tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59444248548770816192024-03-13T04:31:58.546-07:00The Worst Kind of a SnobTo review a movie and a comic book once a week.Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-9213292608598862652011-02-05T12:04:00.000-08:002011-02-05T12:42:19.023-08:00Hello Again<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Ok, I'm back - in a manner of speaking.</span> <div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I have now surfaced from my thesis writing fury. I have written the entire thing (Yay!!!!), but I am still working on revisions and formatting (which is a big pain since I have 100+ figures that need to be included and any time I alter a line enough to move a word, it messes up my images. Woe is me). However, I am going to try and get back into the groove of posting my critques again! There are going to be a few changes...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">First of all, I think I am not going to allow myself to be tied down to any real list. If any of you know me at all, you know I hate being put in a box (which is why I just got rid of my facebook page), even though I know this puts me into a certain box, I like that I'm the one sharing on this more than creating a certain perception of myself. Anyway, right now I am working on putting all of my books, movies, and comics into an excel sheet, and it has inspired me. I own so many AMAZING works that I think I want to share some of them. Now, keep in mind, not all of my stuff is always good - some were gifts and I have been known to impulse buy some pretty bad items. However, I am going to work through my own collection of movies and comics and why others should own them too!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I am also going to try and post twice a week like I was doing, but we shall see how long that lasts for me (hopefully for a good long time). I will probably also be posting some of my artwork as well - stuff I've been working on or randomly made or painted to give away. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I am going to leave you with two things though before I go: The first being this amazing website: </span><a href="http://www.googleartproject.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://www.googleartproject.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> - you can stroll through museums and get close up views of the artwok! I love love LOVE it! Plus, the best of the best, you can set up your own collection of your favorite works of art! It makes me want to go visit the museums of course, but I love being able to see the Uffizi, which I've never gotten a chance to see in person. Plus, they have one of my favorite museums of all time on there: the Frick! So good! Defintely, go check it out.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">The last thing I will leave you with is a little picture I created for a friend who is in love with Poe's "Annabelle Lee." This image was supposed to represent the end of the poem (the whole poem is beautiful and you should read it - </span><a href="http://http//www.poemhunter.com/poem/annabel-lee/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.poemhunter.com/poem/annabel-lee/</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">).</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570306426251037394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TU20LpLEytI/AAAAAAAAAdc/p7mREtN-IQw/s400/IMG_0570.JPG" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Sorry it is a little blurry and fuzzy. I'm including two close-ups as well - </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570306426769375010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TU20LrGp_yI/AAAAAAAAAdU/yPFlpw2qz3I/s400/IMG_0572.JPG" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 349px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570306423665992290" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TU20LfiwImI/AAAAAAAAAdM/gaObr3rY16Y/s400/IMG_0573.JPG" /></span></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">That's all I have for you today. Hopefully, I'll be back Tuesday night! </span></p><p><span style="color:#990000;"></span> </p>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-15243519995059049422010-10-26T18:18:00.000-07:002010-10-26T18:42:02.507-07:00Sorry!<div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I know, I know. I am such a punk! I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. However, this is still not a real post (yes, it doesn't exist). It is more a post to explain where I have been. Sadly, I have been really overwhelmed by school and grading (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> the latter). I was able to take a break this past weekend and do some painting (finally!). And this is what I created:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I wanted to do a study in suffering. Here is my first one titled <em>Lost in Sin</em>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532530751299321330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMd_Z9we_fI/AAAAAAAAAco/hMN_junDt80/s400/IMG_0677.JPG" /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">A little bit of a close up on it...if a little blurry.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532530746037442626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMd_ZqJ9GEI/AAAAAAAAAcg/h3gXNwM2o_8/s400/IMG_0679.JPG" /></span></div><div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">My other one is what started the series. I love <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Velazquez's</span> painting (see earlier post on Daredevil), and I just love the emotion he got in the face. This is my version of that, which I have just titled "After After Velazquez." </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532530741904451730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMd_ZawkqJI/AAAAAAAAAcY/atpEYjEOEfY/s400/IMG_0684.JPG" /><br />A little bit of a closer look...<br /><br /><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532530728883903826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMd_YqQO3VI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/I1RQfiPYvd4/s400/IMG_0683.JPG" /><br />A much closer look again to see how I used the color in this one.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532530723132830482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMd_YU1EcxI/AAAAAAAAAcI/qumIuGuL_wY/s400/IMG_0685.JPG" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Something to inspire you though: I have just watched one of the most beautiful films ever! It is silent and superb! It is called <em>The Man Who Laughs</em> and came out in 1928. I loved it so much!!! You should go watch it right now - it is free on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">youtube</span> because it is public domain.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532532933656491106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMeBY_q-tGI/AAAAAAAAAc4/1docNHRT69E/s400/0813_TheManWhoLaughs_poster.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Look at that emotion in his face! So good! Plus, based on a Hugo book!?! You should know that <em>Les Miserables</em> is my favorite book ever - such a picture of redemption! I loved the movie.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532532916710292114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TMeBYAisOpI/AAAAAAAAAcw/p3m_H93b6zY/s400/themanwholaughs.png" /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> Plus, check out that legit smile! This was the inspiration of the Joker from Batman. Isn't that awesome! It made my day when I learned that (thanks to my awesome bro!), and I have been telling all my kids to go watch it, though I doubt they will. You should though! </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Alright, I am not sure when I will be able to return to regular postings since I am getting more papers to grade soon and my schedule is out of control. I will try to make time though (that's right, I'm magic). Until next time; go enjoy some art!<br /></span><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-45786278283712611062010-10-12T21:42:00.000-07:002010-10-12T22:37:58.654-07:00A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven)<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>F</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Title: <em>A Matter of Life and Death</em> (in US: <em>Stairway to Heaven</em>)</span> 1946<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Director: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Notable Actors: David Niven, Roger Livesey, and Kim Hunter</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5eWbw7KI/AAAAAAAAAcA/xwEUb0_yhXE/s1600/Stairway_to_Heaven_dvd_cover.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387311248043170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5eWbw7KI/AAAAAAAAAcA/xwEUb0_yhXE/s400/Stairway_to_Heaven_dvd_cover.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">How can you say no to David Niven? He is just so wonderful - Let's just reflect: <em>The Pink Panther</em>, <em>The Guns of Navarone</em> and he played Bertie in <em>Thank You, Jeeves!</em> So, right away <em>A Matter of Lfie and Death</em> should intrigue you. Plus, and I'm not sure if you caught this, but it is directed and written by the same people (Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger) who did <em>The Red Shoes</em>, which you know I love. This movie had much the same effect <em>The Red Shoes </em>had on me. It literally blew me away - I adored it soooooo much: sublime!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5ebNwWwI/AAAAAAAAAb4/rK1adoaB6h0/s1600/matter_of_life_and_death_2.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387312531462914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5ebNwWwI/AAAAAAAAAb4/rK1adoaB6h0/s400/matter_of_life_and_death_2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">It begins a little oddly, and really that is what defines the movie the entire way through because it is just super curious but in a really good way! However, the first scene beyond the little prologue is simply lovely. Niven's character is in a plane that is on fire and he ends up calling to the nearest station, which is manned by an American girl. He recites some poetry to her while she is trying to figure out who he is and what is happening to his plane. It is such a poignant scene that it pulls you into the story right away.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5eOXYbcI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Gk8GS8AeGgg/s1600/06.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387309082176962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5eOXYbcI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Gk8GS8AeGgg/s400/06.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Powell and Pressburger really enjoy themselves in this movie and have some fun with common stereotypes given to nations. For example, as you can tell from the picture above, the Frenchman here is depicted as foppish, effeminate, and completely sympathetic to love. Of course, Niven is an Englishman and the young woman he falls in love with is American,, which leads to a whole bunch of tension later when Niven is tried by the first American to have been shot and killed in the Revolutionary War.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5U45SHOI/AAAAAAAAAbo/FCmHa4wA3XQ/s1600/A_Matter_Of_Life_And_Death2__0001.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387148699966690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5U45SHOI/AAAAAAAAAbo/FCmHa4wA3XQ/s400/A_Matter_Of_Life_And_Death2__0001.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />I added this picture because I LOVE books and hope to have a room quite similar to this when I grow up (right now I do have stacks of books everywhere, but I can hardly stack them everywhere because my poor roomies - I live with four other girls - would kill me, especially since I have stashed my books as "accents" and "decorations" all over the place already). So this might have been a little bit of a digression, but let's face it, if this set is present in this movie how can it not be superb?<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5U8pC3LI/AAAAAAAAAbg/1OUU4vMiBz4/s1600/A_Matter_Of_Life_And_Death6__0003.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387149705600178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5U8pC3LI/AAAAAAAAAbg/1OUU4vMiBz4/s400/A_Matter_Of_Life_And_Death6__0003.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />As mentioned before, Niven's plane was heading to a crash, with no hope of escape for him; however, he is able to wash up on the shore seemingly fine. But, as time progresses, Niven is visited by a Frenchman (see above) who is trying to get him to come to the afterlife since he was supposed to die in the plane crash. When this man comes to visit Niven, everything stops in time, which is what you see in the picture of the girl playing ping-pong (never much good at that game - or any game that deals heavily with eye/hand coordination). Kim Hunter, who plays the girl, is surprisingly good at holding her pose, which she has to do throughout the movie. These scenes create interesting moments in the film, revealing much of the beauty that Powell and Pressburger are able to achieve.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5UaB9wtI/AAAAAAAAAbY/T0vJ9jA6Edw/s1600/imagesCADTCQ9T.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387140414882514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5UaB9wtI/AAAAAAAAAbY/T0vJ9jA6Edw/s400/imagesCADTCQ9T.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />This is the iconic "Stairway to Heaven." As you can see, it is lined by statues of the most famous men, which the Frenchman attempts to get Niven to chose for his defense. I love this scene, which has this great driving tune being pounded out on the piano. It fits so well with the subversiveness of the Frenchman and the confusion of Niven's character. This scene is why the American released version was called <em>Stairway to Heaven</em> (apparently, there is not much different between the two - the American version did take out this super odd scene with a clothe-less boy on the beach, seemingly representational of Pan), and has been used as album art for Phil Collins.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5ULE7sMI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/yzd-6AxnDI8/s1600/imagesCAXYOO4B.