For a challenge to write from the perspective of an inanimate object...

Title: The Proust Interview: Sherlock’s Skull
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Rating: G
Word Count: 372 (questions = ~100 words)

Hello, everyone, Marcelline Proust here, with another of our celebrity interviews. Today kicks off our series of Interviews with Inanimate Objects. As you must know, some of our most popular interviews were held at perhaps London’s most famous address. No, not Ten Downing Street, but 221B Baker Street! So we are back again to do another Proust interview with—The Skull!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? First off, I wish to lodge a protest. I am certainly not an "inanimate object." Well, true, I am not particularly animated in my current state. However, I was once quite animated, and must continue to have some aspects of animism, or why would my esteemed host continue to share with me his deepest musings and considerations? Being engaged in that activity, by the way, would qualify as my idea of perfect happiness. Erudite and intimate.
What is your current state of mind? Bony. Hahahah. Old skull joke, don’t mind me.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Having flesh.
What do you most dislike about your appearance? I miss my fine head of hair.
Which living person do you most despise? There was one time, dreadful fellow. Came to the flat for an appointment. Distinguished looking chap, and at one point during the proceedings he walked over to me—I’m thinking to pay his respects, like so many before him. Instead, he undid his flies and proceeded to relieve himself in the fireplace!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Much as I enjoy my current state, it would be nice to be ambulatory again.
Where would you most like to live? While I admire my esteemed host, I do enjoy it when Mrs. Hudson brings me to hers. The smells of baking, the music, all much to my liking.
What is your most marked characteristic? My ever-present grin.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Ugh, must I say “Yorick” of Hamlet, since nearly everyone who meets me feels they must invoke him and that trite quotation?
What is your greatest regret? That I didn’t have a greater appreciation for having a body.
What is your motto? Live well, die young, and leave a good-looking skeleton. That’s what I did!

Movie Review

I rewatched this movie this week and was reminded why it is one of my favorites and an absolute go-to when I need something amusing and soothing. I'm usually horrified by romantic comedies, and this is verging in that arena, but I see it more as a human nature/politics/gentle comedy with excellent casting, delightful acting, and hilarious cameos by actual politicians and media types. The movie? Dave.

Dave is the story of the ultimate Everyman who just happens to resemble the current President of the United States--a resemblance that Dave uses to augment his salary (running an employment agency) through "mock celebrity" appearances at car dealerships and whatnot. One day he is recruited by the Secret Service (including the most awesome Ving Rhames) as a stand-in for the President, who likes to sneak away from major fundraisers to have affairs with his aides (in this case, the also awesome Laura Linney).

In the midst, the President suffers a major stroke, and Dave is whisked to the White House to continue his stand-in duties so that his chief of staff, played by the fabulously evil Frank Langella, can continue his puppet-mastering to his own way to the Presidency.

Dave is game and excited for the opportunity, bemused at the horrible relations between the President and the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver, who else?), and gradually more and more shocked and alarmed at the cynicism and corruption all around him. Through his natural sociability, ebullience, and humane values, he sets about to "fix things."

It tugs on those heartstrings that believe in an optimistic future, that politics can be used for good, but it's not as simplistic as it sounds. Because one of the twists is that it's also not fair to be an imposter, however well intended, and that ultimately one has to pay one's dues, even to do good.

Favorite scenes? Oh so many. Any scene where Dave is winning the hearts of people ("I once caught a fish This Big!"), showing off his ease, like in the sandwich scene. All the moments when he shows how starstruck he is to be in the White House. The little clever elements, such as establishing early that he is naturally good at names, which comes in handy later during prep for a cabinet meeting. The ongoing humor of his sad-sack pal, the accountant. The moment during the meeting in Congress when you realize what the plan is. The effective montage as time passes near the end of the movie, that clearly establishes the final scene. The soundtrack is quite wonderful, with that swelling gusto. And again, did I mention the casting and the acting? Each character is distinct and engaging, even including the hilarious turns by various senators and congresspeople, some poking gentle fun at themselves. How about Oliver Stone and his conspiracy theory!

This is a tale of politics, innocence, corruption, and ultimate realization of the importance of staying human, staying humble, and working for good. And romance. Yes, there is romance. But sappy as that sounds, the real gift of the movie is in its smart humor. Watch it, you'll see.

My rating? Madly clapping Little Man, of course!