These asymmetrical, seemingly off-balance shots could be read (as one audience member suggested) as creating a visual counterpart to the off-kilter neuroses of the characters. Willis himself, however, vetoed that idea, separating his shooting techniques from the meaning of the movie. Throughout the question and answer session, Willis repeatedly discouraged viewers from “intellectualizing” his filming choices, noting that many scenes were more circumstantial or instinctual than minutely planned. He acknowledged his affection for the long take, and emphasized that editing is ultimately up to the director (though did note he attempts to give the director the tightest amount of material possible).

Willis is often recognized as an autodidact, but we learned last night that he actually gained his first exposure to film as a documentarian in the Air Force, following his initial forays into still photography. We not only appreciated his filming expertise but also his no-nonsense style in the Q&A. We’re not sure you’ll get much out of him, but we do recommend attending some of the screenings if you want to learn more about this chronically underappreciated filmmaker.

In response to questions about some of Obama's current initiatives, Plouffe asserted that "If we do not get this [health care reform] done now... we deserve what comes to us." He made it clear that Democrats should be safe in 2010 if they can point to accomplishments with regard to the economy, health care, and education; if progress is not made on these fronts, the Republicans may have a stronger chance to overthrow the Democrats' hold. Plouffe also outlined a crucial distinction between leadership and legislation, recognizing the importance of both actions in politics but putting particular importance on the inspirational quality of the former.

Plouffe stressed that politics is a process and can't be judged "like a baseball game" that takes place under particular conditions and within a specific timeframe. Despite the inherently uncertain and drawn-out nature of process, though, Plouffe advised, "If you can know something, know it. Eliminate opinions." With America-haters spouting often-unfounded opinions on the airwaves left and right, the ability to know remains central to making informed decisions: never trust what one source has to say.

Overall, Plouffe came off as a politically savvy figure, successfully dodging some tough audience questions about "Don't Ask, Don't Give" and foreign policy, and even employing that trademark (Bill) Clinton gesture. Despite his status as someone who knows (and plays) the "game," Plouffe still visibly believes in the power of people to create change in spite of politics. We can all work together to help make him right.

And! How sad/awesome is it to hear “frak” on TV again?

Our second-favorite machiney-type being (Six would kick her ass in any sort of fight) takes pride of place on the teaser. Zoe Graystone (Alessandra Torresani) is the daughter of scientist Daniel Graystone (the smoking hot Eric Stoltz) and the first ever fleshy Cylon model. The design team for the poster went for an over-the-top Adam and Eve reference, but with good reason. The combination of temptation—should we or shouldn’t we try to make machines that look and act like humans—and eventual creation of a new human civilization on our Earth plays out well. Plus, the toplessness should attract at least a handful of curious viewers.

We expect:
-More sweet virtual reality holoband action

-Religion to further frak things up
-Eric Stoltz to keep wearing those sexy glasses

We want:
-Some glimpse of the fleet in space. Maybe we could see a couple of pilots every now and then?

There’s still more than enough time to consume the Battlestar oeuvre for the first time (or the 50th) in preparation, but feel free to catch up the easy way:

(Watch and wait for the phrase, “bun in the toaster.” Classic.)

And get excited for Caprica:

Watch The Plan too, while you’re at it. It’s not half bad.

(Images from here, here and here)