Artifact, Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars

****

Ok, so here is something a little bit different. Instead of reviewing a book I have read recently, I have decided to discuss a documentary, which recently has had a profound effect on the way I look at both 30 Seconds to Mars as a band, as well as the music industry as a whole. Directed under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, frontman Jared Leto documents the $30 million lawsuit EMI made against 30 Seconds to Mars after their wish to end their contract with the company. Originally set out to be a documentary tracking the making of their third album, This is War, ‘Artifact’ became a much more dramatic and thought-provoking film, exposing the corruption within the failing music industry.

"That’s the business model; screwing the artist.” 

One of the most shocking things about ‘Artifact’ is the revelation of how corrupt the music business is, along with how vulnerable music artists are. The fact that 30STM were sued for $30 million, simply because after 7 years with the company they hadn’t been paid ever for their album sales, and were somehow millions of dollars in debt to the company, is ludicrous. While it is stated that the total wasn’t a play to the media (30$m for 30STM) is hard to believe, but nevertheless it certainly brings the shock factor to the situation. The way in which the whole system operates is, as my cousin perfectly put it, “terrifying”. One thing that the film is successfully executes is highlighting the process of creating and distribution an album, and how quickly the music business drains the earnings of the artist. As it demonstrates, making new albums is part of a corrupted cycle, as music companies finds numerous excuses for taking what they consider to be their money from album sales. One of the most bizarre revelations is how the music company takes money away from the artist’s earnings, known as royalties, to pay for potential breakages and packaging, even for downloaded songs where this is irrelvant. This leaves very little for the artist or those included in the creation process. Throughout the documentary, it is hard not to feel sorry for the members of 30STM, as they strive to continue writing an album that they know they will not be paid for, and also one that will potentially not even be released. You have to admire their determination and passion for music as they go on to make this album independently. 

A whole other dimension is added to the documentary with the incorporation of 30 Seconds to Mars’ new music, which, funnily enough, EMI originally refused to allow the band to include in their documentary. This is War had always been an album that I enjoyed listening to; however, after watching ‘Artifact’, I found a new depth within their music, with the lyrics taking on a whole new meaning for me (I know that may sound somewhat pretentious, but hey, it’s true!) Throughout, the album plays an effective role in highlighting the dramatic moments of the film, and also the moments of triumph and success. Once more, there are some moments in which stripped back acoustic versions of their hits are simply just enjoyed by the viewer. 

OK sure, there are some moments that feel a little cliche and sometimes a bit overdramatic (I guess it can be expected when the lead singer is also an actor, and a successful one at that), but at the end of the day it’s hard to simply comprehend how the band somehow managed to cope with the stress of being sued for so much money, and still manage to create a successful album. 'Artifact' is also special in giving a glimpse into the normal lives of the three musicians, and the amazing and often hilarious dynamic they have between them. Nowadays musicians are criticised for doing very little themselves and instead relying on others for their success; not 30 Seconds to Mars. Throughout the documentary what is made clear is how hard the band work, and how talented each individual is (a special hats off to Jared Leto, that man is a musical genius). Overall, ‘Artifact’ is a great documentary, which renewed my love for 30 Seconds to Mars and made me think differently about music artists and the music industry. It is without a doubt an eye-opener into the way in which the music business operates, and how (thanks to illegal downloads) even the most successful musical artists are suffering. 30STM’s passion for their music and what they believe in is certainly what resonates by the end of the film, and their success in the end is definitely deserved. 

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green

*warning, spoilers ahead*

“The marks humans leave are too often scars.”

The Fault in Our Stars is a book many people are talking about these days, and with good reason. However, I first have to admit that, originally, I was somewhat reluctant to read this novel, for a number of different reasons. The main reason is because it is a book that has received a great deal of attention recently, not just amongst readers but in the media as well. Due to the disappointment of recent book-to-film adaptations, I have become a bit skeptical when it comes to reading books that are being turned into films. With a film adaptation being released, it is also hard not to hear about the plot and have the story ruined by 'spoilers'. Once more, with a film adaptation there is also, of course, the casting of the main roles. Once you know who they have been cast in a film, it can often be hard to imagine the characters the way you would personally, had you not been previously influenced by what you had heard about in relation to the film. This is something that greatly put me off reading The Fault in Our Stars; like with the 'Divergent' series, the more I read, the more unconvinced I became about Shailene Woodley playing the protagonist role. 

