Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2016)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, October 1, 2016 East Oregonian Page 3C ‘Submission’ a timely read on religion and politics I n the height of our current political cycle with its narrative being spun as an insider versus outside competition, set against a backdrop of heightened anxiety concerning the role of Muslims within American society, there are bound to be a few works of iction that provide an opportunity to pause and relect on this zeitgeist. The darkly satirical novel “Submission” J.D. by French Kindle author Michel Comment Houellebecq, though revolving around France’s political climate, offers just that. In France’s not-so-distant future — 2022 — an Islamist party, The Muslim Brotherhood (no relation to that of Egypt), attains the presidency through building a coalition among the traditional center-right and center- left parties against the fervently nationalist National Front candidate Marine Le Pen. That the main candidates to square off in the runoff election are from fringe parties is a direct result of voter dissatisfaction with the status-quo — anti-immigrant conservatives concerned about changes within French society and global economic forces align themselves with the National Front while actors of the far-left side with the Muslim Brotherhood as they are seen as more sympathetic to their cause of economic redistribution. Remnants of the centrist parties, seeing the National Front’s economic protectionist stance as detrimental to France’s well- being, put their support behind Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Ben-Abbes. Once in power, President Ben-Abbes dismantles many of the restrictions the French government had previously placed on religious practices, in particular those on Islam, and removes the ban on burkas (eventually mandating them) and decriminalizes the practice of polygamy. Government stipends are provided to families in order to allow for women to withdraw from the workforce. In order to pay for this stipend the university system is privatized. The royal family of Saudi Arabia steps in the ill the higher education void, emphasizing a curriculum congruent to Islamic teaching and all non-Muslim faculty are forced into early retirement, albeit with a very generous pension. Watching these events unfold is François, a middle-aged academic whose life work revolves around the study of Joris-Karl Huysmans, liaisons with his students, and obsessing over microwavable Indian BRIEFLY Festivals DAYTON — The work of Milton- Freewater artist Jean Ann Mitchell is featured in an exhibit at the Wenaha Gallery. Specializing in watercolor paintings of area wildlowers and botanicals, her work is on display through Saturday, Oct. 22. The gallery is open Monday through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 219 E. Main St., Dayton, Washington. After moving to the region, Mitchell became fascinated by the rich diversity of native plants. After receiving a copy of the “Peterson Field Guide to Paciic States Wildlowers,” she embarked on a self- directed study that included plant and botany courses at both Blue Mountain and Walla Walla community colleges. Mitchell worked 13 summers with the U.S. Forest Service on projects mostly involving plant identiication and use of native plants in restoration. Working with the Native Plant Society of Oregon, she produced a number of drawings that were published in the “Trailside Guide of Wildlowers in the Blue Mountains near Walla Walla.” Note card sets of her work are available at several area gift shops. For more information about the gallery, contact 509-382-2124, art@ wenaha.com or visit www.wenaha. com. •Saturday, Oct. 1; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. •SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman www.visitsage.com Free admission. Food and craft vendors, beer and wine tasting, kids activities include horse and buggy rides, an ob- stacle course, miniature hors- es, pumpkin painting and a photo booth. Also, Boardman Kiwanis and River Lodge and Grill is hosting a kayak race and the Boardman Chamber of Commerce is hosting a car show. PENDLETON — Irish and Scottish folk music is featured during an upcoming show at Pendleton Center for the Arts. With a simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, Men of Worth remains true to the music and story. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes and soulful, heartfelt ballads. The concert is Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Tickets are $12. In 1986, Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher began performing together. Featuring both traditional and contemporary styles, the duo blends their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with a varied selection of instruments — including mandolin, tenor banjo, concertina, guitar, mando-cello and bodhran. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 541-278-9201. Tickets also will be sold at the door. FCC delays decision on much-disputed rules on cable boxes NEW YORK (AP) — Federal regulators have delayed a decision on requiring cable and satellite TV companies to make free apps to bypass the need for cable boxes. The plan has drawn criticism from the TV industry, Hollywood studios and lawmakers. The Federal Communications Commission canceled a vote Thursday; Chairman Tom Wheeler and the two other Democratic commissioners say they are still working on the plan. The FCC had wanted to force TV providers to make free apps for popular streaming gadgets so a cable box wouldn’t be needed. That could save consumers money. But industry groups complained that the FCC would have power to oversee licensing agreements with tech companies that would make such gadgets. the Koran, submission is a familiar concept: Submission to God, submission to His will, submission to Islam. In the case of Francois, when he converts to Islam, his submission is not based on any kind of spiritual awakening, but upon the realization that his conversion is a path to regain social status. The true horror of “Submission” lies not in the hypothetical situation of France becoming a totalitarian theocracy, but that men are capable of being complicit in such forces in order to advance their own material interests. Its unthinkable that a “Submission” scenario would actually play out in France — let alone the United States — however the “anti-establishment” mood depicted in the novel is a very real phenomenon across much of the Western world and regardless of what happens this November has left an indelible mark upon our collective psyche. ■ James Dean Kindle is a Pendleton musician and executive director of the Oregon East Symphony. Contact him at jamesdeankindle@gmail. com. WHAT TO DO Dayton exhibit features wildlower artist Concert blends Irish and Scottish roots dinners with an almost Patrick Bateman level of detail. Losing his job in the privatization of the university system, François is set adrift, living off his pension and watching his tenuous relationships unravel. His young Jewish girlfriend lees for Israel in the face of the inevitable wave of anti-Semitism to sweep the country and both his parents with whom he has no meaningful connection pass away. He neglects to mourn the loss of these people who should be central to his life and instead basks in his ennui and compulsively rereads Huysman’s body of work, hoping to ind a greater sense of fulillment. “Submission” concludes with François being offered a teaching position at the rechristened Islamic University of Paris contingent upon his conversion to Islam, which upon relecting how mundane his life has been up to that point, he dutifully accepts. He will be able to once again put his niche body of knowledge to work and resume carrying on affairs with his students. For those that have read English interpretations of Morrow County Harvest Festival Oktoberfest Wein & Stein •Saturday, Oct. 8; 5-10 p.m. •Hermiston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395 w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/264289217286546 $25. Authentic German dinner, microbrews, brew tast- ings, rafles, and a live and si- lent auction . Art & Museums “Asunder: a reconstruc- tion of space and place” •Monday-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. •Betty Feves Memorial Gallery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Free. Features Portland artist Katie Steinberg, who creates small architectural structures that reference fa- miliar environments while cre- ating entirely new and ictional worlds. Gallery also open by appointment by calling 541- 278-5952. The exhibit runs through Oct. 27. Jean Ann Mitchell •Monday-Saturdays; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. •Wenaha Gallery, 219 E. Main St., Dayton, Wash. www.wenaha.com Free. Features the work of wildlower artist Jean Ann Mitchell of Milton-Freewater. Runs through Oct. 22. “The East Oregonian Captures the Round-Up” •Tuesday-Fridays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. www.pendletonarts.org Free. Exhibit features im- ages of Pendleton Round-Up taken by ive staff and free- lance photographers who work for the East Oregonian. Runs through Sept. 30. Jackson Sundown and Happy Canyon: A Centu- ry Later •Monday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Tamástslikt Cultural Insti- tute, near Wildhorse Resort & Casino. www.tamastslikt.org Regular admission, $10/ adults, $9/senior citizens, $6/ youths, free/5 and under or $25/family of four. The exhibit highlights Jackson Sundown’s championship run in saddle bronc and the history of Hap- py Canyon Indian Pageant and Wild West Show. Runs through Oct. 29. Inmate Art Exhibit •Monday-Thursdays; 11 a.m-7 p.m., •Friday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. www.hermistonlibrary.us Free. Artwork of in- mates from Two Rivers Correctional Institute. Arts Portal Exhibit •Saturday & Sundays; noon-5 p.m. •Arts Portal Gallery, 508 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater www.facebook.com/Arts- PortalGallery Free. Exhibit features the photography of Fran Walker. “Circuit Chautauquas: Educating Dayton and America” •Wednesday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Dayton Historic Depot, 222 E. Commercial St., Day- ton, WA www.daytonhistoricdepot. org Admission by donation. Exhibit explores the history of traveling shows and assem- blies popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. Runs through early November. Boardman Quilt Show •Friday, Oct. 7, Saturday, Oct. 8; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. •Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone St. $3. Includes featured quil- ter Kathy Hyder, vendors, rafle quilts, hourly door prizes and food available for purchase. Music ing. Featured performers in- clude Johnny & the Packstring, The Wild Turkey Band, Coyote & Little Joe, Duane Nelson & Carter Junction Music. John Nilsen Night life •Saturday, Oct. 1; noon •Wesley United Methodist Church, 816 S. Main St., Mil- ton-Freewater. •Saturday, Oct. 1; 5 p.m. •Hermiston First United Methodist Church, 191 E. Gladys Ave. •Sunday, Oct. 2; 5 p.m. •Heppner United Methodist Church, 175 Church St. www.johnnilsen.com $10/suggested donation. Award-wining pianist who per- forms folk-rock, jazz and clas- sical. Fun Addicts •Saturday, Oct. 1; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. “City Girl” •Saturday, Oct. 1; 7:30 p.m. •Vert Auditorium, 480 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton www.oregoneastsympho- ny.org $20/adults, $15/students, seniors, $45/family. Oregon East Symphony season-open- er features a live soundtrack set to “City Girl,” a silent ilm shot in Umatilla County. Jamie & Luke •Friday, Oct. 7; 6:30 p.m. No cover •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo Men of Worth •Friday, Oct. 14; 7 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. www.pendletonarts.org $12. Features Scottish and Irisk folk music. In additon to voals, the duo plays an array of insruments. Cowboy Poetry Dinner & Dance •Friday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m. •Elgin Opera House, 104 N. Eighth St. •Saturday, Oct. 22; 5 p.m. •Stampede Hall, Elgin www.elginoperahouse.com $22/show, $15/dinner, $7/ dance, $40/combo ticket. The Friday and Saturday afternoon event features cowboy poetry. Saturday night event features a social hour, dinner and danc- Comedy Night/Coyote Ugly •Saturday, Oct. 1; 6 p.m. •Sub Zero Restaurant & Lounge, 100 W. Highway 730, Irrigon $8/if reserved by 9-18, then $10. Call 541-922-4374. DJ music •Saturdays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Whiskey Wednesday Game Night •Wednesdays; 3-7 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Xbox 360, Nin- tendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo 64. Digital Karaoke •Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Wine tasting •Fridays, 4-8 p.m. •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo. Open Mic •First/third Friday each month, 8 p.m.-midnight •The Packard Tavern, 118 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / groups/pendletonopenmic Karaoke •Fridays 8 p.m. (9 p.m. if game on) •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla DJ and dancing •Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Theater & ilm “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” (inal shows) •Saturday, Oct. 1; 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. •Elgin Opera House, 104 N. Eighth St. www.elginoperahouse.com Reserved $17/$8. Extend- ed performance. Based on one of Hans Christian Anders- en’s most beloved stories and the classic animated Disney ilm. (541-663-6324). “The Barbershop Hour” •Friday, Oct. 7; 7:30 p.m. •Princess Theatre, 1228 Meade Ave., Prosser •Saturday, Oct. 8; 2 p.m. •Faith Tri-Cities, 1800 N. Road 72, Pasco www.rollinghillschorus.org $15/general, $10/seniors & students. The Rolling Hills Chorus of Sweet Adelines In- ternational, along with guest quartets bring back the golden age of radio with a 1950s-style variety show. Eastern Oregon Film Festival •Oct. 20-22 •Various venues in La Grande www.eoilmfest.com $50/if purchased by Oct. 5, then $60. In its seventh year, features screenings of inde- pendent ilms and music