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387136400797890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5ULE7sMI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/yzd-6AxnDI8/s400/imagesCAXYOO4B.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />This movie made use of a HUGE number of extras to make up the crowd at the trial. Interestingly, these extras included real R.A.F. crews, Red Cross nurses and W.A.A.C.s. The scene of the trial is preceded by the classic and ominous picture of Niven's eye closing over the lens, effectively placing the viewer as the person about to be placed on trial. The whole sequence of the trial is fascinatingly written, as all the different people groups interact and respond. It takes place in heaven and plays off of classic stereotypes. While I'm thinking of it, I want to mention how beautiful and evocative the scene is where they first introduce heaven. At first, there is little dialogue - just people walking in and the viewer figuring out who they are and we watch them get placed. It is such an interesting picture of heaven, though deeply flawed of course (as every version of heaven is that is created on earth).<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5UBXpivI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Y5jJBke4ElY/s1600/a_matter_of_life_and_death_David_Niven_Kim_Hunter.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527387133794945778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TLU5UBXpivI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Y5jJBke4ElY/s400/a_matter_of_life_and_death_David_Niven_Kim_Hunter.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This movie did change my life. I loved it so much, and I only watched it for the first time last week! I wanted to buy it right away, and so looked for it on amazon. However, I couldn't find it for region 1 (irritations galore!). I am not sure how to get my hands on it, and I fear I will have to be patient. I would recommend that you watch this movie right away!!! You can definitely get it from your local library. If they don't have it in stock, make use of the wonderful tool called InterLibraryLoan (it can be your best friend and save you tons of money). Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-51685126741522213032010-10-05T20:30:00.000-07:002010-10-05T21:17:31.419-07:00The Lost Weekend<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>F</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Title: <em>The Lost Weekend </em>(1945)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Director: Billy Wilder</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Notable Actors: Ray Milland and Jane Wyman</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvuJhqjedI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Ojwc-wt0je8/s1600/45A.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524771215323134418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvuJhqjedI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Ojwc-wt0je8/s400/45A.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I can't tell you how much I love this movie! I'm really not sure why. Like so many classic black and white films, I first watched it on TCM and then went out and bought it right away! I just fell in love with the endearing, irritating character that the brilliant Ray Milland portrays. Just look at this picture of despair...</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvuJSV58pI/AAAAAAAAAa4/5WNSDZoM3mc/s1600/lost-weekend.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524771211209994898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvuJSV58pI/AAAAAAAAAa4/5WNSDZoM3mc/s400/lost-weekend.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Can't you feel his utter inability to control himself? What could be more terrifying than that? You are not being victimized by anyone but yourself, which is why it is so gripping and frightful because if you can't control yourself you clearly cannot control anything else. Ray Milland can also be recognized as the equally terrifying (but for completely different reasons) husband from Hitchcock's masterpiece <em>Dial M for Murder. </em><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvuI25gVRI/AAAAAAAAAaw/Fv_3LWE-7OQ/s1600/n.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524771203843118354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvuI25gVRI/AAAAAAAAAaw/Fv_3LWE-7OQ/s400/n.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> Quick side note: while we are on the note of leading actors, I hope you all recognize Jane Wyman's name. Anyone know who she was married to? I'll let that marinate for a bit ... one clue - when his statement that he cut wood was questioned by a journalist he preceded to have his secret service men video tape him chopping a HUGE load of wood ... hahahahahahahahaha. What a great story!<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtzSmv5iI/AAAAAAAAAao/_WqD7SZhBsM/s1600/LostWeekend1.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524770833323517474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtzSmv5iI/AAAAAAAAAao/_WqD7SZhBsM/s400/LostWeekend1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />The main premise of this movie is that a young man has become obsessed with drinking (you can see the ridiculous lengths he goes to in order not to be caught...here he has hidden his alcohol outside his window, so his brother does not find it as he searches - literally, awkwardly, horrifyingly - his room). His brother wants him to come with him for the weekend to help him not drink his nights away. However, we get to watch his complete fall into oblivion and departure from reason. It is haunting and surprisingly insightful because we all have obsessions that are better left unexplored.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtzN-szqI/AAAAAAAAAag/Au4S5206Wo8/s1600/lost_bfi-00n-agg_unknown.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524770832081800866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtzN-szqI/AAAAAAAAAag/Au4S5206Wo8/s400/lost_bfi-00n-agg_unknown.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Some of the best elements of this film (there are so many!) are the two women characters. One is sassy and ridic (yes, she shortens the word...who knew? I always thought that was something more recent), while the other is refined and sophisticated - showing the two spectrums he kind of pivots around. He only is associated with the sleazy girl because he hangs around in the bars when he should be with his brother; however, even she proves that she is not as sleazy as he is because she knows when to say no, which is his constant struggle.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtyrWX69I/AAAAAAAAAaY/fsvTrJT_4qg/s1600/lost-weekend-3.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524770822785854418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtyrWX69I/AAAAAAAAAaY/fsvTrJT_4qg/s400/lost-weekend-3.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Thus, we are presented with a beautiful, sparkling woman and the man who won her heart (the way they met is almost too classic...you should watch it at least for that). He is a promising writer with a strong career in front of him. However, as his character is unfolded, it is clear that his need for drink is so overwhelming that it constantly defeats and gets the better of him.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtyRSiNPI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/s7bP4twnIA4/s1600/sjff_01_img0297.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 249px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524770815790429426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtyRSiNPI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/s7bP4twnIA4/s400/sjff_01_img0297.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />The last part of the film is my favorite. It shows his awful descent into drinking madness (even Hell) as he hallucinates and ends up in the hospital. He finally realizes that he has to give up drinking in order to move on with his life. True, he lost the past weekend with his brother, who he will have to rebuild his relationship with, but he realizes that he has not lost his life. I love this ending because it does not ignore the consequences of sin, but it shows redemption and hope. To me, it ends on one of the most hopeful notes it could - him starting to write again.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtyM2AxrI/AAAAAAAAAaI/lzqzb9ov6gw/s1600/the-lost-weekend-1945-ray-milland-e1264443403336.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524770814597056178" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKvtyM2AxrI/AAAAAAAAAaI/lzqzb9ov6gw/s400/the-lost-weekend-1945-ray-milland-e1264443403336.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I do enjoy this movie a great deal. The emotion and passion one character is able to portray. I would definitely recommend that you buy it right away!!! (easily found here: </span><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Lost-Weekend-Ray-Milland/dp/B0000549B1"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Weekend-Ray-Milland/dp/B0000549B1</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">) or at least netflix it or borrow it (I'm sure your library has it). Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-53509970020301592512010-10-01T13:02:00.000-07:002010-10-01T14:17:33.372-07:00Stitches<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>G+</strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Title: <em>Stitches</em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Author AND Artist: David Smalls</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_p0PMzII/AAAAAAAAAaA/TXCbIrvV4GQ/s1600/stitches-david-small.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523171980646075522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_p0PMzII/AAAAAAAAAaA/TXCbIrvV4GQ/s400/stitches-david-small.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Yes, I am finally back and better than ever (so what if I have 70 conferences with my darling students next week, so what if I have my proposal defense next Friday, so what if I have to take the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> Subject test next Saturday - life is good)! I am glad to be back, and I am so glad I went and bought this comic. <em>Stitches</em> is a beautiful comic about the life of a young boy (the author) who grows up in a family that doesn't communicate. When he is fourteen he has to have surgery, he thinks to get a minor lump removed but really it is because he has cancer. After he wakes up from the surgery, he finds that he no longer can speak.</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_hyRSEpI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/OcBFqj5bblc/s1600/running-with-scissors.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523171842678985362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_hyRSEpI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/OcBFqj5bblc/s400/running-with-scissors.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">On the cover of <em>Stitches</em>, it bears the phrase "a memoir..." Indeed, <em>Stitches</em> is a memoir in the same vein as <em>Running with Scissors</em>. The latter details the very odd life of a young boy who is tossed around because everyone is too selfish to care, which he portrays quite aggressively. In the same way, <em>Stitches</em> mainly focuses on the relationship, or lack there of, of David to his parents. Both of these memoirs, while enjoyable and fascinating, paint an almost painfully pleasant portrayal of the main character. Essentially, they are both too ... not self-righteous, but self-pitying.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_M_HfleI/AAAAAAAAAZg/WxmAEFaRhe0/s1600/stitches003.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523171485350335970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_M_HfleI/AAAAAAAAAZg/WxmAEFaRhe0/s400/stitches003.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Here, David is portraying himself as his father subjects him to his many X-rays. He grew up in the fifties, when they didn't realize the radiation effects X-rays had, and, since he had some trouble breathing and his dad was a radiologist, he received a great number of them when he was quite young. This, quite sadly, causes his cancer, but David finds himself unable to forgive his father for the loss of his voice. Thus, for me the lack of hope and forgiveness (I love art to represent <strong>redemption</strong> something we all desire to experience at some time) present really limited the power of <em>Stitches</em>. It was too worthy of itself, rendering much of the story unpleasant.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_MBQEe_I/AAAAAAAAAZY/gMF-BIAn5Hg/s1600/Stitches_Page_001.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523171468743310322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_MBQEe_I/AAAAAAAAAZY/gMF-BIAn5Hg/s400/Stitches_Page_001.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />However, both the only element to represent hope of any kind and the redeeming factor in this book is the art. The art is beautiful and even sublime throughout the whole work. Small's choice of using only black and white fits perfectly with his dire, somber story. However, as the story unfolds David realizes that he needs art in order to express himself, which gives him a glimmer of hope. This art also gives him a voice, as his has been taken from him.</span></div><div><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_LxM2MHI/AAAAAAAAAZI/-oXOlH_Qk5s/s1600/stitches_scar.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523171464434823282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY_LxM2MHI/AAAAAAAAAZI/-oXOlH_Qk5s/s400/stitches_scar.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">With this picture, you can see the beautiful (if a little grotesque, which you should know I kind of love, which is why I am writing my thesis on it) detail Small is able to include, even as he simplifies his lines and is very intentional in what details he does include. The way he doesn't bother to capture a perfectly realistic representation of shadows on his body works because he wants his viewers to be focused on the stitches. This style works amazingly well throughout the entire book, elevating an otherwise dreary memoir into something beautiful and worth reading.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY-6b8OpYI/AAAAAAAAAZA/4-Hx5_q3l-I/s1600/stitches_disappear.