Another reason I was unenthusiastic about reading this novel was due to the the subject matter, which to some can seem slightly off-putting. In a short summary, The Fault in Our Stars is a story about sixteen year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, a girl suffering from lung cancer. After being forced to go to a cancer support group, there she meets Augustus, a former cancer patient, and friend of another group member named Isaac. Following this first encounter, Green's novel explores the relationship between Hazel and Gus, watching their romance blossom in spite of the sickness that surrounds them. Although it is primarily a love story, for me what resonated in the book's summary was the fact that both protagonists suffered from cancer, and it was almost inevitable that both would be dead by the end of the book. With the plot revolving around dying and suffering, you pretty much assume that it is going to be a depressing read.

That said, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised to learn I was wrong about this preconception. One of the things I found most surprising about Green's novel is the fact that I found myself laughing quite often while reading this story. There is a charm in Green's way of writing, not only in Hazel's narrative, but during her interactions with other characters, that makes this story feel more uplifting than sombre. The jokes Hazel and her friends make about their conditions, particularly the bad puns surrounding Hazel and Gus's friend Isaac are very amusing, and having them said by them makes the awkwardness around the topic of cancer more approachable. Hazel and Isaac's conversation about the nurse who said 'you'll see' to Isaac after his eye operation is just one example of this. Furthermore, it is the frequent humour throughout this novel in spite of its sombre themes that makes it such a refreshing read.

It is also the optimism surrounding Hazel and Gus's relationship that I found so intriguing.
Green's exploration of Hazel and Gus also is focused more on their relationship as young people, rather than cancer sufferers. This is highlighted in Gus's reluctance to tell Hazel that his cancer has returned. Instead he wishes to concentrate on being happy more than being sick, perhaps in the same way that Green wishes to explore the positives of Hazel's life, rather than the negatives. Like Hazel, and probably every other girl that reads this book, I couldn't help but fall for Gus's charm, even during those occasional overly-cheesy moments. But hey, there is nothing wrong with someone (fictional though he may be) being able to make you smile. This doesn't mean that Green doesn't acknowledge the fact that their relationship is limited by her sickness. At first, Hazel is reluctant to pursue her feelings for Gus, realising that her cancer will eventually separate them. While he addresses this fact, in the end it is Gus's adamance that her sickness will not stop him loving her that causes Hazel to give into him.  

Of course, while Gus and Hazel try to ignore the reality of their condition, The Fault in Our Stars demonstrates how cancer is not something people can escape. Following Gus's admission that his cancer is back, and much worse than before, things seem to go downhill from this point onwards. Watching Gus deteriorate is heart-breaking, as the charm we remember from Hazel's first meeting him is replaced by a young man to sick to do anything. I was very shocked when Gus died; from the very beginning we expect the end to be Hazel's death, with Gus by her side. However, instead, Gus dies two thirds in, and Hazel learns the news by a phone call. This can be seen as some as tragic, with the two lovers being separated in his final moments; for me, however, it made their story seem almost more realistic. Their separation reflects their acceptance that death is imminent for them both; it is their later actions that reflect their affection for one another. Gus writing to Peter Van Houten, the author of Hazel's favourite novel An Imperial Affliction shows Gus's understanding of Hazel and the closure she needs before she dies. For Gus, on the other hand, it is simply knowing that Hazel loves him that seems to be enough, which she by all means proves in her eulogy at his 'pre-funeral'. 

In terms of literary technique, Green's use of intertextuality is another interesting aspect to this young-adult novel. Throughout The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel frequently refers to her favourite book, An Imperial Affliction. This is what, in some sense, brings her and Gus together, and is the catalyst of their relationship. However, there appears to be a deeper meaning to the frequent references to this fictional novel. Throughout the book, people liken Hazel to the novel's protagonist Anna; there are similarities in their conditions, as well as their outlooks on life. In addition, the way in which Hazel longs to know the answers to the book's unanswered questions can be seen as representing her fears regarding what will happen to her after she is gone. Her constant questioning of what happened to Anna's mother perhaps reflects her concern as to how her mother and father will cope after she has died. 

