Joss Whedon is a writer, mostly. He’s also directed and produced three very famous TV shows: one about a cheerleader who kills vampires; one about a good, if broody, vampire and one about a little ship trying to keep flying. So, more accurately, Joss Whedon might be known as a creator.
Unknowingly at the time, I first came across Whedon’s work while watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a rave new sci-fi/ fantasy/ thriller/ horror TV show that my brother and his girlfriend where obsessing about. I liked the show, but didn’t really become hooked until the last few seasons when I watched it with said girlfriend. Time passed and I’d heard some mention of a spin-off series, Angel, but it was always on at an annoying time so I never got to see much of it. Then, in 2003, a year after it was canceled, Firefly came to the UK and I fell instantly and completely in love with it. Also unbeknownst to me until I started researching for this article, I’d found his work in other places as well, notably Titan A.E. and Atlantis: The Lost Empire – both firm favorites with me, especially Titan A.E., a film I could watch forever.
What does Joss and his work mean to me?
First the man: From what I’ve read [and since I got a little obsessed with this article I've read a fair amount] Whedon is a nice guy. He’s honest about what he’s done and modest about what he’s achieved and he’s a feminist involved with Equality Now, which is a double plus. Whedon is also a great source of inspiration to me. His energy and humor and, well, Joss-ness make me feel I can do anything with what I write. I’ll admit that sometimes I fulfill the stereotypical angst-y struggling writer, but when I think of his work, I get filled with a great sense of hope and achievement.
His work, mainly with Firefly and Serenity, also makes me feel good. The sense of family and comradeship that emanates from the TV screen when I watch the episodes or movie makes me feel happy, privileged and, in some strange way, included.
But mostly I feel enthused by him and what he’s done, and it makes me think ‘If he can do it, so can I’
Links:
IMDB Profile
Equality Now
Whedonesque
☮&♥
