As the double-edged sword that is the social media machine simultaneously unites and divides our current (I hesitate to say "modern") civilization, it's become more and more customary to know what just about everyone who is anyone is thinking, feeling, or doing on any given day. As such, it's a rare thing to witness a major artist that maintains a commitment to privacy, much less anonymity. For years, the Wachowskis (of The Matrix Trilogy and V for Vendetta fame) have been reluctant to make public appearances in support of their own films. Fortunately for them, their films typically do the kind of business that guarantees their success with or without the support of the director(s).
However, with the release of Cloud Atlas, (which I'll be reviewing here very soon!) Andy and Lana decided to break their self-imposed embargo on the press and put themselves out there in support of the film. The introduction that they recorded with co-director Tom Tykwer for their mega-trailer was fun, breezy, and insightful, but it marked so much more than a long-awaited public appearance. This was the first time that Lana (formerly Larry) had appeared in public at all.
Rather than use this space to tell you what I think this means, I've attached a video of a speech that she gave in accepting the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award. It's a very honest, often funny look at the way that her personal and professional lives have been defined by different opinions on how she should behave.
More than that, it's deeply human. It meant a lot to me to hear these words. I thought you might appreciate them too.