Finally, as more of a small side-note, I have to say that I was so happy when I realised where the title of the novel came from. I am a massive fan of William Shakespeare (as almost all English students are), so when I learnt that he had taken it from Julius Caesar, I smile appeared on my face. Cassius' line appears to have a great significance when it comes to the meaning of Green's novel:     

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars / But in ourselves.” 

This quote from Shakespeare's tragedy seems particularly significant for Hazel's character, not just because it was said by her hero in the novel, but because of its relation to Hazel's outlook on life. After the story progresses, we see how she does not wish to be controlled by her inevitable death, her life led by the fact that she has cancer. Instead, through her relationship with Gus she finds something new, something better. It is this optimism that remains by the end of the novel; while the events that take place are devastating, it is Hazel's final words of reassurance that seem to also reassure the reader that, at the end of the day, there is still hope.

Overall, The Fault in Our Stars was a book I laughed and cried to (well a tear or two maybe) and it was one I will happily read again. Despite being such a morbid subject matter, this book is not a story about cancer; it is about life and love, and how those who suffer are still able to find some sort of happiness.

The Collector, John Fowles

“We all want things we can't have. Being a decent human being is accepting that.” 

So, The Collector; the first book of 2014, and more importantly, the first book of this blog. While it is not a hugely popular book, nor was it written recently (was written in 1963, if anyone was wondering), this is definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. I came across this book when wandering around Waterstone's, waiting for my train to arrive. As I was paying for it, the girl serving me gave me a huge smile, saying how much she loved this book. Normally, I'm curious as to whether they say this about most of the books people buy (after all, who wants to buy a book that people don't like?). That said, she wasn't wrong.

In a short summary, The Collector is the story of a lonely young man, whose obsession for a girl from his town leads to him kidnapping her and keeping her captive in the cellar of his house. Throughout the novel, Fowles explores the complex relationship between Frederick and Miranda, in a way that is both disturbing yet intriguing at the same time. Parallels can be made between Fowles' novel and Lucy Christopher's teen-novel Stolen; however, it is in Fowles' novel that the idea of love between a victim and her captor is explored in a much more sophisticated and darker manner. It is also difference in conclusions of each novel that presents an even grosser element of Fowles' work (however, on to that later).

There is no denying that this book is a difficult one to get into. The Collector begins with Frederick as the narrator, documenting his passion for collecting butterflies, as well as his growing obsession for Miranda, a girl from his home town. Frederick's narrative is often hard to understand, due to Fowles' choice of sentence structures and cold, detached language. While at first I was skeptical of Fowles' choice to write this way, the more I read, the more I realised how the text mirrored Frederick's personality. Incapable of understanding intimacy, and almost certainly mentally unstable, Frederick's character is one that initially repulses the reader, yet at the same time manages to fascinate the reader also. His inability to put across his thoughts on the page also reflected his failure at expressing his love for Miranda.

Of course, there is no ambiguity when it comes to the morality of Frederick's actions; kidnapping Miranda and refusing to let her out can not be justified, even though he is lonely and unable to communicate properly with other people. That said, I couldn't help but sympathise with Frederick at some points. An outcast in his home town, Frederick struggles to socialise in the real world, and as a result has very little human interaction. It is perhaps this that leads him to take such an interest in his butterflies, attempting to preserve their beauty and perfection. His ability to see beauty is something that, while still odd, can also be admired. Another reason I found myself sometimes siding with Frederick was mainly because of Miranda's personality. Miranda is not an easy character to like; her cruelness towards Frederick, including her attempt to seduce him as a way of escaping, portrays an manipulative nature, which is unattractive to say the least. Miranda too struggles to deal with her own emotions, not just about Frederick but life itself. While she frequently tries to come off as not caring about what happens to her, in her own POV, we see her deal with her own heartbreak over another man who didn't accept her, in almost the same way as she rejects Frederick. It is only in the second half of the book, therefore, which is in her own perspective, that we are given a better insight into the young art student, along with her struggle to accept the circumstances she is in.

