AZOTUSLAND Chapter Eighty-One

It was Thursday night and the Azotus Theater was open and Witness was showing.
Jim gavce a brief introduction to the films of Peter Weir and his unique vision. In attendance were regulars River, Delphia, Cara, Simon, Ted, Manfred, Maugham and Martine, Alice, Jeremy, Sex and Dan, Renata and Rand, Maurice and newcomers Mike, Lisa, Trevor, Jim, Janice, Bill and Philip.

Andy also showed, which surprised many and he brought a friend named James and his mother Monique.

When the lights went low and the film started, Maugham excused himself and went down to his office.

There were responses to both men from Alabaster. With Brian she wanted a quick meeting and seemed amorous; with Steven she was more withdrawn.

Maugham paced his office and tried to think of it as a one-sided chess match. She did not yet know (he hoped) that it was him. Best to hop on the first one and play out the other.

He wrote an email and suggested dinner in Seattle's Market district for Saturday night. Was she willing to fly up from Northern California? What city would she be flying in from? Could he buy her ticket and make a hotel reservation?

He peppered his response with gratutious flirting and compliments.

*******

At the end of the movie, Jim stood and took the customary stool and asked for responses.

"It was a violent movie about non-violence," said Cara.

"Yes, I think so," said Jim. "What else Cara?"

"In many ways Book is a dead man before he gets shot," she said. "He's a funtionary and a pawn."

Jim once again marvelled at what others saw in films. He had never seen that at all and had watched the film 15 times.

Jonathan raised his hand and did an excellent rendition of the old man "Book...Book..I wrote another book!" and those who were privy laughed very hard, and those not felt isolated and foolish.

"What about the scene in the village when Book, dressed as an Amish pacifist beats the man?"

"It showed his own internal violence and rage," River said. Jim was surprised because she so rarely spoke.

Delphia said "he's a man caught between two competeing worlds that he connot reconcile."

Maugam walked back into the room and said "Hell, it's Harrison Ford, he just wanted to kick some ass Han Solo style."

The conversation took another turn after many stopped laughing.

"Most memorable moment?" Jim asked.

"I feel like I'm on the Actor's Studio!" Jonathan exclaimed in a Robin Williams voice.

Then everytime someone answered he went "Prffffft."