The Mysteries of Pittsburgh: An Urban Adventureland
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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Brendan Gill, architecture writer for The New Yorker, 1990: "The three most beautiful cities in the world are Paris; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Pittsburgh. If Pittsburgh were situated somewhere in the heart of Europe, tourists would eagerly journey hundreds of miles out of their way to visit it."
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
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I gotta say Evergrey, This has got to be one of the best Pittsburgh threads to date!! I wish i could pick out a picture that defines the thread, but I can't. They all capture the city in a very lively way!! Great job!!
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"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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