The Bridge (Under Reconstruction) by Chipka
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Description
I’ve just watched Kill Bill part one, again. I received it as a gift from Corey’s sister, Kate. I have parts one and two of that giddy, ultra-violent romp, and whether or not I should admit it, Kill Bill is one of my favorite films. It’s a complex cartoon of a movie, it’s a ballet, a bit of celluloid Kabuki drama, with ample gallons of Red #5 spilled throughout the story. It’s a movie about everything: assassination squads, the Yakuza, more members of the Yakuza, getting married, doing lots of killing, and…well…a kind of bizarre Zen sort of violence. It’s an odd film. It’s quirky. It’s an excuse for me to practice most of the Japanese I’ve forgotten. It has nothing to do with this image, though…perhaps…the title of this image is an accidental echo of Kill Bill’s genesis. Near the very beginning of production, the character played by Uma Thurman was simply called “The Bride.” I thought of that, as I looked at this image…an image of…well…
…lots of things…
…all centered on…
…The Bridge…
As a part of Chicago’s urge to rebuild and repair things in desperate need of rebuilding and repairing, our Illustrious Übermayor will probably take credit for single-handedly repairing the Wells Street bascule bridge. Well, from what I’ve been able to see, our illustrious Übermayor was not personally responsible for the things you see in this image. An entire crew of workers are responsible for what you see here. The Bridge has appeared earlier in my gallery, and so it’s only fitting to show an image of its rebirth.
There is no blood in this image, no giddy soundtrack appropriated from the Kung-Fu movie genre: Uma Thurmon, Viveca Fox, Lucy Liu, Darryl Hannah, Michael Madsen, and David Carradine are not involved with the production of this image. There are no Yakuza crime lords that I can see, no “Crazy 88s”. But as I write this text and contemplate this image, I wonder what Quentin Tarantino would do with an image like this.
And so, here is The Bridge…
…in no way related to The Bride, and yet…
*
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (15)
Wolfenshire
Amazing capture. Really. I'm always amazed at what some people can build. And a bridge is serious building. I couldn't build a bird house. I like the way you capture the seemingly simple. I wanted to comment on that paint on the back of the bookstore one you posted, but seriously, I was so blown away by it I didn't know what to say.
Faemike55
I look at the name of the one floating platform and I just wonder when it will go belly up.... then it would be a rescue scene or would it? Who would be called in to perform the rescue operation and who would direct it? would it have been an act of sabotage? by whom? the self-same Yakuza crime lords, for what purpose? It doesn't help my thought processes that I've warped my mind tonight with Rammstein and Manowar.... Great image and interesting commentary
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God Bless.
whaleman
Interesting dialog and photo!
wysiwig
Great image and commentary but I think you need to look more closely. Of course your Übermayor will build the bridge. Just as generals will win wars and managers will build airliners. And that's where the blood comes in. It's the blood that is extracted from the workers who do the real work. And if a worker is injured or killed there will be condolences from all the appropriate people and perhaps a mention in the news. And then, except for friends and family, that person will be forgotten. Industry must not be slowed by tragedy. Time is money. And perhaps somewhere embedded in the contract to rebuild the bridge is our own version of the Yakuza. Mafia, La Cosa Nostra, Lobbyist, Crooked Politician, whatever you call them in Chicago. I can see now why this bridge made you think of Kill Bill. There are more similarities than anyone could imagine. I have got to stop visiting Huffington Post before I come here to comment.
durleybeachbum
So true what Mark has to say! The photo becomes laden after reading all that.
Cyve
Wonderful capture!!!
MrsRatbag
I think Mr. Tarantino would have blood, lots of blood. Bloody tire tracks on the platform? Blood dripping down the bridge supports? Someone hanging on a hook from a painful part of their anatomy dripping so much blood that the river would be red? And don't you love how they've lit up the night? I see that here too, super-bright lights ostensibly to light up the work scene, although I rarely see any workers actually taking advantage of it...OK, enough of MY rambling, I think you've made a wonderfully detailed night capture here, and clearly got some of us thinking!
PREECHER
kill bill is one of my fav's of all time...your photo is excellent...very industrial feel to it...the lighting is very nice and the pov is excellent...you've captured so much yet in a way that leads the eye around to all the interesting things on/around the bridge... chills and thrills
helanker
This is almost like taken right out of a half-life scene :) Superb shot, Chip :)
netot
Great capture, I see it more like a place of a suicide or killing. No fights or shots, just one death, almost as a ritual, where victim and murderer are in communion, in a unavoidable act of violence. Yes, my wife always ask me why I like this film, and I can't explain her. Is like be fascinated by a scorpion or a snake. They are dangerous, but they are also beautiful.
sandra46
VERY BEAUTIFUL!
flavia49
wonderful
auntietk
What a difference one letter makes! Amazing. I've been a bride three times (well ... after the first time, can one truly be called a bride?) but never a bridge (well ... I suppose I have been, but not literally). I love it that they're working on this from a barge! (Bride/bridge/barge? And what of Victor Borge?) Anyway ... it makes oodles of sense, but I'd never thought of it. I just know they're doing any number of fascinating things down there, in some specific, proper order, and I Want To Know What's Going On! I love to watch people work. Not doing office things ... I've done enough of that ... but skilled things that I can't do. It's fascinating!
danapommet
I love watching construction under night lights. So eerie and acted out like a play!