream). Night Watch.” in turn has in its employ the type the chaotic the action of the story, without a whisper aim with any art is to genuine- Rembrandt bucked tradition, Of all the Rijksmuseum’s Rembrandts, of soulless legal counsel who hires Hasn’t Aged in 14 Years scene that of a word spoken. ly connect with it: commune first by depicting an informal “The Night Watch” is the painting scholars assassins on the sly. Only the fl ip-phones look outdated. What first drew me in from afar was the with it, if you will, and observe rembrandt depicts military scene and then by know the least about because it is on dis- “Michael Clayton” takes the narra- enormity of “The Night Watch” canvas. It’s what comes up for me. I never shows national highlighting the three char- play seven days a week and not available Babysitting tive ploy of starting out close to the colossal: nearly 12 feet by 14 1/2 feet, and read more than I have to about pride, discipline, acters. Painters normally de- for close analysis. In the summer of 2019, Michael’s main gig is currently try- end, backtracking to the beginning, Rembrandt’s largest masterpiece. But what the artwork before I see it; I es- and order. picted the light source evenly an extensive conservation effort on “The rEWIND, rEVIEW, AND rE-rAtE ing to contain the walking, talking telling the story forward to that made the biggest impact from a distance pecially avoid reading the gallery across a painting. Night Watch” began, called “Operation The U-North CeO (ken disaster Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkin- opening scene, and then cruising was Rembrandt’s use of light. It’s pure the- notes next to it. In addition to the light focusing our Nightwatch.” Conservation experts hope Howard, L) shouts for son): a brilliant, manic-depressive to the end from there. ater: He illuminated this painting as if it I liken viewing art to meeting new ac- attention on the three main figures, the to reveal more insights from Rembrandt’s A Big Corporation Michael Clayton (George lawyer who’s stopped taking his It’s a very eff ective storytelling were a stage, emotionally and physically quaintances. The first time you meet them chaotic scene of men readying themselves enigmatic painting as they work on the Clooney) to stop, in medication. method. By presenting a puzzle piece directing the viewer through the story. face-to-face, you evaluate whether you like with weapons was actually composed with painting while visitors view it. “Michael Clayton.” In his subsequent state of clarity, at the outset, it immediately engages Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky puts them, if you feel connected to them, and precision. The men’s tangle of weapons was The Rijksmuseum’s online guide to “The Kills Its Own Lawyer Arthur has suddenly enlightened the audience’s subconscious in keep- it well. He believes Rembrandt strove “to then you decide if you want to deepen the another device Rembrandt used to direct Night Watch” gives some great insights. I’m to the fact that by defending one ing an eye out throughout the entire find a universal truth in the human condi- friendship. And just as in a friendship, as you us to the three figures. grateful for being able to access it this way. MarK JaCKSon a bagman (delivering illegal cash of U-North’s clear, tasteless, lethal fi lm for where that scene fi ts in. tion and used light to create motion and get to know each artist and their work, as the The angelic girl in white was rumored But online viewing can never replace see- payments), former litigator, legal liquid products, he has become, in Director Tony Gilroy (who previ- emotion. This parallels cinematography, connection deepens, you see new nuances. to be Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia, who died ing the painting in person, for what often Hollywood gets signifi cant cin- adviser, and dad. As his detective his own words, “Shiva, the God of ously wrote the “Jason Bourne” tril- where sculpting light and directing the Nothing beats seeing a piece of art in young. She bears more than a passing re- fascinates me is seeing the painted surface: ematic mileage, both documenta- brother Gene (Sean Cullen) says, Death,” and he wants out. It’s a great ogy) gives the audience something gaze of the viewer to the desired place in person, yet over the past year, many of us semblance. The audio states that the girl is how the artist rendered the scene with deli- ries and regular movies, out of sto- the cops think Michael’s a lawyer, ‘Michael Clayton’ role for Wilkinson, who gets to de- that never gets old: George Clooney an image is