Posted on 05/27/2008 7:46:13 AM PDT by mft112345
Fame and fortune await a struggling musician who deals with the devil to become most viewed on Youtube -- at what cost?
"Devil
Dante was onto something when he discussed different degrees of punishment. You know a little about Greek drama. Recall what crime the Furies cared most about: the spilling of family members’ blood. Marty and Beth haven’t been the best parents to you lately anyway."
Questions: 1) Would many people literally sell their souls to the devil for fame and fortune? 2) Is Youtube a positive or negative influence on culture in the United States?
Please watch the film then comment here.
Thank you for your time.
(Excerpt) Read more at eudaimonia4u.blogspot.com ...
The trouble with selling your soul to the Evil One for success is that it’s never a nice, neat, clear-cut Dr. Faustus choice.
You compromise your morals, betray your principles, a little bit here, a little bit there. Only in retrospect do you look back and realize how far you’ve fallen.
I recall an interview with director/screenwriter John Milius who stated he always tried to maintain his personal honor, because without it you have nothing. Mel Gibson has said the same thing. A life lived for power and pleasure alone is an empty one.
Rock Star
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming. I apologize that my band manager’s announcement was so vague and cryptic. I promise not to waste your time. We’re going to make front page news here today with my murder confession. Please hold all questions until the end.
Three years ago, I sat in my basement apartment with a gun in my mouth. I hated the world for ignoring my talents as a songwriter. I knew my scheme to become historically famous by broadcasting my songs on Youtube was a pipe dream. And, I couldn’t see a reason to go on living.
I looked my suicide note over once more and remembered how the mom of the author of A Confederacy of Dunces had gone to such lengths to promote her son after his death. I wasn’t going to engage such a false hope. Instead, I wrote: “I’m sorry to all I’ve hurt. Please feed Whiskers and find a home for her.
As I readied the gun, I heard a knock at the door. I glanced through the blinds and saw what looked like a salesman. His uncanny resemblance to me compelled me to answer.
Devil
Good morning , Charlie. I’m glad you put the gun down.
Rock Star
The mysterious stranger invited himself inside and pushed the pizza boxes off the sofa to make room to sit. Once seated, he pulled out several photos of what looked like me standing on stage before a packed football stadium of admirers.
I saw horns protruding out of the stranger’s forehead. Since I didn’t believe in demons at the time, I guessed he was a hallucination and laughed.
…
Devil
Why throw it all away when you can live and have this?
Rock Star
Oh, the old Robert Johnson gimmick. I’ve got it: Deal with the devil for musical fame and fortune?
Devil
No, first you need talent. The truth is you’re not all that good.
Rock Star
My own hallucinations ridicule me too. I’m a waste of space, am I?
Devil
No, but your self-pity is wasting my time. I have several more visits to make today. Do we have a deal?
Rock Star
Okay, hallucination, what do you want in return? My soul? If an afterlife exists, we both know where I’m going.
Devil
Dante was onto something when he discussed different degrees of punishment. You know a little about Greek drama. Recall what crime the Furies cared most about: the spilling of family members’ blood. Marty and Beth haven’t been the best parents to you lately anyway.
Rock Star
Prove you’re real and we’ll talk about it.
Devil
Right now that crappy song you sang about Bob Dylan’s past lives just made the top of the Most Viewed list on Youtube. Let’s go to your computer and check. See?
Rock Star
I can’t. I won’t believe this is real. Am I already dead? Is this Hell?
Devil
No. You have a long, comfortable, active life ahead of you.
Rock Star
What must I do?
Devil
I like how you don’t protest in the name of morality and ethics, like some of the others do at this point.
Rock Star
Before I lay a hand on anyone, I want a record contract, a big mansion, and a Hugh Hefner harem of babes.
…
Rock Star
You no doubt saw news of my parents’ murders and remember the trial and execution of the drifter who confessed to their murders. I thought I could forget all that once it was finally over.
But now the Furies have made it impossible to enjoy my girlfriends, toys and fame – old hideous hags with cadaverous faces and blood dripping from their jagged teeth.
So I publicly confess to entering my parents’ bedroom and stabbing them in their sleep. I’ll share details with the cops.
Maybe I am damned to hell, but I’ll spend the rest of my life begging for God’s mercy. I’m sorry, Jesus, please forgive me and save me.
Sinister Looking Team of Psychiatrists
Patient Jones, your parents came to visit you yesterday, and you don’t even know how to play the guitar.
I think we need to increase your medication.
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