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What I’m listening to…
I believe that Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace is one of the strongest soundtracks of the entire series. Pictured is the cover from the Ultimate Edition, a limited double CD of the entire John Williams score.
This was the first Star Wars film in almost 16 years after 1983’s Return of the Jedi. The anticipation was at fever-pitch in 1999 as fans all over the world awaited the highly anticipated release. I was one of them. I recall lining up at K-Mart at midnight to buy every new action figure that was released to accompany the film. I then saw the film at the first midnight screening a few days later.
The film was polarizing for many long-time fans and over the years the prequel trilogy has become maligned by many. I’m not in that camp. While the prequels have their issues, I still believe they’re well-crafted films that hit a home run with their intended audiences. These films are made for kids and big kids like me. They are modern-day fairy tales that tap into universal themes and resonate with audiences around the world.
I have a soft spot for the prequels because they are the last Star Wars films to come directly from the mind of their creator George Lucas.
The score for the Phantom Menace is a rich, sweeping, orchestral masterpiece that sets up a new era of Star Wars. It sounds more classical in nature than the scores that had come before, hinting at a more mystical and mysterious side of the force. It feels as if John Williams threw every ounce of composing magic into this score. His use of the epic London Symphony Orchestra is something I’ve missed on the sequel trilogy soundtracks.
The Ultimate Edition has an incredible 68 tracks, encompassing every piece of music from the film. The regular edition is still available on CD or ready to stream on Spotify. Highlights include Anakin’s Theme, Duel of the Fates, Passage through the Planet Core, and Anakin Defeats Sebulba.
What I’m watching…
I recently read a fantastic article entitled Without HBO’s “Rome”, we would never have gotten “Game of Thrones.”
It reminded me how much I love HBO’s Rome. It’s up there as one of my best TV shows of all time. If you have never seen it, stop what you’re doing and find a way to watch it. It’s that good.
The series premiered way back in 2005, and at the time was the most expensive television show ever produced. Rome was originally planned as a five-season show but only completed two seasons. Unlike HBO’s Deadwood, which finished prematurely and left fans with unresolved storylines, Rome had a definitive ending.
I’ve watched this series multiple times and enjoyed it more with subsequent viewings. There are so many characters it can be a challenge to keep up at times with all the political intrigue, but it’s well balanced with plenty of action and dynamic characters. The two main protagonists are ordinary foot soldiers named Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, who find themselves intertwined in key historical events throughout Ancient Rome.
If you liked Ridley Scott’s Gladiator then Rome is like an extended version of the film, with equivalent production values and high-class filmmaking. You can purchase the bluray or DVD here.
What I’m reading…
River God is right up there in my top 10 books. This is the first in a series of stories involving the character of Taita, a multi-talented eunuch slave living in ancient Egypt.
This was the first book I recall that truly transported me to another world. I’ve always loved Ancient Egypt so I was on board with this adventure from the first paragraph. I have multiple copies of the first edition in hardback, upgrading each time I find one in better condition. I originally owned a dog-eared paperback but lost it years ago.
The amount of research Wilbur Smith must have undertaken to paint such a vivid portrait of this majestic era is staggering. Some of the historical events are accurate, such as the invasion of the Hyksos armies and their introduction of horses into Egypt, while other details are loosely based on facts.
But it’s the characters that truly shine. Taita is inherently smart and cunning, but his self-confidence and bulging ego make him appear pompous and full of himself. He is tasked with caring for Lostris, the daughter of his owner and master Lord Intef. Taita’s dedication and affection for Lostris are admirable but ultimately leads him down a path of secrets and lies as he hides her adulterous relationship with Tanus, the Chief of the Army, from Pharaoh Mamose, to whom she is rightfully married.
These relationships are cast against the opulent, brutal, and unforgiving backdrop of ancient Egypt. The adventure is grand in scope, heart-wrenching, and unputdownable. Wilbur Smith is a master storyteller at the height of his powers here. I highly recommend it.
Subsequent books in this series are The Seventh Scroll (set in modern times), Warlock, The Quest, Desert God and Pharaoh. I’ve read them all and loved each one.
Here’s the official synopsis:
An ancient kingdom. An incredible destiny.
Taita is a humble slave; an expert in art, poetry, medicine and engineering, as well as keeping important secrets. He is the most treasured possession of Lord Intef. Yet when Intef’s beautiful daughter Lostris is married to the Pharaoh, Taita is commanded to follow her, and swiftly finds himself deeper than he ever could have imagined in a world of deception and treachery.
But outside the palace, the great kingdom of Egypt is divided, and in even greater danger. Enemies threaten on all sides, and only Taita holds the power to save them all . . .
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