essential for powerful story- have lost that luxury. I also know that many a kind of mascot to the guild. On her dress cacy or fast and furious brushstrokes, and rylines involving big corporations the lawyers think Michael’s a cop, D i r e c t o r liver over-the-top, dramatic, off -his- at the top of his game, delivering an telling,” as he’s quoted on Dulwich Picture online tours are full of interesting facts and dangles a pouch of gunpowder and a dead how the varnish has cracked and weath- covering up devious dealings with but Gene thinks Michael’s a card- Tony Gilroy meds antics, like stripping naked in ambiguously scrupled, brooding Gallery’s website. high-tech wonders, such as the ability to chicken. The chicken represents the “clau- ered over time. It’s nowhere near the same cancer-causing chemicals. Similar gambling pain in the neck who asks starring a fi lmed deposition, to the massive hero who always manages to stay zoom in on a painting. So putting that weniers” (claw guild), as the Kloveniers experience online, where the artist’s per- to 1993’s “Th e Fugitive” and 2000’s for favors that sometimes jeopardize George Clooney, mortifi cation of his colleagues. a step ahead. “Michael Clayton” is In ‘The Night Watch’ thought of communing with a painting were sometimes called. sonal touches cannot be seen. “Erin Brockovich” before it, 2007’s his own law enforcement career. But Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Further complicating things is a high entertainment value dra- I stood in front of the painting, and even aside, as I wanted to give the Rijksmuseum The captain (in the red sash) holds his hand Connecting face-to-screen is never, and legal suspense thriller “Michael Michael’s the man when it comes to Swinton, Sydney Pollack, cold, lizard-like U-North litigator ma-thriller fi lled with exceptional Michael O’Keefe though I was surrounded by other art lov- online guide a go, I opened my laptop and out, calling his men to arms. The flag bear- can never be, the same as connecting face- Clayton” is an outstanding example exploiting connections, legal loop- Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton), who acting and clever dialogue, and ers, everyone seemed to fade away as I en- entered the online tour. er to the left of him raises his flag, and the to-face. It’s a bit like connecting with family of the genre. holes, and cleaning up the law fi rm’s rated needs to make the fl ailing loose end bookended by a volatile ending that tered into the world of Rembrandt’s painting. drummer to the right of him plays his drum. and friends via Zoom: You’re grateful for it extracurricular messes. R that is Arthur Edens go away. matches its explosive beginning. In it, many almost life-size military fig- The Online ‘Night Watch’ Throughout the scene, men are atten- in the short term, but something’s missing Tinker-Tailor-Soldier-Spy We meet Michael one dreary, early running time Why? She’s found out via hired “Michael Clayton” landed a total ures ready themselves with arms. It’s a dy- The first screen takes me to the Rijksmuse- tively readying themselves as if they are and it makes you savor the human connec- Clayton? winter morning, driving country  hour, Œ„ minutes henchmen that Arthur got his hands of seven Oscar nominations. Tilda namic, chaotic scene not normally seen in um’s Gallery of Honor, with its majestic really going to fight for their country. Each tion even more. Michael Clayton (George Clooney) back roads. He’s worn out and world- release Date on a confi dential document that Swinton took home a win, but both formal commissions. Captain Frans Ban- ceiling and harmonious arches. “The Night man is fully engrossed in his responsibility, is a highly skilled “fi xer” (or “jani- weary. He sees three horses on a hill, Oct. ƒ  Ž could utterly destroy U-North. She Clooney and Tom Wilkinson were ninck Cocq, dressed in the red sash, and Watch” can be seen at the end of the cor- whether that’s loading his weapon or run- To find out more about “The Night Watch” tor” by his description) for law fi rm stops his car, goes up to wonder at tells her U-North CEO (Ken Howard) both well-deserving of their nomi- members of his Kloveniers (civic militia ridor, off in the distance. ning to his position. The chaotic scene that by Rembrandt visit, Rijksmuseum.nl Kenner, Bach, and Ledeen. He’s also their stark simplicity and beauty— this fact, and then, unbeknownst to nations. 8B8 | ARTS & CULTURE WEDNESDAY, JANUARYWeek 27, 4, 2021 WEDNESDAY,Week 4, 2021 JANUARY 27, 2021 ARTS & CULTURE |B9 9

PubliC DOmaiN A Veranda of Lush Colors: ‘Parrots and Rooftops’