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523171166670202242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKY-6b8OpYI/AAAAAAAAAZA/4-Hx5_q3l-I/s400/stitches_disappear.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Ultimately<em>, Stitches</em> presents itself as a strong comic worthy of being read. I am glad I own it because the art is luminous and simply divine. I enjoy studying it and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mimicking</span> his effective style. However, the story does not sell me, so it might be better to rent it ... really up to you. Until next time; go enjoy art!</span><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-52888045152786031002010-09-28T19:25:00.000-07:002010-09-28T20:03:30.010-07:00Oops!<div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Golly, I am so ashamed! Here I am, neglecting my blog. The truth is that I got my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">first</span> batch of papers from my lovely students a week ago, which means I have been busily grading fifty painfully freshman compare/contrast papers. I have to give them back tomorrow, which means I was doing some major grading today. All of this to say, I did not write my blog on Friday, nor am I going to today. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I know, it is so sad! Never fear; I will leave you with a few things to brighten your day until my return on Friday. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">First, I have video to offer you (found here: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4vf8N6GpdM"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4vf8N6GpdM</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">) that typifies how I feel as I grade (especially note the ending). It is a clever parody of <em>Inglorious <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Basturds</span></em>, a good film, if not pleasant. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Second, I don't feel that I should ignore the <em>Twilight</em> craze, so I offer the only way anyone should watch the movie (</span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpT8l94CKcs"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpT8l94CKcs</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">). Now, you can be up on the cultural <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">phenomenal</span> without having to actually take part in it. Doesn't that feel good?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Finally, I have two paintings to leave you with.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">The first makes me think of my mother. This pretty well <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">represents</span> her entire personality and being (well, as much as can be represented in one image). </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522164216396041170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKKrGN2oy9I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/ZWaLXiD3Hy4/s400/13_kaynielson_powder_color.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">second</span> always makes me think of my Dad. Not that his personality is really represented here. But,when I was a little girl, and I first saw this painting I thought of <em>Jeeves and Wooster,</em> an amazing British comedy that is based off of P.G. Wodehouse's amazingly hilarious novels. Anyway, my Dad introduced me to <em>Jeeves and Wooster</em> when I was young and so, for me, this painting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">represents</span> him.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522164212174451058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TKKrF-IIcXI/AAAAAAAAAYI/GP7nx6EZJcs/s400/Vettriano-Dancing-butler.gif" /></span></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Allright, until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></p>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-47537128321958411992010-09-21T20:44:00.001-07:002010-09-21T22:13:44.060-07:00The Heiress<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Grade: <strong>F</strong><br />Title: <em>The Heiress (1949)</em><br />Director: William <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wyler</span><br />Notable Actors: Olivia <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Havilland</span> and Montgomery <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clift</span><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7_TzsksI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NcltXIvhp8s/s1600/heiress_dvd_cover.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519579145898332866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7_TzsksI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NcltXIvhp8s/s400/heiress_dvd_cover.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><em></em><br /><em>The Heiress</em>. I can't tell y'all how much I adore this film! I found it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fascinating</span>, haunting, and provocative for many different reasons. Also, I thought this movie, with its intense focus on just a few key characters, presents an enthralling portrait and study of humanity. A little side note, not that I <em>only</em> care about awards, but I hope you noted the fact that <em>The Heiress</em> won FOUR Academy Awards (including Best Actress) - pretty impressive, huh!<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7_HOKmRI/AAAAAAAAAX4/s1k9XgDwfAA/s1600/Heiress,_The_(1949)_4.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519579142519691538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7_HOKmRI/AAAAAAAAAX4/s1k9XgDwfAA/s400/Heiress,_The_(1949)_4.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">It is no wonder that Olivia <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Havilland</span> won an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Oscar</span>, which she had done once before for her role in <em>To Each His Own</em>, because she is a wonderful actress. First of all, she made a number of exciting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">actiony</span> movies with Errol Flynn, and then she took a complete change of direction by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">insisting</span> on doing the role of Melanie in <em>Gone with the Wind</em>. She showed her versatility and her ability to play someone who was not chiefly a beauty. Montgomery <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clift</span> also established himself as a brilliant actor (although he never won an Academy Award...he was nominated for four - and I think the fact that he didn't win for <em>A Place in the Sun</em> is a travesty...an AMAZING movie with Elizabeth Taylor and Shelley Winters - watch it now).<br /><br /></div></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl70717FtI/AAAAAAAAAXw/F8eTe5IaZoE/s1600/r1%2520heiress%2520THE_HEIRESS-9.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519578967666530002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl70717FtI/AAAAAAAAAXw/F8eTe5IaZoE/s400/r1%2520heiress%2520THE_HEIRESS-9.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><em>The Heiress</em> is mainly concerned with a woman from a rich family as she "enjoys" society. She is naturally shy and so finds it difficult to be completely comfortable at parties or other social gatherings. People are kind to her, but her painful awkwardness is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">highlighted</span> over and over again (remember, this is before awkwardness became a tool for comedy - see <em>The Office). </em>Within the first ten minutes, I felt attached to her because she just kept doing the wrong thing, and I really wanted to help her. Anyway, she attends yet another party and meets a dashing young man, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clift</span>.</span></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl70dM8JDI/AAAAAAAAAXo/ebNzvisVWhk/s1600/the_heiress_1949.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519578959441568818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl70dM8JDI/AAAAAAAAAXo/ebNzvisVWhk/s400/the_heiress_1949.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />She is flattered by him and wants to develop their relationship because he is the only one who has ever shown any interest in her. However, her overbearing father quickly undermines her hope. In fact, the most compelling element, for me. in the movie is the relationship between the father and the daughter. It is something I find so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">heartbreakingly</span> sad - what a waste of what could be a beautiful relationship. He is a widower, lonely and cold and his daughter could provide comfort and warmth for his life. Instead, he continually pushes her away, refusing to see her virtues and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">condemning</span> her to a loveless life.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl70HTPtNI/AAAAAAAAAXg/qQUnrnbmCHA/s1600/the-heiress.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519578953562436818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl70HTPtNI/AAAAAAAAAXg/qQUnrnbmCHA/s400/the-heiress.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Ultimately, <em>The Heiress </em>is a love story, of sorts. You have a boy who seems to be falling in love with a girl who seems to be falling in love with him. What could go wrong? Of course, love is never that simple because whenever we fall in love we second guess ourselves - and the person we are falling in love with. This leads to a quagmire of questions and worries within the heiress' life as she hopes that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clift</span> really loves her.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7zXmUJvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/dEDDSe1gGa8/s1600/0.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519578940757518066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7zXmUJvI/AAAAAAAAAXY/dEDDSe1gGa8/s400/0.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />After being gone for years, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clift</span> comes back from the West to seek out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Haviland</span>. He is sporting a mustache (good choice? doubtful) and promises to love her now that he has returned. Is she happy? Will she trust him? I am not going to mention any of those questions; rather, I will let you discover the truth. The emotions at the end of this film run high and should hold you tightly to your seat.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7zN04HVI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/fs-yCyLyAxw/s1600/images.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519578938134240594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJl7zN04HVI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/fs-yCyLyAxw/s400/images.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><em>The Heiress</em> is a must see movie! I would <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommend</span> you buy it right away (I know I did), which you can do here: </span><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Heiress-Universal-Cinema-Classics/dp/B000KGGJ1I"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.amazon.com/Heiress-Universal-Cinema-Classics/dp/B000KGGJ1I</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">, or if you don't quite have the funds or the inclination you can watch it free on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">youtube</span>: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOAxiZ1fAY0"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOAxiZ1fAY0</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. Really, it is a good time for pretty much anyone of any age. Until next time; go enjoy some art!<br /></span><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-54097344631495520582010-09-17T20:48:00.001-07:002010-09-17T22:14:06.041-07:00Daredevil: Born Again<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>E</strong></span></span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Title: <em>Daredevil: Born Again </em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Author: Frank Miller</span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Artist: David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mazzucchelli</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096617070313490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3oxjCwBI/AAAAAAAAAXA/YcepXDjDY-Q/s400/poster-daredevil.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This is my second Daredevil comic to look at, and I loved it so much more than the first one! It made me remember why I thought Daredevil was such a compelling character (please, don't think of the awful Ben <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Afleck</span> Daredevil - in the comic he doesn't even have the same look, thankfully). The plot is simple: Kingpin (the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nemesis</span> of Daredevil) discovers Daredevil's secret identity and works to take everything away from Matt Murdock (who is, of course, the owner of the alter-ego Daredevil) from his job to his home to his friends.