Black Dogs - A Novel by Jason Buhrmester

    Chronicling the misguided adventures of four Baltimore underachievers in the early 1970s, Black Dogs skillfully fabricates a comedic explanation for what is perhaps the most famous heist in rock and roll history. The actual heist, which took place in 1973, targeted rock band Led Zeppelin, and further amounted to over $200,000 being stolen from the band as they wrapped up their 1973 tour in New York City. The novel, while not a serious read by any means, offers a refreshingly entertaining glimpse into the rock scene of the 1970s, not to mention an all too accurate portrayal of the dynamics of friendship and brotherhood specific to the 18-30 age demographic. While short in length, the novel’s smart approach to storytelling adds dimension to narrative aspects often overlooked in literary works. A highly-focused subject, character traits which mirror friends we all have, and the classic suspense of crime are just a few areas in which the novel truly excels. Historical context, in part, greatly contributes to this “unspoken” sense of something greater. While simply a story about a heist and the events leading up to it, the relation to rock history places the story on a timeline which remains relevant today.
    As the novel begins, we are introduced to Patrick Sullivan, a character who is lost yet entirely centered at the same time. Much of the story’s bulk is focused on the events which occur after Patrick and his goof-ball friends attempt, and quickly fail at, robbing a house. Having dodged any legal connection to the crime, Patrick must cope with his partner, Alex, having been captured and sent to jail. Needing money to free his friend, Patrick and his friends set their eyes on a new goal; they will rob Led Zeppelin, and further go down in history forever for doing so.
    Unfolding in a series of ill-fated robberies and petty crimes, the characters in the novel are introduced to a colorful variety of personalities as they strive to complete their objectives. The leader of a Christian motorcycle club, an ethically-questionable district attorney with a suspected drug problem, and a criminally-wise club funk band are just a few mentionable faces the boys encounter along the way; each providing comedic credibility to author Jason Buhrmester, whose imagination proves seemingly endless despite the non-fictional subject matter of the novel itself.
    While the heist is the central focus of the novel, much of the reader’s enjoyment will come by reading the context in which the event took place. The action, which unfolds as plans never follow through as hoped, is both constant and investable. In fact, it is impossible for one not to support the mediocre bandits as they continue on despite all odds being placed against them. A good laugh indeed, this novel will deliver to anyone willing to read it despite one’s prior knowledge of rock and roll history. Witty, entertaining, and highly-suspenseful, this novel is a good read; one suitable for travel and/or light reading in between works of greater depth. Buhrmester will heist your afternoon with his novel; a piece fueled by intriguing content and his ability to tell a proper story.
   

Keeping Up With The Jones' Is Overrated

    A film by American Beauty director Sam Mendes, Revolutionary Road tells the story of a young married couple, Frank and April Wheeler, who have recently settled down in a Connecticut suburb in order to raise their two children in the type of picturesque neighborhood they swore they’d never live in. Sadly, however, the couple, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, soon realize that the “American Dream” they sought to attain does not come without its many sacrifices. Set in the late-1950s, the film captures the struggle one faces as they’ve lost sight of the person they once were, and further paints an uncomfortable portrait of America’s middle-class; one which looks past the iconic white picket fence to reveal a world overcrowded with personal longing and missed opportunity.
    Appearing in a much-anticipated onscreen reunion, Titanic stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet prove once again that chemistry is an essential element for proper filmmaking. The two truly shine in this film, and further bring a certain relatable layer to their characters. The audience becomes emotionally involved with the film as the young couple struggles to maintain their relationship despite having grown to desire different things out of life. For the first time in recent memory, however, DiCaprio’s performance proved more convincing that of Winslet. A series of scenes in the film are based around arguments to which DiCaprio commits to beautifully, and with well-seasoned skill. Without restraint, DiCaprio transforms into a desperately conflicted man; a man so enraged by his wife he nearly beats her, only to walk away in the end having realized that he is not fighting with her at all, but rather with his own disappointment for their situation. The performance was mature, pleasantly raw, and 100% believable at all times. Winslet, on the other hand, was unable to deliver a performance that would compete with that of DiCaprio’s. While a very skilled actress indeed, Kate Winslet’s inability to master the art of movement limited her performance in the film, and further made for awkward onscreen moments between she and DiCaprio. She has the tendency to plant herself in one place to deliver her dialogue, and rarely responds to the movements of others. This specific quality took away from the potential of the couple’s numerous marital spats featured in the film. Winslet did, however, portray the essence of a regretful housewife quite well in this film. As April Wheeler is forced to “keep house” all day and look after the couple’s children, the audience begins to realize that April, in fact, resents her children and the restraints they have placed on her life. While never said, this quality contributed greatly to the overall uncomfortable tone of the film. Honest in nature, but nevertheless uncomfortable overall. This is definitely not a situation we strive to experience!
    The most profound message in the film is delivered during a dinner party scene which takes place at the Wheeler’s home. Their neighbor, Mrs. Givings brings her son whom she introduces as “not well” in the head. While the man is clearly insane, he begins to call out each person in the room for living a life they hate, and further for having become exactly the type of person they despise. In essence, they must now hate themselves. It becomes clear in that moment that the insane man is actually the healthiest person in the room.
    Although a stunning film in every sense of the word, the film’s sincere beauty is truly felt as you leave the movie theater. As you reflect on the film’s all too true portrayal of suburban hardships and outdated gender roles, it becomes impossible for one not to question their own direction in life. At what point do we give in and settle down? Does settling down mean we can’t pursue our goals anymore? What constitutes happiness? With that said, this film will deliver (and deliver).