COuRteSy Of WayNe baRNeS WaynE a. BarnEs

John Powell has been one of my favorite This is the mark artists for years. He resides in a comfy home with his wife, Wendy, not far from of a Powell Santa Barbara, California. When not dodg- painting: colors ing the worst of the state’s fires, he plies his trade. Most of us picture a 9-to-5 job and of every tint and think, well, boring. But an artist can put in whatever hours he wants, and whenever he hue emerging as wants, after all—he is an artist! though through John works in his studio in a wooded area beyond his home. There is a large the canvas, open space where a Persian carpet cov- bobbing flowers, ers most of the floor, giving warmth to the California cool mornings and mountainy hanging baskets, air. At one end of the carpet is a massive easel, with solid oak uprights and bars that and floral or cross them, chest high, so a canvas can be geometric designs secured—actually, trapped in—so there is no movement while he works his magic. on heavy, glazed Scattered around the edge of the large room are pots of every shape and size, pottery. with different designs, many of which have been colorful participants in scores of scenes he has painted. If there is any question about his work ethic, look to the only worn marks on the carpet in front of his easel. You’ll find two ovals where his feet have been placed, day in and day out, pretty much on that 9-to- 5 schedule. You work in your office; John works in his. Through the 1980s, I had been a great ad- mirer of Powell serigraphs, offered in many of the finer galleries. They were the best quality, and with almost all the individual colors of the artist’s palette. But to see a real, in-the-flesh, Powell painting sometime, that would be special, but not likely. The serigraph I enjoyed most was “Parrot and Rooftops,” with a blue-fronted Amazon “Cadmus Slays the Dragon,” between 1573 and 1617, by Hendrick Goltzius. Oil on canvas, 74.4 inches by 97.6 inches. National Gallery of Denmark. green parrot perched on a rod, extending “Parrot and Rooftops,” 1985, by John Powell. Oil on canvas; 20 inches by 24 inches. from the left edge of the painting. John was able to make the parrot appear to be off the Still settling in, one day I wandered into of a painting that had almost gotten away. canvas, in front of the rest of the painting. a sophisticated gallery and framing shop Here I was again, in an art gallery, with the Reaching Within: It has a red slash on its shoulder and a For more down the hill in Solana Beach. I wondered apple of my eye—actually the parrot of my arts and culture What traditional art offers the heart blue band over its beak and yellow face. It if they had any pieces by Powell. The owner eye—right in front of me. I dared not make is posed above a luxuriant patio. This is the articles, visit brought out an inch-thick stack of 4-by-6- that mistake again. mark of a Powell painting: colors of every TheEpochTimes. inch photos of what she said was available. I held out the photo and gave her a nod. tint and hue emerging as though through com I went through them, many of which I “This one.” the canvas, bobbing flowers, hanging had seen before—flip, flip, flip, flip. Then My own lesson, now more than two de- Fearless Cadmus on a Divine Path: baskets, and floral or geometric designs my eyes came to rest on one that stood out. cades since I had learned it, was the decid- on heavy, glazed pottery. In the distance It was “Parrot and Rooftops.” ing factor. This painting would find a home are red tile roofs. To me, it portrays just a I asked her how much it was. She looked at in my living room, across from a tall wall comfortable feeling, a place you want to the notations on the back of the photo, and on which hung “The Mountain and the Val- be—to step into. then did some mental figuring. This was ley.” No indecision this time. Galleries will have others of his seri- odd, I thought, for a number that should ‘Cadmus Slays the Dragon’ graphs on display, all with the key Powell have been on the tip of her tongue. Didn’t Taking You There elements. Those without a green parrot all of Powell’s serigraphs go for about the A marine layer floats above the coastal may have cockatiels, cockatoos, macaws, same price? town nestled in a Pacific cove. The scent Eric BEss From the sown teeth, a tribe of war- from danger but leans into it. would be able to lean into present-day and more. Some appear in pairs, some in She tilted her head from side to side, made of morning dew reaches only the earliest riors grew, who immediately began There are many dangers in our lives dangers just as he does in the