Colossal Sensation!
© James C. Hess
Here, where I live, the wind is a given. It seems to blow all the time. I know it doesn't blow all the time, but it seems that way. The reason for this illusion is because the winds are unique: Katabatic winds: Gravitational winds that blow from high altitudes to lower altitudes, and back again, to start the cycle anew.
Several years ago someone had the idea to harness the winds with windmills to draw water from under the ground. Initially the idea seemed a sound one. Then the windmills were put on-line and quickly proved problem-makers: They drew the water out of the ground so fast sink holes resulted and where sink holes didn't result flooding manifested.
Finally, unable to deny the reality of the situtation the windmills were shut down and the winds were left to blow free, once more.
A few years ago someone had the idea again to harness the winds, this time to make electricity. But like the previous attempts the problems inherent quickly mounted and once more the winds were set free to do what they will.
Last year, just short of one year ago, a third party came along, and once more set to attempting to harness the wind for human use. Although this particular effort proved more successful than the previous attempts it, too, was destined for a measure of failure.
The reason? Simply enough it was because how the goal was approached: From the beginning all the efforts were destined to fail.
Think about that for a moment and I believe you can come to understand what success actually is: It is about fighting battles you can win.
But what that means, actually means, well, I will leave you to decide.
I was reminded of this particular struggle, this particular conflict recently while watching the film "Colossal Sensation!" and I have to wonder how the 21st century will be remembered: Will this century be remembered for fighting famine, suffering, and misfortune, or will it be remembered for perpetuating them?
"Colossal Sensation!" is the history of Hungary in the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of twin, but non-identical circus clowns. That's right: Circus clowns. Non-identical circus clowns, whose claim to fame is that they destroyed a wristwatch belonging to Stalin, given by the leader of the Hungarian Party.
The story begins in the year 1903. The two non-identical circus clowns are born into a circus family. Everything is fine until one day, when the boys are playing: Jumping over an alligator, apparently as circus children are given to doing. The alligator snaps at Naphthalene (Robert Koltai), inflicting injury, leaving him with a life-long limp, and setting the stage for the remainder of life for them. Because of his disability his brother Dodo (Sandor Gaspar) seems to become more than he is. Which means, for purposes here, he becomes their leader. Which leads to some curious and awkward moments: When he becomes engaged his fiancee becomes upset because she learns Naphthalene may come along on the honeymoon, owing to the fact Dod doesn't have the heart to leave him behind.
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