Life comes up with unexpected treats of various kinds, and it happened to me again. A friend of mine sent me a link to this fascinating speech by Steve Balmer at the Oxford Union Debating Society after he retired from Micro Soft. This video itself is worth spending time on.
Right at the beginning Balmer asks the students if they had seen the movie Thelma and Louise and most students look blank. He prods further by stating that this was the first film in which Brad Pitt acted. No doubt thinking that it would elicit some response from the female students sitting there, to no effect whatsoever.
I however remembered seeing this film on TV many years ago but did not remember seeing Brad Pitt or he did not register then. I therefore decided to send for the DVD and I saw it earlier this evening on DVD.
Quite why Balmer asked that question in the context of his speech beats me. Unless it is to point out that in real life many things happen to be people without any plan or purpose and quite often one just gets carried away allowing events to overtake one. Believe me, this happens in corporate life quite often and perhaps that is what Balmer wanted to point out and like Thelma and Louise do, corporations too can take off into the blue yonder like Enron did or our own flashy Kingfisher Airlines did.
Be all that as it may, seeing the film was an exhilarating experience and I enjoyed every minute of it despite seeing it for the second time, though after 22 years. The woman centered theme, the twists and turns and magnificent photography all add up to some awesome viewing experience. The Thunderbird as a serious member of the cast is very impressive too!
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Actually its about midway through the lecture before he brings up the subject of the movie, Thelma and Louise. Also, I don’t think there was any reason for mentioning Brad Pitt except to make the point that he was in the movie which might stimulate interest in someone watching it since he is going to use it to make a point. In his lecture he was talking about companies moving fast with their one trick business and in the end when their one trick is no longer of interest they just drive off a cliff with their business instead of seriously exploring other options. Thelma and Louise had an idea and fulfilled it by driving off a cliff rather than exploring other options. I think that was his point!
Alan G recently posted..Got any of those awkward family photos?
Makes sense to me now Alan. Thanks.
I’ve actually never seen the film. The ending, though, was filmed at Dead Horse Point State Park. We visited there in 2011.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bmWUF19wao
Mike recently posted..Thunder, lightning, howling wind… and the lights went out!
Your video is more enticing than what is shown in the picture. And the background music too is catching!
Thanks, Ramana. (We’re starting to plan for another trip starting sometime this summer headed for the wild, wild, west!
Mike recently posted..Thunder, lightning, howling wind… and the lights went out!
My pleasure entirely Mike and I look forward to reading your posts on the new adventure.
…and, after I posted the comment about trip planning, complications arose. I may have the opportunity for a lucrative contract for a few months just when we were thinking about traveling.
Mike recently posted..Destinations, A Wild Ride and Johnny Reb.
Then congratulations are in order. I am delighted for you.
Nice video Mike – Thanks for sharing.
Alan G recently posted..Got any of those awkward family photos?
Thanks, Alan. 😉
Mike recently posted..Thunder, lightning, howling wind… and the lights went out!
I never saw the movie so I went and found a trailer. Half way through I cut it, Boring!
As for the speaker, he sure liked the sound of his own voice. Was it an exercise in how not to give a speech. He kept repeating the same hot air over and over. I have heard better speakers in High school. If you really believe in what you have to share, then once is enough, with no need to repeat it.
How many years was he CEO? He should have had those young people devouring his every word. He didn’t. Half of them were bored, a few walked out, and even the older members of the audience were fidgeting about like they had ants in their pants.
Grannymar recently posted..Sunday One Liners ~ 26
As summonings up go, Grannymar, yours not only amusing but scathing. I haven’t watched the film since subject matter doesn’t interest me. Neither did I watch the clip Ramana put up. No disrespect to Ramana but I can smell “hot air” as you call it a mile away. Which reminds me: I nearly burnt one of my favourite pans this afternoon. Taught me two things: Don’t start cooking and then wander off to make Easter Sunday phone call to your parents. I never gave smell as one of our senses much credit but, by golly, Grannymar, and I hope this will bring a smile to your face: There are times our nose saves us from disaster.
U
Ursula recently posted..Stars in my eyes
The trailer did not do justice to the movie Grannymar. Do try and catch the full one at your leisure. You will change your mind. Balmer, was indeed hyper and I suspect that his accent did not help in Oxford.
Dear Ramana, ever since your reinvention with Peruke you have brightened my life immeasurably. I can’t look at your new likeness without the sun we are sadly lacking weatherwise brightening my face. You’d make a fine judge (in court) and Mozart has nothing on you (in looks). Maybe one of the days – by reversal of our respective fortunes – I shall try bald. But will I be so bold?
U
Ursula recently posted..Stars in my eyes
Sure, why not? Being bold is easy when you have nothing to lose!
I certainly loved that movie on first viewing. And I would not have remembered Brad Pitt. As to events and reactions guiding life…whether corporate or personal…I think it happens more often than we think. Being mindful and thoughtful is the goal. If it were easy, there wouldn’t be so many people making money on our aspirations to reach that goal.
Talk to Me…I’m Your Mother recently posted..Happy Easter
I meant my comments more to illustrate – “Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself.”
― Matsuo Bashō
i can see rummy where you would find him interesting and relevant… since you were a real part of the corporate world.
he is not my cup of tea… nor is his subject. i had more fun reading all the comments! ursula and grannymar especially. LOLOL.
he made me feel nervous. his speaking style is too high pitched for me. didn’t ever see thelma and louise. i remember a trailer with brad pitt in a cowboy hat and nude chest i think. in a motel room?
oh.
and i love your new avatar. ditto everything ursula said.
it never fails to make me smile wherever i see it on other blogs!!! 😀
tammyj recently posted..bruno
Tammy, I am right now advising a young entrepreneur who has quit a very well paid job to start a venture of his own. He sent me the clip and asked me for my opinion and I told him to dump the whole thing other than to ask himself whether the idea he has is really worth it and whether people will pay for it which is what Balmer suggests.
I can’t listen to the lecture, but yes I’m seen the film Thelma and Louise…gosh I feel old!
Funnily enough, I saw another one with naturally a much older Susan Sarandon yesterday. She still brings out the character with aplomb.
Can’t listen to him. Drivelish. Repetitive. Reference to Thelma & Louise? Yes, I knew about Brad Pitt. First one after The River Runs through It. A fine move. T&L doesn’t hold up. I liked it at the time but thought whenever women assert themselves they have to die and for that I’m sad. Too many of them.
XO
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wisewebwoman recently posted..Nostalgique
Yes, that is a message that comes out loud and clear doesn’t it? I particularly enjoyed the scene where Thelma turns from being a meek female into a robber!