painting. flight, but there is always movement, giving some last calculations, trumpeted her lips risers. Seen from above, the rooftops are a n Greek mythology, Cadmus is fighting one another. They fought until today. Drugs, alcohol, promiscuous sex, He would do so not to be victimized by life to the image. in and out and said, “I can get it for you for patchwork of slopes dotting the landscape considered the first Greek hero. only five remained; these made peace and money worship are promoted in our them but to eliminate their threat. But where did all of these serigraphs come The parrot on a little under $10,000—but you will want a throughout the valley. He followed the guidance of the and became known as the Spartoi. They arts and media. These are, in part, our Cadmus would be fearless in his ap- from? After Powell finishes three succes- good frame, so it will be a little over ten.” The flowers are both natural and -ex gods and would later become the helped Cadmus build what would later dragon. proach, but this doesn’t mean he would sive paintings, his publisher chooses one his perch is sus- What!? traordinary. They grow high and low, over founder and first king of Thebes. be the city of Thebes. I’m sure we’ve all witnessed people be reckless. He could have thrown of them to make a thousand serigraphs. pended in midair I had not understood that this establish- and around, in the ground, and out of the ICadmus was a prince born to King around us lose years of their precious the spear from a distance, but instead About a third of these go to Japan, where ment sold only original oil paintings. They most gloriously glazed vases and pottery Agenor and Queen Telephassa. When ‘Cadmus Slays the Dragon’ time on earth in dealing with these dan- he had the courage to get close to the they so appreciate floral designs, another and central to the were the real deal, and serigraphs were not whose colors rival the beauty of the blos- Cadmus was a young man, his sister Eu- In “Cadmus Slays the Dragon,” the 16th- gers. Many of us deal with these dangers dragon and thrust his spear into the to Europe, and the last third are spread in their repertoire. So, you picked the paint- soms they hold. ropa was kidnapped by Zeus, who had century Dutch artist Hendrick Goltzius ourselves. very spot that would get the job done. across the United States. scheme of activity. ing you wanted from a stack of photos and, A breeze flows down the valley floor, disguised himself as a white bull. Zeus graphically depicted the scene in which He understood his enemy and what was Imagine if each serigraph retails for $650, He has one more within a few days, they had it in hand. I had shimmering the leaves and vines. Cym- took Europa to Crete, where she became Cadmus finds and kills the dragon. needed to accomplish his task. and there are a thousand. So, what would be never stepped foot in a gallery like this, bidiums laugh, shaking their heads in the the island’s first queen and would later Cadmus is shown dressed in an Only upon defeating the dragon is the value of the original oil painting? When degree of life than which presented only original pieces. The gentleness of nature. Bougainvilleas climb give birth to the cruel King Minos. animal pelt. He most likely hunted and Cadmus directed by Athena to plant its those thousand are sold out, it just increases. very idea of having one by John Powell had up the archways of the patios and porticos, Europa’s family, however, had no idea killed the animal himself, and his pelt What makes Cadmus teeth, bring forth the warrior tribe, and I had never truly lost my poor-boy psycho- his floral cousins been well beyond my thought process. Now then burst into bloom on the downstroke. what had happened to her. King Agenor now represents his fearlessness in com- successful when build his new city. Maybe we’re meant to logical outlook from childhood. A govern- and we are drawn I had the opportunity to purchase some- Orange-red geraniums offset gray-white sent his sons out to find her and told ing face-to-face with and overcoming defeat that which threatens us and build ment salary, with five children to feed and thing that was more to me than just oil stucco walls, and dazzling tapestries give them not to return unless they had. the dangers of his environment in order his friends and the something new from its remains. clothe, always made me an art observer. I to him, again and paint on canvas. It seemed like liquid gold. life to rustic tile floors. The sons were all unsuccessful and to survive. adventurers before How might we first identify the dan- could enjoy it on a gallery