Art History and Film

I went to see "The Rape of Europa" tonight for my pre-abroad class- all about the looting of art by the Nazis during World War Two, focusing primarily on the lootings of Poland, Russia, France and Italy. It also included a discussion of the "Monument Man"-the division of the Army concerned with the preservation of historical and cultural monuments and other works of art.

It struck me as I was watching the bit about the Monument Men that the story would be fascinating, especially Deane....whats his name. I feel awful for forgetting, but it's a wonderful story. And really, one of the surely now few stories from WWII yet to be told in film form. I mean, let's look at it, shall we? We've had the war in general, the stories of generals, companies, spies, battles, every possible theatre involved, individuals- really everything. I realized I would be really interested in the Monument Men-moving with the front, trying desperately to save the culture of Europe while the military tries to save the people and drive back Fascism and Nazism. Certainly would be more interesting than the last half-hour of that movie.

I realized then that I will likely never see the stories of any of my veteran family members. My grandfather was a clerk in WWII. My great-grandfather was in the French-Canadian Army because the American wouldn't have him. And my father was with, I believe, the Navy Corps of Engineers in Vietnam. I find their stories interesting, and really what veteran doesn't have fascinating, if terrifying, tales of war. But, I don't know that I will ever see their stories made into film form. When you look at it, WWI is barely covered-imagine, the Great War isn't given much attention; let me think: Lawrence of Arabia, Joyeaux Noel, All Quiet on the Western Front, Paths of Glory, Gallipoli. Those I can name off the top of my head; if I did the Second, I'd be here all night, and there are Italian study sheets to make. How on Earth does that happen? Vietnam is practically owned by Oliver Stone. And there are too many wars in history to give all their due. But what is due, when war is the subject? Surely Charlemagne, the Crusades, the Hundred Years, the Mongols...Crimea...as more than a BBC documentary or docudrama.

I've digressed horribly into theoretical film-making and history. I was contemplating on the likelihood of ever seeing a member of the family interviewed for a documentary about the war. On a tangent, Nina and I were visiting with Dr. Papillon this week and brought up the idea of career day. Nina shared her family's vocations of rocket scientist, lawyer, and engineer. While in the younger generations both sides of the family boast some variety of occupation, I seem to recall that on both sides of the family, the great-grans were shop-keepers.

Adam Smith first discussed the idea of a nation of shopkeepers, and Napoleon used the phrase to insult the English. i wonder if I see that as an insult-it's the idea of the triumph of capitalism; and though the other movie of the week, "11th Hour" was very anti-corporation as being responsible for the eventual destruction of the human race, the fact that the families survived and flourished in trade only serves to show the potential of capitalism. And it's the fact of that shop that my Grandfather was a clerk, helping to inventory supplies and not in the midst of battle. the accident of fate and training kept him out of the front lines. With Dad, much the same. And then I think, I'm perfectly happy there's no movie for me to watch yet. Eventually subject matter will run thin, and I'll see the remaining war stories in theatres. "Monument Men" can't be far off. It's too catchy a title to pass up.

I apologize for the rambling nature of this particular post. I'd blame the hour and my tired state, but in truth, it's my stream of conscious barely contained by the confines of language and grammar. Eventually I'll have a better subject, or a more thought-out statement, but I prefer to write as I will for now. It's likely many more posts will follow this format and loop in and around the central theme, ultimately seeking some basic truth for my own edification. And as I am in many ways a traveler who prefers to go alone, I never turn away the chance for company on the path, be it in thought or deed. And now...flashcards for that exam.

Huzzah for more Europa!

I realized, as I sat down to write the latest entry in this blog that I have never actually explained where I am going. And as those plans have changed in the last 24 hours, this seems an ideal opportunity.

I am leaving January 10, 2008 from Dulles International Airport to wing my way to Riva San Vitale, Switzerland to spend four months on Lake Lugano (and a mere jaunt from Lago Como-European seat of George Clooney [if I have a sighting I get out of class for the day]). Riva San Vitale is, at least from the pictures, a lovely small town just a few miles from the northern Italian border, and nestled in the Alps.

While in Switzerland I'll be making class-sanctioned trips to Germany and Italy, and given three day weekends for personal exploration. This includes my spring break in March, and what is already being labeled "The Birthday of Doom". At least by me. For I shall be having my 21st birthday while in Europe, a land where the drinking age comes much earlier. So, no bar crawls at 10 pm the night before for me. Instead I plan on claiming Switzerland for me. And then conquering the rest of Europe. That or three days of partying before spending Easter Sunday in Vatican City. What could be better? I tell you nothing. Unless my plans for Zombie Pope and Zombie Harry Caray actually follow through (I assure you, I am not nearly as mad as that previous sentence makes me sound).

After Switzerland there's this period of about 3.5 weeks where I exist in a void: I have another study abroad program-this one in London that begins late May, and ends late June.

Which means I need suggestions: what shall I do? Shall I bum about Europe a la "Eurotrip" or the forthcoming "Harold and Kumar" sequel? or should I come home? or visit with friends I know distantly?

Ah, the difficulties of a life abroad.