Entertainment

Joni Mitchell’s Health: Her Serious Battles Explained After Grammys Performance on February 5, 2024 at 3:23 am The Hollywood Gossip

Published

10 months ago

February 5, 2024

Is Joni Mitchell in good health?

That’s the question fans are asking as the iconic songstress prepared to make an epic comeback into the music scene in 2024.

Joni Mitchell winning a Grammy at the 2024 show. ((Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy))

But the love her fans is so great, all anyone could think about is how wonderful we all are bless to have Joni still with us.

She took to the Grammys stage on February 4, 2024, with the help of Brandi Carlisle to sing perhaps her most iconic song of all time, Clouds.

Stars like Beyonce Meryl Streep were seen weeping in the audience ot see the icon take the stage, after everything she’s been through.

Brandi Carlisle gives Joni Mitchell some love at the 2024 Grammys ((Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy))

In a matter of weeks, not only was it announced that Joni would be performing at the Grammys for the first time ever, but also, the 80-year-old folk singer will be headlining her first Los Angeles show in over 24 years in the fall.

All that said, Joni has had serious health issues in the past to combat. In a way, you can say, she’s looked at life from both sides now.

Joni Mitchell, strumming her guitar outside The Revolution club in London, 18th September 1968. ((Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images))

Joni Mitchell’s Health: Her Lifelong Battle with Polio

It’s not something you hear too much about these days, but back when Joni was a little girl, she was diagnosed with polio.

For those not in the know, polio is a virus that can cause paralysis. Poor Joni had a serious case of it when she was 9-years-old.

What’s worse, at 51 years old, Joni battled post-polio syndrome. That’s when the symptoms of the condition come back again later in life.

“I have to guard my energy,” Joni said about living with the disease. “Just like the bunnies in those battery commercials. I’m the one that’s about to keel over. I’m not the one that’s going and going.”

Joni Mitchell arrives for the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony in Washington, DC, March 1, 2023. US singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is this year’s winner of the Gershwin Prize. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) ((Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images))

She Also Suffered with Morgellons Disease

As if polio wasn’t enough, Joni has also dealt with a little-known condition called Morgellons disease over the years.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Morgellons disease “is a condition characterized by a belief that parasites or fibers are emerging from the skin. People with this condition often report feeling as if something is crawling on or stinging their skin.”

To hear Joni tell it, Morgellons is an “incurable disease that seems like it’s from outer space.”

The singer described her symptoms in a 2010 Los Angeles Times interview as “fibers in a variety of colors protrude out of my skin like mushrooms after a rainstorm: they cannot be forensically identified as animal, vegetable or mineral.”

Wild, but thankfully, again, Joni has been able to manage it.

Joni Mitchell arrives for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. ((Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images))

The Brain Aneurysm That Nearly Killed Her

Then, if all of that wasn’t enough, in 2015, she suffered a debilitating brain aneurysm.

In an interview with CBS News 2022, following her first performance since the aneurysm, she revealed that she lost the ability to speak and walk, or even get out of a chair – as well as the ability to play the guitar.

Describing the experience as “a return to infancy,” she found the strength to push on and even relearned to play guitar by watching videos of herself “to see where I put my fingers.”

That same year, she was honored by the Kennedy Center for her artistic achievements. During the ceremony, she spoke briefly of the aneurysm, calling it a “real whopper,” before adding:

“But you know, I’m hobbling on. I’m doing alright.”

Sara Bareilles, Honoree Joni Mitchell, and Madison Cunningham attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Joni Mitchell at MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom on April 01, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ((Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy))

How Is Joni Mitchell Today?

To put it lightly, Joni Mitchell is making a massive comeback in 2024!

She has two big performances lined up for the year.

First, the Canadian folk musician will finally make her debut on the Grammys stage at this weekend’s awards ceremony on Sunday, February 4.

Joni is a nine-time Grammy winner, clinching her first award in 1969 with Best Folk Performance for ‘Clouds’.