wall and hoped, again. My mind was dazzled, but I quickly On a veranda high above, hemmed in settled throughout the land, as they were Fearlessly, Cadmus holds a spear gers that lurk in our lives? How might someday, to take a Powell home—a serigraph. looked through the few dozen other paint- by a colonnade of archways, and standing unable to return home. Cadmus, though, and leans forward to thrust it into the him were not? we assess our own path to make sure In 1990, we moved from northern Virgin- ings in the stack, now realizing that these out among an assortment of huge urns was unwilling to give up just yet, and mouth of the center head of the three- that we truly have the divine on our ia to southern California. I was one of very were not serigraphs, none of them, but all and floral clusters, is a vibrant green par- went to the Oracle of Delphi to request the headed dragon, which stands in front side? How might we muster the cour- few FBI agents who could afford a home in original oils. I had to catch my breath. rot nodding his yellow head and blue- gods’ help in finding his sister. of its dark cave. We have created a culture that encour- age, the fearlessness, to lean into our San Diego. That had come through a lot of How many linear yards of three-foot-high, bridged beak. Red slashes on his shoul- The Oracle, however, told him to stop The dragon’s body is pierced with ar- ages us to journey toward the dragon, dangers in order to understand them do-it-yourself, backbreaking labor over a stone walls had I built around our house in ders mark his rank to command the scene searching for his sister. Instead, he was rows, which suggests the failed attempts not to slay it but to be slain by it. Many and destroy them once and for all so decade on our 3,500-square-foot home on Virginia? How many thousands of nails before him. to establish a new city by first finding of Cadmus’s friends to defend them- of us—both knowingly and unknow- that we can continue building not only a wooded lot in Virginia. I had built stone had I driven into broad decks that nearly The parrot’s veranda is as exquisite as a cow with a half-moon symbol on its selves. The dragon’s upper head looks ingly—sacrifice ourselves to it. cities and cultures, but lives worthy of walls and put on a 1,000-square-foot, two- surrounded the house, with catwalks con- it is ostentatious. A cleft in the wall off to flank and then following the animal up and outside of the picture plane. Its The more we fall victim to these dan- the divine? story addition, improving everything, giv- necting them, and on two levels? How many the right offers flower-lined steps down to until it came to rest. At this spot, he was bottom head swallows the head of one of gers, the more fear consumes us, and ing me true weekend-warrior status as a square feet of Mexican paver tile had I laid a garden hideaway you can sense below. to found the new city. Cadmus’s friends. the less likely we are to follow the divine The traditional arts often contain master carpenter. for the new 16-by-32-foot kitchen, and the Dew-glistening flagstones walk around a Cadmus did as he was instructed. He On the ground lies one of Cadmus’s path that is available to us. spiritual representations and symbols The sale of the house had brought in a Some pieces of art move me skylights installed high above so light would path where a waterfall and lily pads lap found the cow, and when the cow rested, lifeless friends. The bones of animals How would Cadmus deal with these the meanings of which can be lost to our pretty penny, the proceeds to be the down so that I am compelled to stream down on us. If all of that could be cal- over colorful koi, and lush rushes and he decided to sacrifice it to the goddess and humans, the dragon’s previous vic- present-day dangers? modern minds. In our series “Reaching payment on our next home. We would have write about them—what culated for what it had saved us, and as extra grasses are just out of sight. Athena to thank her for her guidance. tims, are scattered on the ground. On finding his friends’ corpses and Within: What Traditional Art Offers to completely remodel one on the West they look like, but more often, profit on the sale of our home, could I take The parrot on his perch is suspended in He sent his accompanying friends to seeing the dragon, he could have turned the Heart,” we interpret visual arts in Coast: doors wide enough for a wheelchair, how I see the scene in its own the leap to do something that still seemed so midair and central to the scheme of activ- find pure water for the sacrifice. His A Fearless Approach