Social Lubrication · Feb 25, 07:24 AM

“I can’t go out tonight, my big lighter don’t light.” -Kool Keith

I can’t go out anymore either, but for different reasons. Last Saturday night I found a burned copy of the 1959 Japanese film, Good Morning, directed by Yasujiro Ozu. Someone had left it at my place over a year ago and told me I had to watch it. This person got married and left New York and his not persuading me further, along with the title being terribly written in Sharpie, did nothing to encourage me to watch the film.

When I finally popped the disc in I realized I struck gold as the first scene faded in. This and each following shot was simple, straight, and really beautiful.

It’s 1959 and two brothers want a television. They keep getting scolded by their mother for going to their neighbor’s apartment to watch sumo wrestling instead of studying their English lessons. When their mom scolds them and they yell, “Well, then buy us a television,” she threatens to tell their father. Personally, this was the one that used to get me, but these boys are stronger; they stand their ground. When their father comes home and yells at the boys, telling them that they talk too much for little boys, the older brother shoots back, “Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening. Fine weather we’re having.” And, then he kills it with, “Grown ups talk too much and don’t say anything.”

What could the dad do but get pissed? He yelled some more but the kids decided right then, not to say a word, not at home, nor at school. They went on a speaking strike and never broke stride, even the little brother.

Scene after scene subtly shows little kids ruling and grown ups being suckers—gossiping, getting drunk, and small talking their days away. Eventually the brothers get what they want, a television, but sadly, the older guy they hang out with after school and work on English lessons with, who has a beautiful woman in his reach, can only talk to her about the weather.

This guy who I don’t think gets the girl at the end says the best thing when he’s trying to explain speaking patterns of adults to the two brothers. He tells them that these things we say like, “Good morning. Nice weather, huh? are social lubrication. I’m surprised that term hasn’t caught on.

— Albin

Comment

1. ALBIN!!!
   I read in the JVC Newsletter that you had Young Philosopher up and going so I googled you and found it! Congrats! I love it, the pictures, and your comments!! I hope all is well and I hope you keep finding fabulous people in the world to talk to and get their voices heard. I keep thinking of Philadelphia and how he always thought my name was Bacon!
   talk to you soon!

   Meghan

   — Meghan · Feb 26, 12:11 AM · #

2. fuck dude – you know some dumb bitches

   — dick wad · Mar 8, 07:32 PM · #

3. social lubrication is that like when some chic talks while she is giving you a blow job?

   — dick wad · Mar 8, 07:35 PM · #

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