“The Australian”
Sydney August 2014 (4 photos)
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best. And…
…always look on the bright side of life…
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is a comedy song written by Eric Idle that was originally featured in the 1979 film Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
I saw this man reading a newspaper, The Australian, obviously taking in the sad and bad news in society today. He wasn’t mad but he may have been chewing on life’s gristle. I grabbed another shot as I walked past.
I saw something that made me almost give a whistle. I did a quick circuit and came back to shoot him again.
(Cryptic Hint: Monty Python looks at the bright side of life in their typical fashion)
Over at the WordPress Weekly Challenge, the topic this week is Dialogue, in photographic terms this can be perceived as an interaction between images. Placed together, each photograph opens up to meanings that werenβt there when viewed alone. (Hmmm, isn’t that what I always try to do?)
Fortunately, by the time I came back he had put his newspaper down so I could get a clear shot of him. This man was certainly looking on the bright side of life with the message on his shirt. Another shot for good measure.
…..
And now for some gratuitous Monty Python’s Life of Brian facts:
The film was a box-office success, grossing fourth-highest of any film in the United Kingdom in 1979 and highest of any British film in the United States that year. It was named “greatest comedy film of all time” by several magazines and television networks.
The movie drew great controversy. Thirty-nine local authorities in the UK either imposed an outright ban, or imposed an X (18 years) certificate. Some countries, including Ireland and Norway, banned its showing, with a few of these bans lasting decades. A town in south Wales famously banned it at the time even though there was no local cinema. The filmmakers used such notoriety to benefit their marketing campaign, with posters stating “So funny it was banned in Norway!”
When Michael Palin, as Pontius Pilate, was daring his guards to laugh about Biggus Dickus’ name, he really was daring them. The people playing the soldiers were told not to laugh during the scene but were not told what Palin would be doing or saying. The giggling and laughing in the scene is genuine.
And the final word goes to Biggus: “Let me come with you, Pontiuth. I may be of thome athithtanthe if there ith a thudden crithith!”
Oh , you wicked and witty Dragon! π
That was indeed fun.
… I’m just a very naughty boy. π
Thank you very much. π
Grumpy old bugger. Serves him right for reading that right-wing rag. [grin]
You’ll always be on a winner if you quote the Python, LD !!! π
Monty Python – an institution! They don’t do comedy like that anymore.
I agree about the film – it must be the greatest comedy of our time π He does not seem to draw much attention. Were you the only one to spot what’s written on his shirt or people just go about their own business over there? It must be the latter one π Enjoy your dinner, Draco π
Monty Python was comedy genius. π
Most people just walk by. I almost stopped completely for the 3rd and 4th photos – but I’m different, as you know. π Thank you very much Paula.
I did a double take when I noticed the sweatshirt. I’ve found that sometimes grumpy looking people have a fabulous sense of humor.
Where would this world be without grumpy people? π
Hopefully his name is Richard and he just lost some weight π π
GruΓ
Stefan
Let’s hope so. π
Thank you.
Love the photos Draco. The moment I read that title the song started playing in my head. “Always look on the bright side of life” *starts whistling*
Isn’t it a great song? Thanks Vincent. π
Super photography.
Thank you very much.
It is always worth waiting…
Indeed. π
He seems to be a gentleman with a sense of humor
And a lot of bravado. I could not step out of the house wearing something like that. π
Certain things come with age, maybe this is one of those. Me too I could not step outside wearing something like that
Great post and nice photos π
Thank you very much. That post just simply wrote itself. π
Great shots, Dragon. Not often you come across a shirt with a caption like that. Never been a fan of that newspaper, actually…brings too much gloom, apart from other reasons.
I remember watching snippets of Monty Python as a kid. Didn’t understand it but I remember laughing a lot.
I wonder if that shirt was custom made for him, for a birthday present or something. The design is quite plain.
Monty Python is classic British comedy. The parrot sketch will live forever. π
Oh please!!!! At the beginning I liked the shots and the expression of the man…Then, when I saw the message on the T-shirt….Come on!!! That is priceless!!!! I love it!!! He must be a real character….!!!!!
I love that film..In general all the Monty PythonΒ΄s.-….They are so funny….I love when they are just in the middle of the room, with a blanket, saying they are hidden and nobody can find them…
Great post!!!!
Thank you kindly. I felt like I won the lottery when I saw him and the shirt. I actually walked past him 4 times. π
Monty Python is classic comedy. Those guys are geniuses.
Great fun, but you have to wonderβ¦where did he get the shirt and what exactly was his thinking in wearing it. Good post to start my week π
Thank you. The design is quite plain and makes me wonder if it was a custom screen print from a family member – maybe a Christmas present?
I certainly could not step out of the house wearing something like that.
Certainly IF I had something like that I would only wear it around the house when attempting to annoy my spouse π
LOL π
Oh my gosh was not expecting that! What a riot and good for him for having the guts to wear it in public!
Absolutely! I sense a deep sense of humour in him. π
It’s entire story here π I like this man – no mask on his face.
Thank you. It takes a lot of bravery to wear that in public. π
Your photos ALWAYS make me stop and think. These made me chuckle. I mean, WHO would wear such a sweater? Really? I’d have gone back for another shot too π
Confession: I walked around and past him 4 times. π
Thank you very much. π
Wonderful! Dialogue indeed – in so many ways. I would have been happy with just the first shot which is excellent. But the unfolding story is so much more. Had me laughing with my breakfast this morning. Thanks!
Thanks. This post practically wrote itself. π That shirt is pure gold for a street photographer. π
You scooped a big one, in more ways than one, with this great set Lignum!!! And doesn’t Big Dick have such great style, way to go Dick!