to run away, but he didn’t. He fought the ways that may be morally insightful for ramps to go with, and more. Working odd history. This is what the series far outside the realm of my comprehension? ity. He has one more degree of life than his friends did find a spring, but they were to Present Danger danger that destroyed so many lives. us today. We do not assume to provide nighttime shifts in the FBI would enable “Taking You There” is about. I asked the owner, “How could the origi- floral cousins and we are drawn to him, all attacked and killed by a dragon. Considering the image and the story it What makes Cadmus successful when absolute answers to questions genera- me, during daylight hours, to drive thou- nal oil of ‘Parrot and Rooftops’ not be long again and again. He is frozen in his space, When Cadmus found their lifeless bod- shows, what wisdom might we gather his friends and the adventurers before tions have wrestled with, but hope that sands of nails, as well as provide long, ar- Wayne A. Barnes was an FBI gone, sold to a wealthy aficionado of Mr. yet we know his head is bobbing and his ies, he also found the dragon. To avenge from Cadmus’s life and this painting? him were not? our questions will inspire a reflective duous weekends to create the California agent for 29 years working Powell’s artwork?” She had no idea, but squawking calls out to the valley below. his friends and to retrieve the pure water Goltzius depicted Cadmus as fearless. It’s difficult to know why Cadmus was journey toward our becoming more au- home my family deserved. counterintelligence. He had knew that if it was in her magical stack of The scene holds us in a moment in time. needed for the sacrifice, the hero fought Cadmus thrusts his spear into the very the only one able to defeat the dragon. thentic, compassionate, and courageous After a packed-to-the-brim moving van many undercover assign- photos, it was still available. And it seemed The shadows will always mark an early and defeated it. danger that has destroyed his friends. It’s undeniable, however, that two things human beings. pulled away from our Virginia home, we ments, including as a mem- that not too many people had access to morn and the coming of a new day. The When Cadmus finally returned to sac- The dragon represents a danger not contributed to his success: his fearless- packed ourselves—mom, dad, boys (ages ber of the Black Panthers. His them, or even knew of a business with a flowers will hold their blossoms forever, rifice the cow, Athena appeared to him only to Cadmus and his men but also to ness and his willingness to accept the Eric Bess is a practicing representational 6, 8, and 10), infant Natalia, and Midnight first spy stories were from de- similar pile of images. I had walked into the and the parrot, mid-bob, pokes out from and told him to take the dragon’s teeth the many adventurers before them, as guidance of the gods. artist and is a doctoral candidate at the cat—into our new Chevy van to drive briefing Soviet KGB defectors. right gallery, and at the right time in my life. the canvas every time we glance his way and plant them in the earth. Cadmus suggested by the bones strewn on the So, I believe that with a fearless atti- the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the across the great expanse of our nation to He now investigates privately My cranial synapses were firing off. A as he impatiently awaits an answer to his followed her command. ground. Cadmus, however, does not run tude and the divine on his side, Cadmus Visual Arts (IDSVA). the Pacific Coast. in South Florida. long time ago, I had been in the presence calls echoing off the rooftops. 10B8 | ARTS & CULTURE TUESDAY, JANUARYWeek 26, 4, 2021

Warner Bros. PoPcorn and InsPIratIon A Rousing Drama for Today

Ian Kane is being hauled out of the still-dangerous during the crash landing and led many of plane wreckage by a pair of men. She is the survivors to safety. hen I first recalled direc- frantically clawing away at them in a des- Dr. Perlman believes that Max may be tor Peter Weir’s 1993 film perate effort to get back to the plane’s dam- able to help Carla, who lives with her family “Fearless,” I must have aged fuselage in order to find her baby who in New York. When Max meets Carla, he subconsciously known was ejected from her grasp in the crash. A finds that she is wracked with survivor’s how timely it is. And after tiny burned shoe can be seen amid the de- guilt because she wasn’t able to hold on to Wwatching it for the first time in probably bris, signaling that the worst has happened. her baby during the crash. Max and Carla