</span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096517271703410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3i9xMz3I/AAAAAAAAAW4/pn7sZym6dWw/s400/1zgfiuh.png" /><br />Let's start with the bad stuff (even if it is a little out of order). <em>Born Again</em> ends with a real campy, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">kitchy</span> villain, which leads to the involvement of Captain America (among others). This ending just falls short from the rest of the volume, which is beautifully done. I am not sure why they ended it like they did - why they had to pull in these random people, who didn't have any involvement with the rest of the story (I mean, it would be like if the writers at Penguin felt the need to draw in random people from other stories - taking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">liberally</span> from both good books and bad ones...really not an advisable idea). </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096511216916610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3inNoGII/AAAAAAAAAWw/xZ2MhQXdev0/s400/dardevil-depressed.jpg" /><br />The rest of <em>Born Again</em> is really quite brilliant. Obviously, from the title and the cover, Miller was drawing from a distinctly religious theme. This thread runs throughout the comic and really achieves a lyrical and moving storyline. Apart from being lyrical<em>, Born Again</em> presents some of the most harrowing moments that one could ever encounter. Matt's life literally falls apart in one day as he loses everything, even faith in his closest friend Foggy. However, for me, for obvious reasons, the Christian elements are the most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span>. </span><em><br /></em><br /><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096503654989938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3iLCuQHI/AAAAAAAAAWo/wNiU1lKQ_BQ/s400/untitled.bmp" /></span><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><br /></em>This image, from just after Matt had stooped to his lowest point, beautifully invokes the classic motif of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">pieta</span> (sorry, I couldn't quite figure out how to put the proper accent over the "a"). This is a symbol that I find quite evocative, so I am going to take the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">opportunity</span> to share some of the most sublime <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">pietas</span> from art. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">mwhahahahaha</span>!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518104915413764626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ_LzSTChI/AAAAAAAAAXI/x8pRYwa58WI/s400/William%2520Adolphe%2520Bouguereau%25201876%2520Pieta%2520%2520oleo%2520Dallas.jpg" /><br />Here is the haunting painting by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bouguereau</span> of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pieta</span> or "the Sixth Sorrow: Mary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Receives</span> Jesus' Body into Her Arms." Just observe the intense look on Mary's face! In fact, this painting is what inspired Mel Gibson (please excuse all of his many indiscretions and don't judge his past work for his present deeds - or should we?) to look for a similar looking Mary in <em>Passion</em>. I find the white body of Jesus particularly striking against Mary's black robes.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3NWGGj7I/AAAAAAAAAWg/NNxY4bVpqtg/s1600/Pieta.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096145844703154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3NWGGj7I/AAAAAAAAAWg/NNxY4bVpqtg/s400/Pieta.jpg" /></span></em></a><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><br /></em>Here is probably the most famous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pieta</span>, and famous for a good reason, sculpted by the ever astonishing Michelangelo. I remember the first time I saw a picture of this statue I was a freshman in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">high school</span>. We had to analyze it for my history class and as a group we particularly noticed how much larger Mary's body was compared to Jesus' waif-like corpse. The emotion conveyed by the way the figures are arranged is especially poignant.<br /><br /></span></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3MmaWRmI/AAAAAAAAAWY/Om5Al22-wCk/s1600/Daredevil_BornAgain06.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096133044717154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3MmaWRmI/AAAAAAAAAWY/Om5Al22-wCk/s400/Daredevil_BornAgain06.jpg" /></span></em></a><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><br /></em>Another image from <em>Born Again</em> that is evocative of religious symbolism is this touching picture of Matt and his mother (she is the nun clutching his hand, in case you were curious). I love how <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mazzucchelli</span> uses the negative space to create the illusion of a cross, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> with the tiny crucifix at the center, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">reminiscent</span> of the sign nailed above Jesus' head when he was murdered.<br /><br /></span></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3FCRReRI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/lQtXKMglTD8/s1600/diego_velasquez_christ_on_the_cross.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518096003083893010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ3FCRReRI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/lQtXKMglTD8/s400/diego_velasquez_christ_on_the_cross.jpg" /></span></em></a><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><br /></em>Oh yes, I found a way to fit in one of my favorite paintings of Jesus, this one done by Velazquez (yes, I didn't get to put the accent over his a either...oops). Isn't it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exquisite</span> - try to get a close up of his face - I find myself always drawing this eloquent depiction of Jesus' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sacrifice</span> everywhere (right now it is scrawled across our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bright</span> blue kitchen wall in chalk). Just take a few moments to ponder this painting . . . doesn't your soul feel better now!</span></span></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ2o3h_e6I/AAAAAAAAAVg/t8n5LraQ0HI/s1600/bornagain01.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518095519164890018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJQ2o3h_e6I/AAAAAAAAAVg/t8n5LraQ0HI/s400/bornagain01.jpg" /></span></em></a><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em> </em>Ultimately, <em>Born Again</em> is a comic definitely worth the read. In fact, despite its somewhat weak <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disappointing</span> end, I would say you should buy it right now. Cave under the pressure: </span></span><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Daredevil-Born-Again-Frank-Miller/dp/0785134808"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.amazon.com/Daredevil-Born-Again-Frank-Miller/dp/0785134808</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. The way this comic inspires you to think, to look at your life, to evaluate makes the read especially worthwhile. Until next time; go enjoy some art!<br /></span><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-91525336590078584572010-09-14T18:24:00.000-07:002010-09-17T22:15:41.709-07:00Harold and Maude<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>G+</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Title: <em>Harold and Maude </em>(1971)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Director: Hal Ashby</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Notable Actors: Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAogxlD10I/AAAAAAAAAUI/oCkTlxVEFJ4/s1600/51_tmb.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516954087058560834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAogxlD10I/AAAAAAAAAUI/oCkTlxVEFJ4/s400/51_tmb.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Harold</span> and Maude</em> was actually first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommended</span> to me by a good friend of mine. He loved it, but his wife told me not to bother. I decided to give it a try, and I am glad I did. It is a very strange movie, but kind of refreshing in its oddity. I quite liked the characterization of the two leads, especially Maude. Ruth Gordon did an excellent job with her character, who is an erratic old lady who steals cars and demands to live in the moment. She changes the life of the morbid Harold when they meet at a funeral.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAogoHVK0I/AAAAAAAAAUA/FfqiCEj8hag/s1600/3.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516954084517948226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAogoHVK0I/AAAAAAAAAUA/FfqiCEj8hag/s400/3.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Now, this isn't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">strictly</span> about this movie, but look at these pictures! Ruth Gordon was truly beautiful when younger, and she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">certainly</span> aged well, which you can see in the film. I found these two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pictures</span> of her, and she looks so stunning and classic I had to share them. The top picture made me think of a Gatsby (see F. Scott Fitzgerald's immortal <em>The Great Gatsby)</em> girl, while the bottom picture made me think of Grace Kelly in <em>To Catch a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Thief</span></em> (a movie you really have to see - so beautiful) or Greta Garbo in <em>Camille,</em> one of her best roles.</span></div><div><span style="color:#660000;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAobJOaIqI/AAAAAAAAAT4/iaUVK9fMSA0/s1600/ruth-gordon-hor1929475.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516953990326788770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAobJOaIqI/AAAAAAAAAT4/iaUVK9fMSA0/s400/ruth-gordon-hor1929475.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />OK, now back to the movie at hand. I have already mentioned that it is a strange film, but just because something is strange does not mean it is bad (just think of Van <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gogh</span>. It is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decidedly</span> strange to cut off your own ear in order to study it better, but I'm sure anyone in the world could find at least one of his paintings beautiful). In this movie, the strangeness works most of the time. Harold has a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">penchant</span> for pretending to kill himself, which can be quite funny, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> the scene with an actress his mother has set him up with who jumps right into character playing opposite the dead man. However, it can also be humourless and gets a little redundant after a while.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoa1v5ynI/AAAAAAAAATw/FIdd5GPzxOA/s1600/3430296480_93062f2e6d_o.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516953985098566258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoa1v5ynI/AAAAAAAAATw/FIdd5GPzxOA/s400/3430296480_93062f2e6d_o.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Nevertheless, the story, pulled so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tautly</span> between life and death, is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span> one. Indeed, a quick fun fact about <em>Harold and Maude</em>: the screenwriter Colin Higgins took this story from the thesis he wrote in order to complete his schooling at UCLA. This is particularly encouraging to me as I am entrenched within my own thesis writing process. Actually, I am entrenched in thesis proposal writing process (which I hope to defend in less than two weeks). See, theses are good for something after having been written. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516953982577486242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoasW1KaI/AAAAAAAAATo/eLrYA1u5xMI/s400/harold_and_maude.jpg" /> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This movie is a fun sort of romp through the early seventies. It is interesting to see how the culture of that day influenced this film, from the clothing to the ideology. In fact, a song that provides a common thread throughout the movie is Cat Stevens' "If You Want to Sing Out" (which you can go here: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3Rm4MSX-g"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3Rm4MSX-g</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> to hear if you aren't familiar with this song).<br /><br /></div></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoaKGfUtI/AAAAAAAAATg/RyuS6Dl35Wc/s1600/harold-and-maude.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516953973382140626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoaKGfUtI/AAAAAAAAATg/RyuS6Dl35Wc/s400/harold-and-maude.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />The movie moves from a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">bildungsroman</span> (coming of age tale) about Harold to Maude's emphasis on when she is going to pass, she repeatedly says that eighty is the best age to die. Harold has now fallen in love with the fifty-years-his-senior woman, and they share an almost poetic but, of course, disturbing kiss. Apart from the awkward age difference between Harold and Maude the kiss does point to the beautiful cyclic nature of life, which is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">particularly</span> fitting in light of how the film ends.</span></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoZ7Le2qI/AAAAAAAAATY/iR1zkUz5waE/s1600/thekiss.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516953969376549538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TJAoZ7Le2qI/AAAAAAAAATY/iR1zkUz5waE/s400/thekiss.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span><div><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span></span> </div><div><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Harold and Maude</em> is a strange film and probably isn't for everyone (which is why it has won the "cult" label), but I think it is worth at least a renting. Also, I have some exciting news that I can't help but share it: I am going to a comic book club on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Thursday</span> night! Jealous? You should be. I'll let you know how it goes on Friday. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-43789923643450187322010-09-10T17:42:00.000-07:002010-09-17T22:16:34.677-07:00X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Grade: <strong>G+</strong><br />Title: <em>X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga</em><br />Author: Chris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Claremont</span><br />Artist: John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Byrne</span><br /><br /></span><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrSBAAIfXI/AAAAAAAAATQ/TDiDQbpdLzo/s1600/a31d148e20763c180ccdde0f6b9829da_l.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451608290852210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrSBAAIfXI/AAAAAAAAATQ/TDiDQbpdLzo/s400/a31d148e20763c180ccdde0f6b9829da_l.