at The Granada Theatre, Stage Door Theatre and Eastern Or- egon University. “America’s Greatest Game Shows Live on Stage” •Saturday, Oct. 29; 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. •Wildhorse Resort & Casi- no, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. www.wildhorseresort.com Must play to win tickets at Wildhorse. Audience members have a chance to go on-stage for a chance to win cast and free play. CHiPs star Erik Es- trada is the live host. Hot tickets •Central Washington State Fair entertainment: (Ya- kima): Clint Black, $39 (Oct. 1) via www.statefairpark.org •Tony Bennett: Nov. 1, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. $71-$363 via www.ticketmas- ter.com •Amy Grant Holiday Show (with Michael W. Smith & Jor- dan Smith): Nov. 17, Toyota Center, Kennewick. $30-$130 via www.ticketmaster.com •Trans-Siberian Orches- tra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: Dec. 30, Moda Center, Portland; Dec. 31, Key Arena, Seattle. $41-$76 via www.tick- etmaster.com ——— Want to get your event list- ed in our calendar? Send in- formation to tmalgesini@eas- toregonian.com, or c/o Tammy Malgesini, 333 E. Main Street, Hermiston, OR, 97838. MOVIE REVIEW Riveting ‘Deepwater Horizon’ captivates throughout By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer “Deepwater Horizon” ★★★★ W e all know how “Deepwater Horizon” ends. When the BP oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, 11 people died and millions of gallons of oil spewed into the waters and up against the Gulf shores in the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. The story of the aftermath, even 6 years later, is still being written. The how-did-it-happen is another thing, and the point of director Peter Berg’s intensely thrilling indictment of the greed and gross negligence that contributed to the horriic outcome. Like the best true stories translated to ilm, this well-known ending works for Berg, not against him. He and writers Matthew Sand and Matthew Michael Carnahan know, as Ron Howard did with “Apollo 13” and James Cameron knew with “Titanic,” that it’s not about whether they live or they die or if the ship goes down or all are saved. It’s about the process and those decisions, big or small, corrupt or well-intentioned, that made this disaster inevitable. Based on a New York Times article, “Deepwater Horizon’s Final Hours,” the ilm is about the crew — the men and women aboard just doing their jobs. PG-13, 107 minutes David Lee/Summit via AP This image released by Summit shows Mark Wahlberg in a scene from, “Deepwater Horizon.” Mark Wahlberg anchors as Mike Williams, a no-nonsense engineer, who leaves his wife (Kate Hudson) and precocious daughter at home for his dangerous job on the rig. An early scene with a school science project spells out exactly what he and his co-workers do and foreshadows what will go wrong. It’s the kind of set up that on paper likely seems too cutesy, but here, it not only works, it actually builds tension rather effectively. “Deepwater Horizon” rises above expectations of what a movie like this is capable of at every turn — restrained where you think it might go too big or sentimental, and genuinely affecting when you think you’re gearing up for an eye-roll. Wahlberg may be an easy punchline, but he’s an underrated everyman and at his subdued best here. Even Hudson, in the generally thankless concerned- wife role, makes it seem worthwhile. When Kurt Russell’s crew leader Jimmy Harrell gets angry at the corporate brass for having neglected to perform some critical safety tests, you’re angry right along with him. The execs like Don Vidrine (a perfectly slimy John Malkovich) see only that they’re behind schedule and over budget and are cutting corners with abandon even as the rig seems to be faltering underneath them. Jimmy and Mike eventually convince them to run a few tests — a white knuckle endeavor for everyone involved and, well, you can torture a statistic until it talks and it seems it might be the same for a pressure test. So they proceed, and, of course, things go spectacularly wrong. It is a spectacle indeed — a must-see horror of ire and oil as this unbelievably massive structure explodes and crumbles around all the people we’ve gotten to know. It’s the rare ilm that can make you care about, and be able to tell the difference between, over a dozen characters. I would have liked to have seen more of the rescue efforts from the Navy, more of the aftermath, but Berg keeps things focused, and the movie is likely better off for it. “Deepwater Horizon” achieves that impossible balance of being a tribute to the workers who both perished and survived that day and a searing critique of the rotten system that put them there in the irst place.