Later on in the year, Joni will be making a triumphant return to Los Angeles. On Saturday, October 19, she will perform her first headlining show in 24 years at the Hollywood Bowl with the Joni Jam.

Can’t keep a good woman down!

Joni Mitchell’s Health: Her Serious Battles Explained After Grammys Performance was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Joni Mitchell’s Health: Her Serious Battles Explained After Grammys Performance was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.”}]]

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Advice

The Silence Says It All: How Subtext Elevates Your Story

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

Subtext is the unsaid, the invisible layer of meaning that lies beneath the surface of a film’s dialogue, visuals, and symbolism. It’s the art of showing, not telling, and it’s what makes a film linger in the audience’s mind long after the credits roll. Mastering subtext allows filmmakers to craft nuanced stories that resonate on a deeper level.

1. What is Subtext and Why Does It Matter?

Subtext is the implicit meaning that audiences infer from a scene, rather than what’s explicitly stated. It adds complexity to a story, inviting viewers to engage actively.

Creates Depth: Subtext transforms simple scenes into layered narratives.
Enhances Realism: In life, people rarely say exactly what they feel. Subtext reflects this truth.
Builds Engagement: Viewers are drawn into the story, piecing together hidden meanings.

For example, a character who says, “I’m fine” but clenches their fists conveys a conflict that words alone cannot express.

2. Subtext in Dialogue: When Words Aren’t Enough

Dialogue often works best when it’s indirect. Instead of spelling things out, let characters reveal their emotions through what they don’t say.

Understatement: Simple words can carry powerful emotions. For instance, in Lost in Translation, Bob’s whispered goodbye is packed with unspoken meaning.
Dual Meanings: Characters may say one thing but mean another. This is common in romantic tension or conflict.
Silence: Sometimes, the absence of dialogue speaks louder than words. Awkward pauses or loaded silences can heighten drama.

3. Visual Subtext: Telling Stories Through the Frame

Cinematography, production design, and blocking are key to creating visual subtext.

Symbolic Imagery: Objects, colors, and settings can suggest deeper themes. In Schindler’s List, the red coat among black-and-white imagery symbolizes lost innocence.
Character Placement: The distance between characters in a frame can convey emotional separation or closeness.
Lighting and Shadows: Play with light and darkness to reflect inner turmoil or duality.

Subtext in visuals is about layering meaning into the mise-en-scène, rewarding attentive viewers.

4. Using Symbolism to Reinforce Subtext

Symbolism is a powerful tool for embedding subtext into your story.

Recurring Motifs: Repeated elements, like the spinning top in Inception, invite interpretation.
Props with Purpose: Everyday objects can carry symbolic weight. A broken clock might signify a disrupted timeline or lost hope.
Nature as Subtext: Weather and landscapes often mirror emotional states. A thunderstorm during a breakup scene reflects inner chaos.

5. How to Develop Subtext in Your Script

Incorporating subtext requires intentionality. Here’s how to weave it into your film:

Know Your Characters: Understand their motivations and fears. Subtext often stems from what they’re unwilling to reveal.
Think Beyond Dialogue: Focus on nonverbal cues—gestures, glances, or even a character’s posture.
Collaborate with Your Team: Work with your cinematographer, production designer, and editor to ensure subtext is carried through visuals and pacing.

6. The Risks and Rewards of Subtext

While subtext enriches storytelling, it requires balance.

The Risks:
- Too subtle, and the audience might miss your message.
- Too overt, and it loses its mystery.
The Rewards:
- Engaged audiences who feel part of the discovery process.
- Stories that resonate emotionally and intellectually.

Study films like The Godfather or Her for masterclasses in how subtext elevates storytelling.

Conclusion

The true power of subtext lies in its ability to connect audiences with your story on a deeper level. By blending nuanced dialogue, evocative visuals, and purposeful symbolism, you can craft films that linger in hearts and minds. In the art of filmmaking, sometimes saying less truly means saying more.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

Advice

How Color Shapes Film Mood and Tone

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

Color is a powerful storytelling tool in filmmaking. It shapes a film’s tone, influences emotions, and enhances visual storytelling. By understanding color theory and symbolism, filmmakers can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience on a deeper level.