over a decade, I see parallels to many of Seemingly in a state of deep shock, Max strike up an unusual chemistry, and he the recent tumultuous events. In many finds the mother of the baby he is carrying makes it his duty to save her, just as he did ways, “Fearless” plays like the cinematic and hands the child off to her. He then rents some of the other survivors. gestalt of recent times. After all, 2020 was a car and drives to Los Angeles to visit an Needless to say, Laura becomes jealous a year that many would like to forget even old flame, Alison (Debra Monk). As they of the attention that Max shows to Carla, happened—with all of the tragic deaths, sit eating at a local restaurant, Max orders and their family life becomes increasingly (Above) The poster for “Fearless” shows the increased political upheaval and divisive- strawberry pancakes. Surprised, Alison unstable. At one point, Laura finds Max unforgettable scene of the protagonist danc- ness, viral hysteria, and so on. notes that Max has always been allergic to in the famous scene that the movie poster ing on the ledge of a tall building. The film opens with middle-aged -ar the “forbidden fruit” and almost died from depicts—fearlessly dancing on the rooftop chitect Max Klein (Jeff Bridges) walking eating them as a child. But he shrugs it off ledge of a tall building. (Below) Max Klein (Jeff Bridges) under- calmly through a cornfield, as an ethereal and says that now “I’m past all that.” As Max’s progress with Carla begins to ta- went a transformative experience in a plane crash and now he is fearless. score by composer Maurice Jarre hums in Indeed, due to the plane crash, Max’s life per off, will he still be able to save her from the background. Max is holding a young seems to have undergone a transcendental her seemingly endless despair? And who boy’s hand and carrying an infant. shift and displays characteristics of a mes- will save Max from his own new, strangely As Max emerges from the field, we see that sianic figure. He is completely forthright exalted self? he is leading many who have just survived and honest with people and has conquered As a new year begins, this film encapsu- This film encapsulates a horrific commercial airline crash. Crash all of his fears. For example, when the air- lates what many would consider a “crash- what many would rescue teams scramble all around franti- line tracks him down (with the help of the ing” of the economy, of certain freedoms cally, but Max displays an odd air of tranquil- FBI) and offers him a train ticket back to and civil liberties, leading to an overall consider a ‘crashing’ ity and peacefulness, despite the fact that it his home in San Francisco, he tells them sense of worldwide turbulence. However, of the economy and of is later revealed his best friend Jeff Gordon that he’d rather fly back instead, having just as the film ends on a positive note— (John de Lancie) perished in the crash. overcome his fear of flying. with regard to a return to normalcy—so too certain freedoms and At the opposite end of the spectrum, a During his flight, the airline pairs him can all of humanity hope for a semblance of civil liberties. woman named Carla Rodrigo (Rosie Perez) up with psychiatrist Dr. Bill Perlman (John normalcy. As the saying goes, “Don’t count Turturro), who specializes in treating trau- the days; make the days count.” Warner Bros. ma victims. Since Max believes that he has entered a transcendent state, he doesn’t Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author think Dr. Perlman can wholly understand based out of Los Angeles. To learn more, his transformation. visit DreamFlightEnt.com When Max returns home, his wife Laura (Isabella Rossellini) and young son Jonah ‘Fearless’ (Spencer Vrooman) are ecstatic to see him. Director But it doesn’t take long for them to figure out Peter Weir that something is vastly different about Max’s Starring personality. When Max and Laura have a pri- Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rossellini, Rosie Perez vate moment together, she asks why he didn’t immediately let her know he was alive. He Running Time 2 hours, 2 minutes responds, “I thought I was dead.” While things begin to fracture on the Rated R home front due to Max’s somewhat de- tached nature toward his family, he is Release Date hailed as “the good Samaritan” by the me- Nov. 5, 1993 (USA) dia—having comforted other passengers

Virtue of the Brush in a Time of Chaos

“When things are chaotic to the extreme, order must be restored.” - “The four books” by Zhu Xi

The original calligraphy is now available for purchase at InspiredOriginal.Org