However, despite her imperfections, it cannot be forgotten that she is the victim in the situation. Her own 'despair' is highlighted in this poignant speech within the novel:

“It's despair at the lack of feeling, of love, of reason in the world. It's despair that anyone can even contemplate the idea of dropping a bomb or ordering that it should be dropped. It's despair that so few of us care. It's despair that there's so much brutality and callousness in the world. It's despair that perfectly normal young men can be made vicious and evil because they've won a lot of money. And then do what you've done to me.” 

At the end of the day, what Frederick has done is something that cannot be ignored, even though he wishes that it could be. There are many sexual connotations throughout the novel, even though it is made clear that sex is not something that Frederick appears to be interested in. His buying of books, paint, and nice clothes for Miranda all show his desire to look after her and cherish her. This is something that Miranda herself struggles to accept, as there are some moments when she appears to question her own feelings towards her character. However, while there are some suggestions that Miranda's feelings for Frederick are gradually changing, as the novel continues, Frederick begins to realise that anything that Miranda does is not out of affection for him, but a desire to be free. Miranda also cannot deny that she will never be able to hold a man that holds her captive, even if she wanted to. The reality of the situation is brutal for both characters; for Miranda it is the possibility that she will be trapped forever, whereas for Frederick it is this unrequited love that once again causes him to feel alienated within the world. It is perhaps this that causes Frederick to make such reckless decisions later on in the text.

The structure of the novel is another intriguing aspect of the text. While the novel begins with Frederick as the narrator, midway through the novel the story stops at what appears to be a climactic moment in the text, before reverting back to the beginning again. This time, the story is retold from Miranda's point of view in the form of a diary, as she documents her thoughts and emotions as she comes to terms with what has happened to her. The use of parallels here, documenting the two protagonists' views of different situations throughout the novel is interesting, particularly as Fowles explores the darker side to the complex relationship between the two. Once Miranda's narrative also reaches the same climax as Frederick's, the narrative returns back to Frederick. It is at this point that we bear witness to a series of events that I, for one, was not expecting. AT ALL.

As I said earlier, when reading The Collector I found that this novel could be seen as having some similarities to Lucy Christopher's novel Stolen. In both texts, both victims become sick as a result of their captivity. However, the way in which the captors deal with this issue is completely different in each text...

*Now, it is here that a major spoiler is about to appear, so if you haven't read it, I would avert your eyes until you have scrolled down until the final paragraph. You have been warned*

In Stolen, Gemma (the narrator, and victim of the novel) is bitten by a snake in the outback, and becomes sick as a result. Despite his heartache, in the end Ty (the kidnapper) decides to take Gemma to the hospital, even though he knows he will be caught. In The Collector, Frederick is faced with a similar conundrum, as Miranda appears to begin to suffer from pneumonia. In both narratives, it is clear that Miranda is becoming sicker; Frederick knows it, and Miranda knows it. Miranda's desperation is evoked in the final lines of her diary, in which she begs 'do not let me die'.

And you know what? That is exactly what happens. Yes, HE LETS HER DIE. When I read this, I seriously put the book down and sat in shock for about ten minutes. There was no way that he was going to let her die, I thought to myself, he loves her. However, it is as I thought this that I realised that perhaps he didn't love her at all. Like with his butterflies, he was fascinated at the idea of preserving something that was perfect; when he realised that Miranda was not that, that she was never going to love him the way he loved her, he decided to let her ago. In some ways, it can almost be seen as more realistic, as his obsession overtakes any rationality that he has left. This, however, is not the most shocking part of the novel's dramatic plot twist. After burying her in the back garden (finally letting out into the open air like she always wanted), almost in passing he mentions another girl he has seen in the nearby town. It is in the final few paragraphs of the novel that the chilling reality becomes clear; he is going to do it all again, with 'another M'. It is also here that we begin to have, perhaps, a clearer understanding of Fowles' choice of title, with The Collector reflecting Frederick's desire to both possess and preserve what he desires. It is this desire that makes everything in his life, as Miranda puts it, 'beautiful, but sad'.

Overall, The Collector is a stunning book by Fowles, whose dark and complex explorations of love and obsession are both evocative and disturbing to the reader. The shocking ending also adds to the success of this novel, as we realise that sometimes love is not enough. I am very happy to have found this book, and I hope that it is one that gets more attention, as it is a novel that should not be forgotten.