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I encountered in <em>The Dark Phoenix Saga</em> a problem I have seen in almost all of the X=Men stories I have read. It is painfully written at times - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>, let's be honest: most times. However, if I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate</span> that from the story itself, I find this saga quite compelling.<br /></span></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrSA_3VWHI/AAAAAAAAATI/CNn4JEx0WAM/s1600/105034-31882-dark-phoenix-saga_large.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 344px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451608253945970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrSA_3VWHI/AAAAAAAAATI/CNn4JEx0WAM/s400/105034-31882-dark-phoenix-saga_large.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><br />Although, some of the art is quite striking (see above - how can you not love this visual of a phoenix? Of course, the phoenix is one of my favorite mythological creatures. The symbols that the bird possesses are so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span> - the images of rebirth, healing, fire, power and wealth - and they represent so much in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> many cultures, from the Phoenicians to the Persians to the Greeks to the Egyptians), at other times I disliked it. For example, the color is that often <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tacky</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ill-fitting</span> However, I have to admit that the art is also successful. The way <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Byrne</span> represents action and the characters is pleasing.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrR1zH8AOI/AAAAAAAAATA/lYwC7ai2auc/s1600/uncannyxmen19800713508gi1.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451415855366370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrR1zH8AOI/AAAAAAAAATA/lYwC7ai2auc/s400/uncannyxmen19800713508gi1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Here we have a page where Jane Grey goes into her crazy, violent self and her friends are forced to fight against her. This is a question that I always find <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span>. What I enjoy about the writing of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Claremont</span> (never the actual way he phrases it, but his overall ideas can be captivating). These elements in the story are notable because they show an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attractive</span> trend that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span> in the eighties in mainstream comic writing (<em>The Dark Phoenix Saga</em> was published from January to October in 1980).<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrR1fruWAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/xEJA7JXijoY/s1600/images.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451410636756994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrR1fruWAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/xEJA7JXijoY/s400/images.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />One of my favorite aspects of the story are the fun mind games that Mastermind (classic name, right) plays with Jane Grey. He makes her relive the life of Lady Jane Grey (quick shameless plug - check out <em>Lady Jane, </em>old school Cary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Elwes</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">PrincessBride</span></em> and Helena <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bonham</span> Carter, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">creepyness</span>, which recounts the sad reign of Lady Jane Grey) with himself cast as her love, which really kills Scott. Good times.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrR0PyuWII/AAAAAAAAASw/EVYN0mxMnIo/s1600/41765-3626-47425-1-classic-x-men_super.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451389191280770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrR0PyuWII/AAAAAAAAASw/EVYN0mxMnIo/s400/41765-3626-47425-1-classic-x-men_super.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I actually really like that last <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picture</span> (minus the S<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">piderman</span>, you know how I feel about people other than Batman - are you ready for this: Right now I am sitting in my living room with my awesome <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">roomies</span> watching a Batman marathon. That's right. We started with <em>Batman</em> from 1966, moved onto <em>Batman </em>from 1989, to <em>Batman Returns </em>from 1992, then to <em>Batman Forever </em>from 1995, then to <em>Batman and Robin </em>from 1997 (I know it really is painful to watch), then to <em>Batman Begins</em> from 2005 and, finally, to end beautifully with <em>The Dark Knight</em> (which started my interest in reading <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">comics</span>, so I can't help bu that love it) aren't y'all jealous!!!!). Even though the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cheesy</span> mask kills me a little bit, the pathos grips me.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451369081613378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrRzE4NLEI/AAAAAAAAASg/PG7b7KQbSR8/s400/the-25-greatest-moments-in-x-men-history-20060526080913806-000.jpg" /><br />One of the most beautiful aspects of this story is Jean Gray's self-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sacrifice</span>. Granted, she had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">committed</span> genocide of an entire planet and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wreaked</span> awful havoc on the X-Men team, but even so when she dies the note of tragedy is not lost. The powerful moment is somewhat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lessened</span> by the unfortunately large-headed (forever <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">emblazoned</span> in my mind as babies because of how they look - unfair, I know) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Uatu</span>, the watcher (an idea that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intrigues</span> me - those cursed to watch the universe and never interfere, but why do they have to look so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unfortunate</span>???) commenting, rather lamely, in my opinion, "Jane Grey could have lived to become a God. But it was more important to her that she die ... a <strong>human.</strong>" I am really not sure why that strikes me as so cheesy. I know I love a good line as much as the next person, but, I suppose, this one just rings false for me.<em> </em></span></span></div><div><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515451378876369170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIrRzpXdSRI/AAAAAAAAASo/A8BmsvHtPnA/s400/936583.jpg" /><br /></em>However, I still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">believe</span> that <em>The Dark Phoenix</em> is worth a read. It is an example of some of the best story you will get from an ultra mainstream storyline. I would suggest getting it from your local library (you know how much I like those), but if you just feel compelled to buy it, you may purchase it here: </span></span><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/X-Men-Dark-Phoenix-Chris-Claremont/dp/0785122133"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.amazon.com/X-Men-Dark-Phoenix-Chris-Claremont/dp/0785122133</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></div><div><div><div><em></em></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-67780879528246713392010-09-07T08:46:00.000-07:002010-09-17T22:17:51.650-07:00Nosferatu, eine symphonie des Gravens<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Grade: <strong>E</strong><br />Title: <em>Nosferatu, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">eine</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Symphonie</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">des</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gravens</span></em> (1922)<br />Director: F.W. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Murnau</span><br />Notable Actor: Max <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schreck</span> (whose name in translation means "fear!")<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgpQ1fTCI/AAAAAAAAASY/CO6Bblht8Gc/s1600/1264968720NosferatuPoster.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514201055771970594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgpQ1fTCI/AAAAAAAAASY/CO6Bblht8Gc/s400/1264968720NosferatuPoster.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><em>Nosferatu</em> was the first silent movie I watched and enjoyed. The music, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cinematography</span>, the plot - all of it worked together to create a beautiful film. From the first introduction to Nosferatu (who upon seeing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hutter's</span> wife's picture mouths "Is this your wife, what a lovely throat" you can see just that scene here: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8IT4aAouus"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8IT4aAouus</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> - classic) to his iconic rise of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coffin</span>.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgk-OYhoI/AAAAAAAAASQ/YQ_so0JYjWk/s1600/nosferatu0000.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514200982056633986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgk-OYhoI/AAAAAAAAASQ/YQ_so0JYjWk/s400/nosferatu0000.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><br /><em>Nosferatu</em> grips the viewer throughout. The fact that it is a silent film actually helps this movie. With only the eerie score that is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">played</span> along as the sole source of sound context, the tension builds upon itself in such a way that the first time I watched it I was actually scared. Perhaps you don't think this is such a great feat (and, considering the fact that I wouldn't take a shower after watching <em>Psycho</em> in the 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade, perhaps you are right).<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgksAoNsI/AAAAAAAAASI/fJdazkQOsro/s1600/nosferatularge.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514200977167103682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgksAoNsI/AAAAAAAAASI/fJdazkQOsro/s400/nosferatularge.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />However, just look at that photo above. What! Tell me that you wouldn't be frightened if, after you looked in the mirror, seeing only yourself, you turned around to see him standing (or lurking is probably more accurate) behind you, it wouldn't be terrifying. In <em>Nosferatu</em>, you will not see a vampire who sparkles or just wants to love you or your daughter. Rather, Nosferatu is brutal and murderous.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgkFgCJOI/AAAAAAAAASA/8DmdkzlCa9s/s1600/nosferatu.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514200966829843682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgkFgCJOI/AAAAAAAAASA/8DmdkzlCa9s/s400/nosferatu.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />When I first watched this film (and even upon my other viewings), my favorite scene is one where Nosferatu is sailing from his distant land to your home (yes, he is coming for you!), and slowly begins killing off the crew, one boatman at a time. This scene, or really series of scenes, is gripping because you literally know what's coming, yet you can't help but wish, hope, and maybe suspect that ONE will survive.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgjpOu9zI/AAAAAAAAAR4/8e1jyjQYHBc/s1600/nosferatu1.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 334px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514200959241090866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgjpOu9zI/AAAAAAAAAR4/8e1jyjQYHBc/s400/nosferatu1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Of course, anyone who watches <em>Nosferatu</em> connects it right away to Bram Stoker's <em>Dracula</em>. When the movie was created, the Stoker family noticed it as well and where NOT pleased. Thus, <em>Nosferatu</em> barely got out of the gate and almost every copy was destroyed. Also, I have been led to believe that we may not even have a completed copy as the director desired.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgjdgZszI/AAAAAAAAARw/L1rknfoFWnk/s1600/nosferatu-914689.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514200956093969202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TIZgjdgZszI/AAAAAAAAARw/L1rknfoFWnk/s400/nosferatu-914689.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Happily, <em>Nosferatu</em> can be found on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">youtube</span> in its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">entirety</span> because it is now public domain: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcyzubFvBsA"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcyzubFvBsA</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. It is an interesting look into horror before one could actually hear the proverbial girl scream. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-44651798063963663032010-08-31T19:02:00.000-07:002010-08-31T19:12:35.620-07:00Sad News<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Hello all,</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Sadly, today I have to choose between posting an awesome review for <em>Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Gravens</em> or doing my translation of Caedman's Hymn for Old English. I have chosen to do the latter, which means that I will not be able to post my review until <em>next</em> Tuesday night. Also, I will not be posting a review on Friday because I am going to be at a conference at Purdue and will not have internet. You will have to be patient and wait a week. I hope you can make it!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMl6hUZHBqY"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMl6hUZHBqY</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This is a trailer for <em>Nosferatu</em> to whet your appitite. Unitl next time; go enjoy some art!