Thank you Patti. That shirt is gold for a street photographer. And the newspaper shot ties it in well with the song. Gold!!! π
Biggus Dickus certainly does exude a certain je ne sais quoi
oh…. my…. god…. this is one of your best finds, Lignum, seriously… the last two pictures with the print on his shirt…:D you must have been ecstatic to capture something like this… I would have been π
someday, your street photography will be studied in textbooks, trust me…
shame on me, but I haven’t seen Monty Python… will do π
Thank you Alex. Sometimes you get lucky with who you come across in public. Very lucky. π
Monty Python was a classic British comedy team, mostly on television to start with but then into movies. John Cleese was one of the team. Google Monty Python Parrot sketch for a taste of their comedy style. π
I’m not sure I understood the message on his shirt…
π
LOL π
Deep meaning of dialogue here, indeed, images speak to viewers. Great photos story Draco! Have a great week!!
Thank you Indah. You too. π
That is an excellent series of pictures, Dragon. I laughed out loud when I saw what was written on his sweatshirt. Good one for getting it without falling about howling with laughter !
I actually almost stopped completely for the 3rd and 4th photos. Kept a straight face then walked on. π
Thank you very much.
You really add a new dimension to the WPC Dialogue, Dragon :D…
Dragons have a different sense of humour and way of seeing compared to humans. π
The combination of your sense of humour and the power of keen observations is awesome. Great captures, as always, Dragon! π
Thank you Amy. π
*Groan* Slogan t-shirts/tops – I’ll never understand why people wear them! But if they make for interesting photos from you…
As a joke I understand them. I even find patterns like simple stripes “too loud” for clothing sometimes. I’m a simple guy. π
Oh this was a good one! Do recall the movie well and the shirt on him is priceless π
Thanks. I hope Big enjoyed his coffee. He deserved it. π
hahaha! If only he had been sitting with his wife, the lovely Incontinentia Buttocks.
I love this movie.
It would have been 100x cooler had his shirt read “Biggus Dickus” but weality here is totally wisable.
You love this movie? How did I know? π
I watched the clip again on youtube with the knowledge the actors playing guards were specifically told not to laugh – it makes it even funnier. I’d have been sent to gladiatorial school if I were one of them.
As well you should have been, you notowious cwiminal. π
(I did not know the bit about the actor/guards. Their struggle is what takes that scene over the top. Love it!)
I simply loved it! I wonder where he got the sweatshirt π
Thanks. I wonder if it was custom made for him as a joke by a family member. π
That old man is an ace.. And he has a big one!! π
Love the pics and those marvelous words by you:
Donβt grumble, give a whistle
And thisβll help things turn out for the best. Andβ¦
β¦always look on the bright side of lifeβ¦
Beautiful message!, thanks for sharing, Aquileana π
Even though the song is for a comedy sketch, it does make a lot of sense. And that man has a lot of gumption to wear that in public – good on him. π
Many thanks Aquileana. Have a great day ahead.
Life of Brian, I vaguely remember that, that sweatshirt gave me a surprise and chuckle. Newspapers these day’s, and the news, full of doom and gloom.
Good to have a silly laugh in the middle of the day. He was a nice “sighting”. π
Classic, you and the hat/sweater/trackies/coffee guy are both individuals π
Thank you. π
Loved the shots and laughed at the words – great post !
Thank you. π
Haha, this just made my day! As teenagers, my sons watched that movie over and over again.
I’ll bet they can quote scenes and lines from the movie without any trouble. π
I think this is one of my favourite series you’ve done yet! I’ll be that guy is such a character. Great shots. Again, how you get away with it I have no idea! π
Thank you. Serious, not sombre. π
ha ha most definitely! π
π
great photos – a dialogue is taking place on many levels! great work, glad i stopped by… we do have to chew on life’s gristle.
Thank you. You’ve gotta know when to stop chewing and spit instead. π
The look on his face is exactly the reason I don’t read newspapers in general – doesn’t really brighten the day. π¦ And certainly won’t help you look on the bright side of life! I remember The Life Of Brian, a favourite comedy of my bother and I – still funny today! The stupid thing about all those bans on the film was that it wasn’t even about Jesus anyway, it was about a man who was mistaken as Jesus – if I remember that right? Maybe the bans were more for making the film popular when it wasn’t banned any more? I’ve heard of that theory the ‘banned book’ actually guaranteeing the books success. π
And as for the sweatshirt wording – *smiling* perfect wear for going out for a cup of tea! At least he comes with a warning – in one way or another! π
Reading newspapers, I always used to go to the comics section first. π
I think the movie is hilarious – so clever on multiple levels. Yes, banning it was probably a clever move to. π
The sweatshirt as a warning – LOL – love it. π I wonder if anyone has ever said anything to him about it.
This old man have do be very funny, his tee shirt is so funny;-) Bien vu Draco π
He surely must have a sense of humour to wear it in the first place. Thank you Sophie. π
LOLZ! Love it! I’ve got to get me one of those! LOL!
LOL π
This is so great! π These photos tell a fantastic story! It seems he’s got life quite figured out. He might be reading bad news but his attitude won’t let them get him down. π Really great work Draco!
Seeing him, you can’t help but smile. π
Incidentally, I saw him again today. A different shirt. He’ll be making a return appearance. π
That’s really great, can’t wait to see the other shirt! π
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What can I sayβ¦ahem. He doesn’t look that cheeky but he totally is or maybe his name is actually Dickβ¦you never know!
Either his name is Dick, or he’s really… π π π
You have an excellent eye!
Love it! π
Thank you. It was impossible not to see him. π
Don’t understand the last word that goes to Biggus but I like the old man’s Tee π
π
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