It is perfect.

Actually, it would have been better if the rock were smaller so he could have actually thrown it overhand, rather than hefting it in there like a sack of potatoes.

Otherwise, it's perfect. It's the Zen Buddhist approach to politics! It's the politics of the future. He's millenia, perhaps eons, ahead of his time.

Also, I think he's breathing through his mouth. That's not good.

I think this is probably the boldest statement toward avant garde film making any presidential candidate has ever made.

Does that make him too Frenchy?

Gravel's ads (especially the one with the fire) bring to mind the pre-introduction Infiniti "rocks and trees" ad campaign from 1989.

That campaign was also much derided, but it was effective in establishing the brand.

--

"There's no telling what new harm Bush might do
if he ever gets back up off the mat.
You have to keep your knee on his windpipe
until the danger is past." -- Garry Trudeau

That might be the most fucked-up thing I have ever seen.

This clip by Gravel is not a campaign ad, but rather rare, thought-to-be-lost alternate footage that was to be watched by Edward G. Robinson as he lay dying to classical music at the end of the film "Soylent Green".

Come-on Rove - Have W do one of these - I bet he can't make it past 30 seconds. And he'd miss the lake with his rock.

I thought it was wonderful!

Imagine, a political campaign piece where you are absolutely certain that the candidate is not lying to you!

This spot truly was groundbreaking!

Actually, I think it may be one of the Sopranos alternative endings....remember the lake scene earlier in the season? Clearly foreshadowing the stone toss here.

....but no ducks....

listen carefully: there's a faint quacking sound in the background ....

His rock skipping could use some work.

I wouldn't have. I ticked off a lot of people in Madison, Wisconsin, during the 2000 race, when I openly called Ralph Nader a narcissistic, paranoid jerk.

Of course, many of those same people have been forced to agree with me since then, as a result of world events.

This was like the flower sermon of the Buddha. If you have to ask, you just don't get it. Here is a hint, look up the definition of the word "suchness".

"If you talk about it, even the simplest thing becomes complex and incomprehensible." -Herman Hesse

The interpretive question is, how does the splash follow from the stare? The best guess I have, linear and literal-minded type that I am, is that Gravel is challenging the viewer to drop a stone in the water as he has done. The stare means, "are you with me?"

My opinion is that his ad can say alot of things to alot of different people. For me,it demonstrates that he's not afraid to be judged by his actions. He's not afraid to look you in the eyes at the same time it points out that he can be determined, courageous and patient. It points out perhaps that actions are more important than words. Since there are no words spoken, I believe he's contrasting that these days, most candidates will say anything to get elected and forget what they've actually done in the past. The simplicity factor may cause ripples.

I hope he remembers to walk back and get his camera if he wants to make more avant garde political videos.

Honestly, its refreshing that a presidential political candidate is doing something like this.

I would hate to see that in HD.

Yes, but the people you ticked off would have LOVED it in 2000.

sully18
His silence speaks volumes to me. He looked into the camera with power and grace.There was much more than you think there was here; there always is.
Looks like he knows how to drop the rock and move on.
Good symbolism.Anybody want to guess what the rock symbolizes?

At least he wasn't lying.

I wonder how many takes it took to convey nothing.

Strive for the ideal, but deal with what's real.

.

1) Well, this makes more sense than any promos Hillary's put up there.

2) My girlfriend sez it means "It's not what you say; it's what you do."

3) Hours later it's still under discussion in the bloggies.

I think its brilliant --and if Gravel were 2nd tier instead of 4th tier, would have an impact.

The point of both ads is "think about Mike Gravel as president." "Rock" is pefectly timed.... you're waiting for him to do something, because nobody stares into the camera for that long, and so you winding up thinking, "what is this guy doing?" FINALLY he does something -- and his simple act of throwing a big rock into the lake immediately becomes a symbol for change, and his walk away from the camera is all about his independence -- and the odd thing is that we pretty much forget how weird it was to watch this guy staring at the camera.

The "fire" ad is far less effective, because it doesn't really provide any subconscious clues, or challenge the viewer like the "stare into the camera" does.

By the way, was that a gravel he tossed into the pond?

Count the shimmers. I always do.
And the times we breathe, I note that, too.
And when I was a child, I put away childish things;
But not skimming rocks on ponds, as the shimmer and splashes alure.
Unless it doesn't skip, but sinks behind the first shimmer, then you've merely dropped it in the water, and of what significance is that?

Or perhaps I was thinking of my days in Fairbanks...

Think what he'd be able to film if he got more than $34,000 in campaign contributions.

http://welcome-to-pottersville.blogspot.com

My copy was a litle fuzzy, but at about 0:20 - 0:18 to go, he seems to walk across the water at the far end of the lake.

And if that's not the point of it, then it's sort of Gravel as the urban/up-dated Marlboro man ... Chris Matthews ought to have his man-love jones in a sweat as he watches it repeatedly...

Are you guys telepathically deaf? That guy articulated a bold plan for Iraq, a visionary approach to global warming and the environment, and he must be an MBA, what with all that high-level economic analysis. His historical references were nicely chosen and relevant, and what a sense of humor! Truly, a great orator and hopefully, the next president of the United States.

You guys are too conventional. boring. what do you want from him, some bullshit about his ideas for fixing health care?

The problems facing this country are stupidly, glaringly obvious. For the first time in 60 years we are faced with very simple choices on several major problems. these things don't require discussion, they require resolve.

He's got my vote.