Stability and control vs. creative chaos. Leandro, urban planner vs. Luca, architect. Tension, arguments and passion flare throughout Moore’s ‘Beyond Borders’. Leandro, half American, half Filipino, straddling both cultures and expectations, carefully crafted his life and career logically, diligently avoiding chaotic thought, keeping control. Arriving in Italy jars him, the sultry heat and the old-world naturalness, the casualness warring with his nature. All this before he meets Luca, tempestuous and daring, innovative and informal, ready to let detail slip for the over-arching design. These two, opposites in approach, are forced to work together on an important project, a profession-defining assignment. Their boss, tired of verbal jousting and argument, puts them together for 24 hours, or both are out completely.
– Mounting pressures, frustration and opposites attract, fury leads to passion, and the studio becomes backdrop for Heat. Afterwards, Leandro wants to work, Luca accuses him of ‘running’ as always instead of appreciating what they may have, and both acquiesce to put the project ‘first’. Interspersed with scenes of open marketplace and delicious food, and the close-knit Italian family (more food, wine and discussions of corporate Architecture/function vs. Beauty and a relaxed appreciation for life) we watch as our MCs dance around each other and the intrinsic questions of Life and Love.
– Themes of Control vs Passion (or Chaos in this version) run through Moore’s works, his men concerned with building their work lives according to society’s expectations versus their own needs for connection and understanding, ultimately a Home for their wounded psyches. This story is somewhat reminiscent of Moore’s previous ‘Friction and Fire’, though not so much ‘enemies to lovers’ theme, just different reference points, alternate points of view in the artistic approach to Life. Moore’s growing collection of stories is now referencing itself, and themes and patterns of this author are more apparent, his concerns of individual vs society. Growth. Very rewarding for us, the Readers. Good for you, Ryan Moore! A solid 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Ryan Moore’s Bonus Story: ‘Legacy’s Echo’ is Luca’s story, more than enough reason to round up the star rating. Luca, age 13, 20, 27 and 33, third generation of international architectural prowess built on neo-classic principles. Family expectations, teen rebellion, a brilliant but controversial college mentor, a father’s stern hand and unexpected support and guidance, finally the reverberation of grandfather’s artistry and mastery of the foundations and innovation all prepare Luca for his embrace of chaos and control, and of course, Leandro.
– Ryan Moore is to blame for any wet eyes.
