September 9, 2009
Hey guys,
I know it’s been a long time since we’ve spoken, and I’ve missed you guys. It’s just that when summer arrives it seems to take hold of the entire city and every possible moment is spent free from the confines of four walls. Even I took a break from writing and watching movies to play softball, fish and drink beer in the shade. The elusive Geneva was never far from my mind either.
Steve often jokes that, like lawyers, the movie business thrives on human despair. We offer amusement and escapism, and face stiff competition from sunny weather, a winning local sports team, parties, shows, concerts and any other interesting or fun activity you can think up.
As always, I had a great time at the store and spent as much time outside as possible. I improved the area in front of the store by adding a couple of chairs and a potted geranium next to a city bench and labeled it “Video Store Plaza.” I hung out there drinking coffee, shooting the breeze and playing backgammon with neighbourhood folks.
My toughest competition was a retired tennis coach from Afghanistan. Looking like he’d just trekked through Persia along the Silk Road, he would explain the intricacies of the game and pass on bits of desert wisdom with a Marlboro dangling from his lips:
“You need to be more aggressive – backgammon is like life, you will get nowhere if you don’t take chances.”
An old man in a torn coat would sit on the bench holding a guitar with a missing string. He only played the occasional note, but nonetheless solicited tips from passersby. I gave him candy a few times.
Even a few local cats started dropping by. I could only offer them dog treats, but they didn’t seem to mind.
So much happens when the days are long and hot and you anchor yourself to a spot on the street and watch the world go by. Clive knew the vibe:
July 15, 1990
I spent all day standing outside today. It was a real hot one. Sometimes I wonder where the time really goes, all these people passing by, some to rent movies but most not. What are their lives like?
Clive took people watching very seriously, I in turn wonder about him. Who was this deep thinker?
Now the kiss of autumn is in the air. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter, the kids are back in school and people have dropped their laid-back summer attitudes to dive headlong into the city’s gridlock, hustle and bustle. They may come in for a DVD, but they have work on the mind and no time for appreciating life’s little pleasures like spending an hour or two browsing around and discussing the finer points of auteur film with the clerk. Now, when they do come in, they grab their movie, maybe a bag of overpriced microwave popcorn, and scram.
The summer dream may die in the fall, but it is a beautiful death. The clear, cool air and the colourful leaves remind me of nature’s harsh perfection.
I guess that brings this blog to a close. Tonight, after I finish rewatching the Back to the Future trilogy, I will pick up Clive’s trail. He’s out there somewhere – he has to be.
Comments:
Spliffany: That geranium was really nice touch, Vic
mulletar: you remind me of a romance movie. i love your posts.
doctorphyllis_MD: Sounds like you had a great time this summer, kid. I’ll be in soon. I want to rent a film for my grandkids. Do you have that one about the cruise ship?
videostorevic: I sure did Doc. I got just the movie for you. See you soon!
J_babylon: You really missed out last night man, i won 20$ on the slots and we did shots with these danish girls. we were dancing on the tabls. My buddy lost his wallet and ended up with a black eye. Were gonna hit the after hours next weekend you should come chekc it out.
videostorevic: After hours seems pretty late. I have enough trouble staying up regular hours.
averagejoe66: Back to the future is amazing, too bad about michael j fox. He was a fun canadian. the whole country is proud of him.
SonofEbert: Vic, since you’re not talking enough about movies, I’m going to take this opportunity to get the conversation rolling and publish my top 5 list of fun Canadian actors:
5. Martin Short
4. Leslie Nielsen
3. Michael J. Fox
2. Mike Myers
1. Jim Carey
averagejoe66: thats the stupidest list ive ever heard of
mulletar: you didnt mention any women, what about catherine ohairy? am i right anyone? spliffny?
Grab a drink and relax as you watch the world roll by.
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The Man Who Came to Rent 