</span>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-11590466407052193202010-08-27T16:12:00.000-07:002010-08-27T16:41:33.155-07:00Batman: Faces<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>G</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Title: Batman: Faces</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Author AND Artist: Matt Wagner </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510232378139492562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THhHJ0jcQNI/AAAAAAAAARY/nlPxju4OyvE/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span></span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Batman: Faces</em> was an ... interesting read because it was based around an intruiging idea; however, the way it was executed was painfully weak for a number of reasons. To begin, the introduction typifies the book it is introducing. It made some interesting points (like his item about Ted Bundy and Jeffery Dahmer - intruiged, aren't you! now you have to read it), but it was a bit clunky and heavy-handed.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510232562277272610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THhHUihTzCI/AAAAAAAAARg/UGmsJs6FPa0/s400/IMG_0586.JPG" /><br />Looking at the above image, you can see that the art can be quite weak. Part of the problem, for me, is the way it is colored. While, the other part is the awkward penciling, which causes the story to be arrested and to suffer.<br /></span><div><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510232110325457970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THhG6O3mZDI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/cHpWrcQo_DU/s400/IMG_0588.JPG" /><br />On the other hand, Wagner does make nice use of the comic book medium. For example, the above page shows an interesting play with the way space in comic books seems to control time and hwo we experience them in this form. He successfully presents six separate panels at the same time while not disturbing the story. An excellent example of what the comic book form is capable of.<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510232102625492514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THhG5yLyPiI/AAAAAAAAAQw/AdT_aS9_EOc/s400/IMG_0595.JPG" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Yet again, he loses the power and expertise that he had gained with spreads like the above. Few things in the comic book medium annoy me more than when the words or images are not needed. There is no reason to say what is about to happen. If Batman needs to create a diversion and then does so - there is no reason to say that. that is what really bothered me in the so called "classic" X-men story <em>God Loves, Man Kills </em>(even though I do enjoy that title). A girl in that story thinks "I'm going to walk across the street" and then preceeds to walk across the street. Irritatingly pointless! Nothing makes me lose my patience with a comic book faster.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510232098259815954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THhG5h67ThI/AAAAAAAAAQo/oaBXfFQ-TaM/s400/IMG_0592.JPG" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">The most compelling aspect of this story, as I mentioned before, is the idea behind it: the way Two-Face handles the other freaks (taking this term from the self-titled circus troup in the 1932 movie <em>Freaks</em>). He has collected, kidnapped, and gathered a number of people with deformities in order to populate an island where they can live without suffering from oppresion by so-called "normal people." It is very interestign because while Two-Face is attempting to achieve justice, the "freaks" say things like "I was happy" and "I miss my family," showing that they were able to create "normal" lives for themselves.</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510232568395789730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THhHU5UE9aI/AAAAAAAAARo/1gJICPZ0RO8/s400/IMG_0591.JPG" /></span></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Thus, it was an interesting enough idea to merit one read, but nothing to run and buy. I would reccommend that you rent it from your local library. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></p>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-40468221324625042302010-08-24T19:12:00.001-07:002010-08-26T10:59:41.887-07:00Blade Runner<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Grade: <strong>E</strong><br />Title: <em>Blade Runner </em>(1982)<br />Director: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ridley</span> Scott<br />Notable Actors: Harrison Ford and Rutger <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hauer</span><br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8xNA4vmI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/OGo4IFIiqrA/s1600/bladeRunner.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165428929773154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8xNA4vmI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/OGo4IFIiqrA/s400/bladeRunner.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><br />I love a good post-apocalyptic tale (let me put in a quick disclaimer: I LOATHE <em>The Road</em>. I know, it's post-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apocalyptic</span>, but it also had NO beauty in it. Their lives were empty, pointless and why would anyone want to watch a story like that? People need beauty and anything that forgets this becomes quite useless to me. I didn't think that it had any redeeming quality in it), and <em>Blade Runner</em> is no exception. I loved it from the moment it started with its breathtaking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cityscape</span> and eye-locking lighted images.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8ww7-aKI/AAAAAAAAAQI/kxuALBNaW9s/s1600/blade-runner-billboard.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165421392980130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8ww7-aKI/AAAAAAAAAQI/kxuALBNaW9s/s400/blade-runner-billboard.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />This masterpiece of dark tones, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span> artificial life (I am specifically thinking of all the fun creatures Sebastian created), and future <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">prophecy</span> is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loosely</span> based on (and it really might be better to say inspired by) Philip K. Dick's book <em>Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? </em>that obviously looks into what makes androids androids and, more importantly, humans really humans. This theme is focused on less in the movie, which is a little bit of a loss. However, the most notable issue that <em>Blade Runner</em> has is the fact that there have been about seven (yes SEVEN) versions shown! I watched the most recent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">release</span>: The Final Cut, but I am not sure is the best one. I like to think that it is partly because it is the one I had to watch and partly because it is the director, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ridley</span> Scott,'s real cut.</span></div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165130085485042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8fzu2yfI/AAAAAAAAAQA/dGqWzdMIiRU/s400/blade_runner_4.jpg" /> </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">One of the best aspects of <em>Blade Runner</em> is the characters. The main character is Rick <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span>, a man who works as a hunter of androids when they escape and come back to earth (they work as slaves on off planet colonies).<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8fS9lAZI/AAAAAAAAAP4/tW3uQfvu6TM/s1600/blade-runner-publicity-still-high-resolution-03.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165121288864146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8fS9lAZI/AAAAAAAAAP4/tW3uQfvu6TM/s400/blade-runner-publicity-still-high-resolution-03.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />There are four of the most recent versions of androids who escape and the movie focuses on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span> as he hunts them down. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> found Pris and Roy Batty a fascinating couple. She acts almost doll like and is seemingly sweet with quite a dark side because she has to protect her life (she is the one with the tool covering her behind <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard's</span> poised gun).<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8ez7RjpI/AAAAAAAAAPw/BWNubg92_Ow/s1600/roy.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165112957701778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8ez7RjpI/AAAAAAAAAPw/BWNubg92_Ow/s400/roy.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Her counterpart Roy (got to love how he is just chilling with that bird) is dedicated to keeping her alive and takes charge of who he is as an android - a hero if he hadn't been an android, or if it was told from his perspective. The way he acts when Pris dies is quite touching. He even allows <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span>, right after he killed his love, some time to get away while he takes a few moments to say goodbye to Pris. It is a very gripping scene and the one that questions the difference between <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">artificial</span> life and real life in the most provocative ways.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8ehfjIcI/AAAAAAAAAPo/sjYmrAV2yFk/s1600/Sean_Young_blade-runner-1982-36-g.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165108009574850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8ehfjIcI/AAAAAAAAAPo/sjYmrAV2yFk/s400/Sean_Young_blade-runner-1982-36-g.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Rachel is the love interest in <em>Blade Runner</em>. She believes herself to be a human, only to be proved an android, which causes her to question what she is supposed to do with her life. She betrays her kind in order to save <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span>, but the ending of the film is ambiguous to whether or not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span> and Rachel are going to live happily ever after. Throughout the film the man who has been forcing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span> to "retire" the androids has made a point of saying that he is going to have to kill Rachel as well. The final scene has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Rachel</span> together, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deckard</span> holding a little silver unicorn (see below) left behind by this guy.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8eP8dBNI/AAAAAAAAAPg/B9m1l7TM4u4/s1600/blade-runner-unicorn.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509165103298970834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/THR8eP8dBNI/AAAAAAAAAPg/B9m1l7TM4u4/s400/blade-runner-unicorn.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">imagery</span> of a unicorn is especially <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interesting</span> in light of the film. People have been able to create artificial life, but animals have become rare, often extinct, which reflects upon this mythical creatures origins. Perhaps, the people who live in the world of <em>Blade Runner</em> would imagine alligators to be mythical creatures. All in all, I loved this movie. It made me think, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">reflect</span> on beauty and my fellow men, and appreciate the sublimity of love. Go see it right now!!! I would recommend that you simply cut to the chase and go buy it: </span><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Final-Two-Disc-Special/dp/B000UD0ESA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1282704244&sr=8-2"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Final-Two-Disc-Special/dp/B000UD0ESA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">dvd</span>&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">qid</span>=1282704244&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">sr</span>=8-2</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. Until next time; go enjoy some art!<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-85025940891841294762010-08-20T18:00:00.000-07:002010-08-20T18:45:14.941-07:00Daredevil: Yellow<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Grade: <strong>G</strong><br />Title: <em>Daredevil: Yellow</em><br />Author: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jeph</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loeb</span><br />Artist: Tim Sale<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507662196991795106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lllqLH6I/AAAAAAAAAOw/DAhMKPh2rX0/s400/000d5f9c_medium.jpg" /><br />I am so glad to be back! I hope y'all didn't miss me too much! I will try to be faithful with my blog, but I think it is only fair to warn you that I have a lot on my plate this year (I am just getting back to school, which means teaching and taking classes - lucky me). However, I have so much fun reviewing things, you know that you will be hearing from me frequently! I am glad to be working with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jeph</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loeb</span> and Tim Sale again (they are the guys who wrote <em>Superman for All Seasons</em>). You know my real love for them comes from their Batman comic books (one of which I will be using in an upcoming paper that I will be presenting at Purdue) like <em>Batman: Haunted Knight</em>.<br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507663505660901474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8mxw1M-GI/AAAAAAAAAPY/6qOhjbTaoKg/s400/Batman%2520Haunted%2520Knight.jpg" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This is my first Daredevil comic to be reviewing, and I am glad to do it because the Daredevil character has generated some excellent stories. However, as you can tell from the grade I gave this particular comic book, this Daredevil certainly did not change my life, although it is pleasant enough. In fact, that is the exact word I would choose to describe <em>Yellow</em>: pleasant. The story <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">harkens</span> back to the classic All American story - the love story.