5/07/2007

Indelible

While I was reading Keith Kennedy's blog a while back, I saw that Beth had done another of her scintillating interviews where he talked a bit about his tattoos. This reminded me of the film The Illustrated Man which I vaguely remembered from my childhood.

While I was at the store the other day, what should be sitting there begging for attention but the dvd of The Illustrated Man. I brought it home to see if I could revive the magic. It had always had a spot with several other creepy films in my head that had left a mark on me.

Watching it as an adult, it's easy to see that what scared me as a youngster was much different from what scared me about it now. Then, it was the fact that the blank untattooed spot on Rod Steiger's back had the power to show you how you would meet your end, now, it's the bad acting and shudder inducing realization that someone had to spend a lot of time painting those illustrations on Rod's ass.

Returning to my most recent opera post (see below) and finally hitting instead of again, I decided to check in on Keith Kennedy again. In another of those blushes of coincidence, he's just brought up the subject of tattoos again and also mentioned a white Russian. Isn't it funny that I've just declared (cold) war on them again?

If I was a man waiting for a sign, I might think it was time for a new tattoo illustration.

13 comments:

Chancelucky said...

Wow, there's one movie I hadn't thought about in a long time.

So Dale, do you have tatoos yourself?

Johnny Yen said...

All I can remember from that movie is the tigers about to eat Rod Steiger and his wife, and them kissing, rather than trying to get away. I was a little confused.

BTW, you've been tagged with the restaurant meme, my friend! Bon Apetit!

Jenny Jenny Flannery said...

Yes, do tell: Do you have ink?

I've been toying with the idea of getting one myself. What would you recommend?

Coaster Punchman said...

Where's your tat?

Dale said...

It was an odd film and I think I'd rather read the Bradbury stories it was based on Chancelucky. I have one tattoo that's a Japanese or Chinese charcter (I'm racking my brain now) that means vigour or strength. As I've said in the past, it undoubtedly actually says 'stupid roundeye'.

It was confusing Johnny, the part I'd always thought of is at the end when the young guy looks into the blank spot on his back and things don't go so well. Thanks for the tag, I'm hungry now.

Just one little one Flannery. I would start out with a large neck tattoo and see how that works first. I can't recommend anything or not other than finding a reputable shop and clean needles.

I got it at a point in my life when there were a lot of changes going on and it was perhaps a little sort of premature 'middle age crazy'. I'd always wanted one and I finally asked myself 'why not?'. Picking one wasn't so easy, it took a while to find something that had meaning for me.

Location, location, location. It's just in from my right hip CP. It hasn't changed even as I've flabbed out a bit.

Allison said...

I find it funny watching films as an 'adult' that scared me as a child. Now from a film perspective, I often think of the random things, like I wonder how long that took in make-up, or those poor sound people.

Ink is addictive, I find. I had to cut myself off, much like I have to do with vodka. Except the masochist in me still wants more.

Anonymous said...

Kinda like watching the exorcist now. What's that about!

Jill said...

Get a tattoo yourself!!(Oups, get another one!!)

Dale said...

I've got a few more to go Allison to see if I'm still a 'fraidy cat. There was a Bermuda Triangle one that got me going too. It's probably lame-o by today's standards.

And what is it with the urge to just keep getting more tattoos? I really want another but I have to be careful because I'm running out of spots where middle aged flab won't take it's toll on the poor little things.

The Exorcist still holds a little power over me Freelance but it may have more to do with the creepy Spider walk extra scene. All that puke left it's mark on me. I could say 'that didn't come out right' but I won't.

Good idea Jill. What should I get? Besides your name in a heart I mean?

Joe said...

It's funny, I know I've seen that movie but I can't remember many details of it. And I never read the story.

Tattoos are funny. I'm going to get mine worked on again this fall. Usually, if you get one tattoo, you're likely to get three. I don't know why that is, it just is.

Dale said...

The details of the movie are foggy for a good reason Bubs, no need to bring them to the fore again. Three huh? That's a good number. You're having yours worked on again? I hope you'll post about it.

Jill said...

The same as me!! Since it would be sooo masculine of you!!
And what is up with you being a charm lately??

Dale said...

I'm not sure what you mean Jill. I'm always a charm.