The Mysteries of Pittsburgh: An Urban Adventureland

Evergrey · #1 Posted **May 3, 2009, 1:44 AM**

April 2009

It's a bit odd... but there are presently two films in theatres concerning a confused manchild attempting fo find love and his purpose in life during a summer in 1980s Pittsburgh... though the films are quite different. "Adventureland" is a comedy taking place largely at local amusement park Kennywood... that has generally received warm reviews for its sweetness and nostalgic textures. "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh", however, is a brooding quasi-indie adaptation of Michael Chabon's revered debut novel of the same name... delayed for a couple years... it's taking a thrashing in the critics' circles due to its confusing narrative, jarring departures from the source material, and vacuous performances. Sad... as it could've been a defining film for the city. I haven't seen either... and have no real desire to see either (especially since Mysteries has been universally panned)... but I thought it would make an intriguing introduction to this rather random thread. Not my usual intensive, comprehensive neighborhood profile... just a slice of life here in Pittsburgh... the mysteries that have always spellbound me.

srr · #2 Posted **May 3, 2009, 1:52 AM**

love it!

Dean · #3 Posted **May 3, 2009, 2:29 AM**

Some really interesting diverse architecture and streetscapes. Nice work.

Just as a footnote: I often laugh when i see the name 'Pittsburgh' and the silly way Americans pronounce it.

The term 'burgh' is pronounced as 'burra' in the English language. so it should be pronouced 'Pittsburra' right?? lol. I guess it's yet another American bastardisation of the English language.

Thundertubs · #4 Posted **May 3, 2009, 4:37 AM**

Three cheers. This is good stuff, particularly:

MattofSloppyVariety · #5 Posted **May 3, 2009, 4:37 AM**

love the shots, you were actuallly very close to my house in several of them. The shot of the Corner Cafe caught my eye. I live a stone's throw from there.

kool maudit · #6 Posted **Jun 3, 2009, 10:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Some really interesting diverse architecture and streetscapes. Nice work.

Just as a footnote: I often laugh when i see the name 'Pittsburgh' and the silly way Americans pronounce it.

The term 'burgh' is pronounced as 'burra' in the English language. so it should be pronouced 'Pittsburra' right?? lol. I guess it's yet another American bastardisation of the English language.

no, it's a localized evolution of the language; that's how english came to be what it is.

just sort of flatly saying "burgh" is pronounced "burra" is incorrect; there is no academie anglaise or similar governing body.

how much of a shit do you think the people of pennsylvania give for commonwealth pronunciation methods?

Creeps, Inc. · #7 Posted **Jun 6, 2009, 4:36 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool maudit

no, it's a localized evolution of the language; that's how english came to be what it is.

just sort of flatly saying "burgh" is pronounced "burra" is incorrect; there is no academie anglaise or similar governing body.

how much of a shit do you think the people of pennsylvania give for commonwealth pronunciation methods?

And never mind how quite a few Brits brutalize their own language. For instance, the whole Th being converted to Fs or Vs thing. Togevver. Nuffin. It drives me crazy.

Great pictures, by the way. I adore this city and you capture it perfectly.

Nantais · #8 Posted **Jun 6, 2009, 12:11 PM**

Great thread. I enjoyed it.

holladay · #9 Posted **May 3, 2009, 5:11 AM**

I am so jealous of the good weather you guys have been having! There are some real gems in this set, EG.

I really like the cool splendor of the foliage in this shot:

JackStraw · #10 Posted **May 3, 2009, 5:25 AM**

Jesus Christ, this is badass. You beyond showed what it is like being a resident of the Burgh. Every single shot is a work art. I can't even think of which one I like best. I love the kids walking up the city steps. Amazing job Evergrey.

Glad you began the thread in Squirrel Hill btw!

thomas_ecmpls · #11 Posted **May 3, 2009, 6:31 AM**

Nice photos. There's something i like about pittsburgh not sure what it is. If i didn't live in Minneapolis I'd love to live there. Love how hilly it is and the rivers, looks like there is alot of stuff to do outdoors. Damn some thick people too

Evergrey · #12 Posted **May 3, 2009, 10:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas_ecmpls

Nice photos. There's something i like about pittsburgh not sure what it is.

a certain je ne sais quoi, perhaps?

themaguffin · #13 Posted **May 4, 2009, 1:25 AM**

je ne sais quoi n' at.

excellent Evergray

PittPenn 03 · #14 Posted **May 3, 2009, 12:33 PM**

My favorite Pittsburgh thread to date!! More photo threads like these please!

BTW, I absoultely adored "Adventureland"! Anyone who lived their early teens to early twenties in the 80's anywhere should enjoy. I thought the atmosphere of the 80's was captured perfectly in this movie.

ChiDowntowner · #15 Posted **May 3, 2009, 1:00 PM**

Great set of photos. This thread makes me nostalgic for my trip last spring to Pittsburgh. I can't believe it's been almost a year. Here's a link to a thread with some of my photos from that trip if anyone is interested (and I apologize for the lame thread title): http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=151748

JivecitySTL · #16 Posted **May 3, 2009, 1:47 PM**

Are you kidding me.

ItsConanOBrien · #17 Posted **May 3, 2009, 1:51 PM**

Always a nice job, Evergrey! I can't wait to visit this city someday.

PhillyRising · #18 Posted **May 3, 2009, 2:02 PM**

I just rented "Zach and Miri Make A Porno". Seeing the Monroeville Mall on film gave me a woodie.

It's odd for me to see the outdoor cafe seating in Pittsburgh much like it was odd when the phenomon began here in Philly.

Every picture was awesome except the picture of the Igloo. Go Caps!

STLgasm · #19 Posted **May 3, 2009, 3:39 PM**

Some of those girls are very pleasant to look at. A sexy city in all kinds of ways.

MobyLL · #20 Posted **May 3, 2009, 4:07 PM**

Fabulous photos. Love Pittsburgh.