<br /></span></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lmmTzqYI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/FidIDZWlZvs/s1600/ddy6.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507662214346287490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lmmTzqYI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/FidIDZWlZvs/s400/ddy6.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />The presentation of the story is good - a very simple feeling story that is presented simply. In fact, that is what I love about it. It is a story rich with feelings that are easy to relate to, but there were just some elements in the story that felt awkward and out of place. For example, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loeb</span> and Sale are attempting to give homage to the long history that has surrounded Daredevil, like the fact that his first case was helping the Fantastic Four, but in this story it doesn't fit and distracts from the story rather than adding to it. So, little digressions like this detract from what should be the main purpose here: storytelling. Even if storytelling wasn't the main purpose, there should be a more convincing reason for including elements like that, which simply feel painfully out of place.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lmZrJ6fI/AAAAAAAAAPI/orTp1pffAQc/s1600/daredevilyellow_rss.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507662210954553842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lmZrJ6fI/AAAAAAAAAPI/orTp1pffAQc/s400/daredevilyellow_rss.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />However, in many ways it is a good origin story about Daredevil. That is why you see him <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">garbed</span> in yellow (his color is traditionally <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> dark red). This color comes from his father's old boxing robe that he constructs into his costume. I like that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loeb</span> and Sale broke away from the classic Daredevil to dress him in yellow, and you know that I love the art of Tim Sale! That is one of the best assets of <em>Yellow</em> because his simple, clear style fits well with the simple nature of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loeb's</span> storytelling.<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507662199958797874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8llwtj_jI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Q8D4KS6oqVg/s400/300px-Daredevil_yellow_3.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Nevertheless, I just did not find the simple story in this Daredevil to be compelling enough. I am not sure what exactly it lacked, but I think that it didn't develop certain points fully, which made the whole story feel rushed at times or even a little disjointed. I am afraid that this will happen with a lot of comic stories that are tied up in the mess that is the long long long history that makes up the Marvel universe. Part of me loves the idea of all the continuity between the superhero stories, but I think that usually it just leads to awkward mentions of things that don't always fit in the story. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lmEEwe8I/AAAAAAAAAPA/b7UYGds1UhM/s1600/2770header_banner4844571.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507662205156359106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TG8lmEEwe8I/AAAAAAAAAPA/b7UYGds1UhM/s400/2770header_banner4844571.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />All in all, this is a diverting book. I would say it is worth a read, but I wouldn't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessarily</span> recommend that you buy it, which is why I am not going to give you a link to purchase it. Instead, I would suggest you go to your local library and rent it! Don't worry, if they don't have it you can always inter-library loan it, which means they borrow it from a neighboring library that does have it! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Until</span> next time; go enjoy some art!</span><br /><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-68190021660618371892010-08-13T20:34:00.000-07:002010-08-13T20:53:12.014-07:00Break . . .<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I am taking a short break today and next Tuesday because I am going back to Virginia (from Texas) and I need to pack and drive a long way. Expect to see my next post a week from today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">However, I would hate to leave you with nothing, so I am going to share a poem with you that one of my friends recently shared with me. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Vermeer</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">As long as the woman from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rijksmuem</span><br />in painted silence and concentration<br />day after day pours milk</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">from the jug to the bowl,</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">the World does not deserve</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">the end of the world.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">- <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wislawa</span> Szymborska<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">I thought this was especially appropriate since I recently referenced this painting in my post about <em>Kingdom Come</em>. In case you forgot what it looks like I have posted it below:</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 363px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505106768046761746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGYRcDAGpxI/AAAAAAAAAOo/6gkCnvFKU9U/s400/vermeer_milkmaid.jpg" /> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Also, if you happen to be seeking a little zany music enjoyment I offer "Ghost of Stephen Foster" by The Squirrel Nut Zippers (</span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJzWGkgFcTU"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJzWGkgFcTU</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">) and the completely odd La <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cenerentola</span> by Rossini (</span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXrqYCZhndk"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXrqYCZhndk</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">). Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-41033425164067510072010-08-10T21:34:00.001-07:002010-08-10T22:17:03.246-07:00Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark<span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grade: <strong>G+</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Title: <em>Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark</em> (1981)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Director: Steven Spielberg</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Notable Actor: Harrison Ford</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo8uBmXeI/AAAAAAAAAOg/IsGOQv_0Y_s/s1600/587.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504006718212169186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo8uBmXeI/AAAAAAAAAOg/IsGOQv_0Y_s/s400/587.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Just look at that movie poster. Is there really anything left to be said? What could be better than the promise of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">manly</span> men, beautiful women, gold-tinged <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">religion</span>, exotic swords, big snakes and the perfect villains: Nazis. Indeed, this movie provides almost a time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">capsule</span> of my childhood, so it is hard to make sure I am being fair in grading it since I can't view it nostalgia-free. But really, I am not sure I should. A movie is tied to the time it was made in and the surrounding events of the viewers' lives. However<em>, Indiana Jones</em> is able to stand on its own, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate</span> from my own delightful memories of watching it with my family.</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo8eyJVdI/AAAAAAAAAOY/y6vmyl_1EH8/s1600/indiana-jones-raiders.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504006714120820178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo8eyJVdI/AAAAAAAAAOY/y6vmyl_1EH8/s400/indiana-jones-raiders.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">There are many reasons why <em>Indiana Jones</em> is a great movie (many of which I have already mentioned being shown off in the poster), not the least of which is its triumphant and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">enduring</span> score. This score was provided by the legendary John Williams, who also did <em>Jaws</em>, <em>Star Wars</em>, <em>Home Alone</em>, <em>Jurassic Park</em>, <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em> and <em>Harry Potter</em> - just to name a few. I can't even describe to you how much I love his work. Please, go listen to the theme from <em>Schindler's List</em>: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYikshdLcw&feature=related"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYikshdLcw&feature=related</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. Beautiful, isn't it. Anyway, having Williams as part of your movie team always helps, and in this movie he was able to create a theme that pronounced high adventure and triumph as Indie goes racing through a cave, trying to out run a huge boulder (that he perhaps could have avoided by simply ducking before it had rolled down the ramp).</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504006606839181266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo2PINb9I/AAAAAAAAAOI/RJNF2Ka6Wxs/s400/425_ford_indy_jones_051408.jpg" /><br />True to any action movie I have ever seen, <em>Indiana Jones</em> demands a willing suspension of disbelief. At times, this film might draw a little too heavily from this - for example, the snakes never biting Indie or Marion <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ravenwood</span>, his love of the film - but all in all it does not demand without rewarding, which makes this a worthwhile action movie.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504006594584918450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo1hekObI/AAAAAAAAAN4/xtgp-kLgQ0g/s400/raiders_of_the_lost_ark_indiana_jones_movie_image_harrison_ford.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Beyond these points, <em>Indiana Jones</em> really delivers. It gives the audience a reassuring presentation of pure evil. Who could feel bad that a group of Nazi soldiers (which the viewers are constantly reminded as the Nazi flag is slapped on anything and everything from the video camera to really random places that they visit) get wiped out in the middle of nowhere. Now, why did they have to take it off of the boat in order to open it up? And even if they did, why did they have to go there? Why not just open it up on dry land right next to the submarine? But these questions, and others like them, merely add to the wonderful flavor that is <em>Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark</em>. This is what will keep me coming back for more - that and the fact that it is just a perfectly entertaining movie.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo1nNAlVI/AAAAAAAAAOA/4HPDxPeE4_M/s1600/ark_3.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504006596121892178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo1nNAlVI/AAAAAAAAAOA/4HPDxPeE4_M/s400/ark_3.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Surprisingly</span>, I really like how this movie ends. It is one thing that I had not remembered about this movie, which I hadn't seen for at least six years. If you haven't seen it yet, or don't remember. Indie leaves infuriated because he knows the government is locking away his discovery. Then, the movie switches to a man slowly pushing what one <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">presumes</span> to be the ark into a long, long row of other, similarly marked boxes. </span></div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo1VhAPII/AAAAAAAAANw/gbvMIzFhTb8/s1600/Raiders_Of_The_Lost_Ark_Government_Warehouse_new.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504006591373917314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TGIo1VhAPII/AAAAAAAAANw/gbvMIzFhTb8/s400/Raiders_Of_The_Lost_Ark_Government_Warehouse_new.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This is such an interesting idea, and, when I turned to my dad and said, perhaps a little too giddily, do you think they really have something like that? He quickly responded, "The Smithsonian." which made me think of the Louvre or the National Gallery of Art. I know that they have way too much to display at any given time, but does anyone get to enjoy the art they have boxed away? What if they have forgotten about a beautiful piece! It kills me, but maybe one day I will be able to see in the basements of the world's greatest museums. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-40378747552722316672010-08-06T17:30:00.000-07:002010-08-08T22:21:50.246-07:00Bone: The Great Cow RaceGrade: <strong>G+</strong><br />Title: <em>Bone: The Great Cow Race</em><br />Author AND Artist: Jeff Smith<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqtnqLdoI/AAAAAAAAANo/q9Xwfx89jS8/s1600/Bone%2520The%2520Great%2520Cow%2520Race%2520sc.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460545456633474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqtnqLdoI/AAAAAAAAANo/q9Xwfx89jS8/s400/Bone%2520The%2520Great%2520Cow%2520Race%2520sc.jpg" /></a><br />This is a comic that I have heard about for years (i.e. before I started reading comic books). It is one that many of my friends read, even though they didn't read other things from this medium. However, I never could be persuaded to read it because I thought it looked a little . . . pointless. I really didn't know anything about it, but I had seen a picture of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fone</span> Bone (the main character) before and said, "This is someone I just will never care about." And, so all of the vague interest I might have had in this was left there.