Let's see if I can make this work!
SpartanAltego wrote:... I ended up hunting down a subtitled version of the film on the net, and by the end it felt like I'd finally found something I didn't realize I'd been missing: validation that I wasn't the only person who had ever felt lonely, angry, and wishing for somebody - anybody at all - to come along and extend a hand. The hope that one day we'll step outside and begin our way on the path leading us to the Right One.
What a warm, heartfelt introduction. There is an echo of my own feelings and engagement with the film (especially), although I later read the novel and was able to see the play in New York and Texas with a few fellow members of the forum.
SpartanAltego wrote:... I hunted down the criminally sparse scraps of fanfiction I could find, greedy for more, and was pleased to find that what LtROI lacked in quantity of fan-created material it made up for in quality by a wide margin. Not surprising, really. It takes a special kind of spirit to really engage with LtROI on a personal level, and that kind of spirit led itself to artistic output. Of them all, it was a_contemplative_life/Adeimantus' seminal fan-works, with special note being given to The Hunters, and of course the excellent Once Bitten that really filled the niche I needed.
I, too, read the Ebert review and then forgot most of it for about four years. But I remembered the film by its evocative title – little else – when I saw that it was scheduled on Showtime, where I was able to watch it from the start. I was enchanted by the opening credits, the night snowstorm, the taxi ride. But I was in Eli/Lina's thrall when, at just past the 11-minute mark, Oskar turns to see her standing on the top shelf of the jungle gym. She cocks her head and asks (or demands), "What are you doing?"
SpartanAltego wrote:... I hope to contribute some modest pieces of writing in due time, but for now please be satisfied with this lengthy introduction, which hopefully has been an enjoyable use of your time to read through. My infection was dormant for many years, but it's finally come back, more aggressive than ever. It's never felt so good to be so sick.
In our Fan Fiction section you will find many more engaging and moving stories, and I genuinely hope that your need for the children's company will encourage you add your own stories.