1. The Basics of Color Theory in Film

At its core, color theory helps filmmakers choose and combine colors to achieve specific effects.

Primary Colors: Red, blue, and yellow are the building blocks of all colors.
Color Harmony: Complementary (opposites on the color wheel) and analogous (adjacent colors) schemes create visual balance or tension.
Warm vs. Cool Colors: Warm tones (red, orange, yellow) evoke energy and passion, while cool tones (blue, green, purple) create calmness or melancholy.

Understanding these basics allows filmmakers to design palettes that support their story’s emotional arc.

2. Setting the Tone with Color Palettes

A film’s color palette sets the mood and reinforces its themes.

Monochromatic Schemes: Using shades of a single color can create a minimalist and cohesive look, as seen in Moonlight.
Contrasting Colors: Films like Amélie use vibrant contrasts to highlight whimsy and vibrancy.
Muted Tones: Desaturated colors in The Road evoke despair and a bleak post-apocalyptic world.

Choosing the right palette ensures the audience feels the intended emotions without overt exposition.

3. The Emotional Language of Colors

Colors evoke specific emotions and associations, making them essential for visual storytelling.

Red: Passion, danger, or power (Schindler’s List: The girl in the red coat).
Blue: Sadness, serenity, or isolation (Her: Melancholy longing).
Yellow: Joy, caution, or decay (Breaking Bad: The descent into moral chaos).
Green: Growth, envy, or the unnatural (The Matrix: A digital world).

Consider your story’s themes when assigning symbolic meanings to colors.

4. Practical Tips for Using Color on a Budget

Big budgets aren’t required to use color effectively.

Lighting: Experiment with gels and filters to alter light color.
Costume and Set Design: Coordinate wardrobe and props to align with your palette.
Post-Production: Use color grading software to fine-tune tones and hues.

Indie filmmakers can create visually stunning projects by focusing on intentional color choices during pre-production.

5. Famous Examples of Color in Film

Learn from cinematic classics that masterfully use color:

The Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson’s pastel hues create a whimsical, nostalgic world.
The Godfather: Golden tones symbolize power and corruption.
Black Panther: Vibrant colors celebrate African culture and Wakanda’s identity.

Analyze these examples to inspire your own projects.

Conclusion

Color is more than a visual element—it’s a storytelling powerhouse. By understanding its emotional impact and mastering its practical application, filmmakers can elevate their craft. Whether you’re working on a blockbuster or an indie film, thoughtful color choices can make your story unforgettable.

Entertainment

Press Release: “Trapped,” A Feature Film

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exciting Announcement: “Trapped” – A Future Feature Film 🎥 has been released on 10/11/2024 !!!

We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated release of “Trapped,” a groundbreaking feature film is now streaming on your favorite networks. Please watch and leave a review. Like and share!

In addition to “Trapped,” we are excited to share that the iconic Joan is making her triumphant return to the stage after a remarkable 20-year journey of writing for film and television.You could say:

“She is among the few pioneers in transmedia storytelling, joining the ranks of iconic franchises like The Matrix, Star Wars, and Harry Potter in exploring narratives across multiple platforms.”

This phrasing highlights her unique contribution while acknowledging the established successes in the field.

She will be performing her award-winning screenplay and book originally titled “Beyond the Vows” and now reimagined as “Love Brought Me Back as a stageplay. This special performance will take place at the Match Theater on Main Street, featuring the talented Houston Tate and a stellar cast of stage actors.

Performance Details:

Title: Love Brought Me Back
Date: January 11, 2025
Location: Match Theater on Main Street
Time: 5:00pm

We encourage everyone to invite their friends and family to what is sure to be an unforgettable night of theater. Join us as we celebrate Joan’s return and the magic of live performance!

Ticket Information:
Discounted Tickets for the performance will be available for purchase at the Match Theater from November 26 through November 29. Be sure to visit us during this limited time to secure your tickets and enjoy exclusive discounts!