I’m still reeling…vibrating…contemplating the incredible film I watched yesterday, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s ‘The Bride!’ It is a…reckoning…a tectonic shift…a conscious critique of conceptions of the human condition moved by loneliness and exploding in outrage for place, voice, safety, friendship and love. I’d have definitely been on the ‘take her tongue out’ list had I been in this film. I’d have definitely embraced my monster. So on this International Women’s Day, I offer a poetic ode to the film, to its actors and creative teams, to its layered depths of meanings and provocations. Watch this film again and again, talk about what you see and feel. Let the art works its magical mischief in your mouth and mind.
Poem for Maggie Gyllenhaal and ‘The Bride!’ team: actors, crew – all the mighty monsters
Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Me
Me who?
Me too.
Open your mouth
Stick out your perfect tongue
Answer: I would rather not
Mary’s got somethin’ to scream
Is this a horror story?
Is this a love story?
This is our story, ladies
Let the brain attacks commence
Loud and louder
Reinvigoration is a necessary choice
We are all Euphronious
Plug in to the energy of radical light
Be fascinated with your wild, feral might
Self-love is victorious
Tell me, what will you do with your voice?
VANESSA SHIELDS 