Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Right well it's been a while since i wrote anything here and I can explain. I've been really busy travelling, working, sleeping, etc. But other than that, I just haven't felt that inspired lately. Until a couple of days ago.

I'm sure you're familiar with the painting "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper. If not, I can guarantee you've seen some sort of parody or pop culture reference to it. Google it and you will see. Do it now if you can, then read on after.

Right, so now we know what I'm talking about. Except that painting isn't the one I'll be referring to. A reinterpretation of it, probably almost as famous, named The Boulevard of Broken dreams, has been on my mind lately. In this piece, the characters are replaced by Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elvis Presley and James Dean. All well known and loved celebrities who passed on tragically.

My interpretation is much the opposite. The original features the four celebrities, at least three out the four seem to be happy. They were all highly successful, although cut down in their prime as it were. The one i see in my head is a much gloomier feel about it. I'll try to describe it for you.

Imagine the diner. Now imagine it in Hollywood, except it's completely empty. Now one by one, I'll add more modern characters to it. Something we can relate to. Imagine a young girl, tall, skinny, blonde and wearing a leopard skin coat. She is holding a cigarette, seated at the counter with a cup of coffee. A very unsatisfied, depressed, confused look on her face. This is a model, unhappy because she sacrificed her health and body for a dream, and now she is bearing the consequences. Poor health, greed, and a life spent wasting time worrying about the superficial/material things.

The next character in the diner, a young man. His face almost identical to that of the young James Dean. Obviously a very good looking young man. He's behind the counter, busily serving the patrons as they come in. The look on his face makes it evident that he's deep in thought as he makes his way about his job. A young inspiring actor maybe, working the 9-5 shift just to get by while he tries to land a role in a low budget film. We all have to start off somewhere.

Character number 3 is seated at the counter on the side adjacent to that of the young lady. He is slightly askew on his stool, clothes somewhat tatty, large gold chains on his neck and wrists. A very wealthy man, however it's easy to see he has problems. His eyes are red and droopy. His face bears a scar just above the right cheek bone. From behind, the problem becomes clearer as one can see a mirror and a silver tin, just peeking out from one of his back pockets. Someone who made it in the industry, but somewhere along the line lost his way and started a journey down a very dark path.

Now the really sad parts. They might be too much for some people, but i have to be completely honest and open if i want to interpret this in a way that reflects our society as it is today.

Seated eerily close to the young lady, is an older man, probably late fifties to mid sixties. Another successful person, his suit is of a designer label, tailor made to fit his ageing body perfectly. He is the only one inside the diner with a smile on his face, albeit a cheeky one, as his eyes gaze at the blonde. I don't need to go into detail about his intentions, i think the man is fairly transparent enough for you to see them for yourself.

Across the road from the diner, in the background, a red light can be seen. A reference to the real Boulevard of broken dreams, Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.

If i could paint, this is what i would paint :)