Just because you're arty, it doesn't mean you don't like the occasional blockbuster. Read on for Part 1. For Part 2, click here.

BABEL (2006)

Babel is the latest project from Mexican director Alejandro Gonzíƒ ¡lez Iíƒ ±íƒ ¡rritu, best known for his critically acclaimed crime thriller 21 Grams (2003) and the Oscar nominated Amores Perros (2000). The film follows Iíƒ ±íƒ ¡rrituí¢â‚¬â„¢s signature structure, a fractured narrative sparked by an accident that resonates across three different sets of characters and, in this case, across the globe from Morocco to Mexico and Tokyo. This unique approach to storytelling worked well in Amores Perros, but six years later the split story structure is beginning to look both tired and forced.

Once upon a time back in 2005, I believed choosing an MA in Feature Film Scriptwriting to be a good idea. Fast forward to 2007 and a wobbly start to the year culminating with a very demoralising workshop of my work has shaken this belief. Friends and fellow writers alike have advised me to take these knocks and í¢â‚¬Ëœjust dealí¢â‚¬â„¢ meaning, stop being a victim of a script that just isní¢â‚¬â„¢t going anywhere. Although no one said it in those words exactly, the beauty of fellow writers is that they never do. And therein lies the catch; though few writers perfect subtext, they know exactly when theyí¢â‚¬â„¢re supposed to be hearing between the lines.

I am certain that the majority of contemporary art enthusiasts will agree that most of the art in Torontoí¢â‚¬â„¢s subway stations is bland, dated, and uninspiring. It certainly doesní¢â‚¬â„¢t help that I really dislike murals, especially tiled murals. However, given the expense, and the required durability and vandal-resistant qualities needed for public art, the alternatives are often limited.

FLUX . . .

I sit at a large table in the Whitby Public Library with my MacBook, drinking really awful coffee, listening to Tokyo Police Club, flipping through a copy of Adbusters, and ripping í¢â‚¬ËœThe Squid and the Whaleí¢â‚¬â„¢ onto my computer. I am distracted by everything, yet I must get to the task at hand ... interpreting the theme of flux as it relates to the art world.

As always, a smathering of all forms of new music going on throughout the country, the continent and the world, updated throughout March's Flux issue. If you are interested in reviewing music, please robot@capitalmag.com with "Music Review" in the subject. If you have music for review, please click here for the Capital office address, or contact Robert at the above email. enjoy...

The Mash Curator for the next Capital Issue: Flux is Ontario artist Michael Tunney. He'll be interpreting the theme in relation to the art of transportation - "subway art" - ranging from sculptures, graffiti, advertising and public performers. His work is currently showing at the Whitney Public Library until March 30th. To check out the current Mash section: Fictions, click here.