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqj4tjwNI/AAAAAAAAANg/p5cK-TWCs9s/s1600/Bone.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460378235519186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqj4tjwNI/AAAAAAAAANg/p5cK-TWCs9s/s400/Bone.png" /></a> </div><div>However, I finally decided to read this book because it was one of the only ones on the list I found with little trouble (this is saying a lot because I am always a bit lost on how they organize comic book shelves - I know; I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">revealing</span> my ignorance, but I am always so confused. Why don't they put them by author? If it's by the publisher why are they always so mixed together? see below).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqjQ0jbpI/AAAAAAAAANY/k6lQ9a4GzEA/s1600/bookshelves_01_small-700x775.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460367527440018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqjQ0jbpI/AAAAAAAAANY/k6lQ9a4GzEA/s400/bookshelves_01_small-700x775.jpg" /></a><br />See - only the ones in a nice long series stick out in the slap you in the face kind of way, which is exactly how I found Bone. Anyway, I sat down to read this book while my little children were napping (in the summers I watch a class of four and five year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">olds</span> - sweet little punks that they are), which may have colored how I began reading. This is the second book in the series, but the one on the list, so I decided to do something I am typically adverse to doing. I read the second volume before the first (I am such a rebel). Thus, this volume begins in the middles of an overall story arc, but I was still not lost or confused, though highly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intrigued</span> about the first book.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqjMrSqLI/AAAAAAAAANQ/2ZfIENELWo8/s1600/smith_jeff_bone.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460366414850226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqjMrSqLI/AAAAAAAAANQ/2ZfIENELWo8/s400/smith_jeff_bone.jpg" /></a><br />I found this book to be surprising. Not only is it hilarious, I was amazingly wrong about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fone</span> Bone (I mean, how many times have I told you I was wrong! But really you can trust me. I am rarely wrong about my judgement once I have read something. I just need to learn to stop judging things without giving them a chance). I found him to be incredibly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">relatable</span>, and I also discovered the entire story to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqirKZCMI/AAAAAAAAANI/uv62HJWfmBw/s1600/287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460357418485954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqirKZCMI/AAAAAAAAANI/uv62HJWfmBw/s400/287.JPG" /></a><br />The story presents several things that I was dying to know more about. What about the dragons? Why are the rat-like creatures trying to eat them? Actually, I found the rat-like creatures to be really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span>. They look terrifying to me and clenched my interest in the overall story. They are creepy, but funny and made me want to get to know them better - in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disturbing</span> kind of way.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqiObs8yI/AAAAAAAAANA/tcvPBnCXgX4/s1600/295.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502460349706466082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFyqiObs8yI/AAAAAAAAANA/tcvPBnCXgX4/s400/295.JPG" /></a><br />I was really torn on whether or not to give this book an "E," but I finally decided on a "G+" because that is what it deserves, although I am sure the entire series (which I can't wait to read and hope to get from my local library soon) will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">warrant</span> an "E" because, in the end, this book left me wanting more. That is why I am not sure I should judge only one book in a series like this (although, it is clearly too late to do anything else, since I just did what I do not like - twice in one post - I'm falling apart!).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFypa9ohekI/AAAAAAAAAM4/DCRYyKLHS0Q/s1600/293.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502459125426125378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFypa9ohekI/AAAAAAAAAM4/DCRYyKLHS0Q/s400/293.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div>I so enjoyed Bone and its light-hearted , but deep feel that I would certainly encourage you to give it a try. You can purchase it here: <a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Bone-2-Great-Cow-Race/dp/0439706394/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281149117&sr=8-3">http://http//www.amazon.com/Bone-2-Great-Cow-Race/dp/0439706394/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">qid</span>=1281149117&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">sr</span>=8-3</a>, or rent it from your nearby library. Until next time; go enjoy some art! </div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-37562571065423489462010-08-03T17:45:00.000-07:002010-08-10T22:18:19.263-07:00The Red Shoes<span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Grade: <strong>F</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Title: <em>The Red Shoes</em> (1948)</span><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Director: Michael Powell and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Emeric</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pressburger</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Notable Actors: Moira Shearer </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"></span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi55BXOLOI/AAAAAAAAAMw/rOgFx7tRSPQ/s1600/red-shoes-DVDcover.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501351334102576354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi55BXOLOI/AAAAAAAAAMw/rOgFx7tRSPQ/s400/red-shoes-DVDcover.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">This is probably my All TIME favorite movie! I don't say that lightly, and I am certainly not implying that there aren't a lot of great movies in existence. However, this one is just "IT" for me. I love the music, the costumes, the color, the story, the children, and on and on it goes.<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi55O3ApbI/AAAAAAAAAMo/ody1LycxOks/s1600/74332795_0b728d5887_o.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501351337725568434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi55O3ApbI/AAAAAAAAAMo/ody1LycxOks/s400/74332795_0b728d5887_o.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">The story is, of course, inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's immortal tale of the same name. However, this version also plays a lot with art. It includes a ballet also named "The Red Shoes" (an adaptation of the same H.C.A. story), which has some quite innovative dance sequences. The gripping story presents three key characters: a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fledgling</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ballerina</span> named Victoria Page, her lover the talented composer Julian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Craster</span>, and her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">impresario</span> Boris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lermontov</span>. As these two loves conflict (essentially her love for a man and her love for her art, which leads to the observation that <em>The Red Shoes</em> also draws from Tennyson's "The Lady of Shallot") it sends Victoria Page into a classic "Sophie's Choice" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">scenario</span>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /></div></span><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi54j9ODEI/AAAAAAAAAMg/vGulV7j-00Q/s1600/theredshoes.png"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501351326208887874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi54j9ODEI/AAAAAAAAAMg/vGulV7j-00Q/s400/theredshoes.png" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />This is an image from the ballet in the movie, but, of course, it also acts as an anchor, a catalyst, and a symbol to what is going on in the movie. However, let's talk about why this movie is truly my favorite (just as I would say <em>Les Miserables</em> is my favorite book, but I hold so many dear - still haven't found one for comic books yet, and you really can't force it. You either immediately connect with it or you don't). This movie actually grabbed me right off the shelf (having already seen a Powell and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pressburgers</span> film I was glad to see another one). I bought it that day, took it home, and watched it immediately. Right away, I was captivated by the opening excitement I felt with the students rushing to get the best of the cheapest seats - pushing and shoving people out of their way, eager to watch the debut of a professor's symphony. This is how we are introduced to Julian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Craster</span>, the lover.<br /></span></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5ZrmZdCI/AAAAAAAAAMY/MWJIQ7X1Jek/s1600/74332796_cd453974c5_o.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501350795684705314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5ZrmZdCI/AAAAAAAAAMY/MWJIQ7X1Jek/s400/74332796_cd453974c5_o.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />He is earnest, deeply gifted, and highly concerned with his art, which is why he is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">devastated</span> when his professor <em>steals</em> his piece! Obviously, he is beyond upset, and, as a result, he writes an enraged letter to Boris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lermontov</span>. Upon which one of the most enduring lines from any film (a life lesson -and you know how I feel about life <span style="color:#ffff00;"><span style="color:#660000;">changing</span> </span>art) is uttered by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lermontov</span> when he says to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Craster</span> "It is worth <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">remembering</span>, that it is much more disheartening to have to steal than to be stolen from." That line just speaks to me of art and those who seek to create it - fascinating.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5Zcq8HvI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/0ASxVDka9m0/s1600/1gfzb6.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501350791677222642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5Zcq8HvI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/0ASxVDka9m0/s400/1gfzb6.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />This is merely a glimpse into the fascinating world of <em>The Red Shoes.</em> This is the movie I force my friends to watch when they come over. I want to share it with everyone I know and those I haven't even met yet (something all great art should <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">illicit </span>from the viewer).<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5ZEGfVbI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Od_iQvbJuqA/s1600/theredshoes2.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501350785081890226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5ZEGfVbI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Od_iQvbJuqA/s400/theredshoes2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />This movie is one of the movies closest to perfect that I have ever watched. The only flaw that might be present is the length and pacing. I would not be surprised if some people termed it "slow." But, I simply can't agree. I think they do a great job with pacing the story - keeping you engaged and fascinated. </span></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5Y0a82FI/AAAAAAAAAMA/PrpqmyqCFvs/s1600/the-red-shoes-ii.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501350780872742994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5Y0a82FI/AAAAAAAAAMA/PrpqmyqCFvs/s400/the-red-shoes-ii.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br /><em>The Red Shoes</em> represents an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intriguing</span> look into the psyche of an artist, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> one who does want to be consumed with her art, even as she wants to enjoy ordinary life (through her relationship with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Craster</span>). It is also a cautionary tale to all artists or those involved with artists.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5YgieXyI/AAAAAAAAAL4/mMwrxOUierc/s1600/TRStitle.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501350775535591202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFi5YgieXyI/AAAAAAAAAL4/mMwrxOUierc/s400/TRStitle.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><br />Its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">startling</span> mix of reality and the fairy tale world invites the reader into a harrowing picture of the world. I can't encourage you enough to see this movie! Because I love this movie I am going to post a trailer to it be enticed: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSgar55BfPw"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSgar55BfPw</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. You can also watch <em>The Red Shoes</em> for FREE on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">youtube</span></span>: </span><a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=svTTsrHCvdo"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=svTTsrHCvdo</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">. Or - even better - you could buy it: </span><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Red-Shoes-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B003ICZW8C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1280883702&sr=8-1"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">http://http://www.amazon.com/Red-Shoes-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B003ICZW8C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">dvd</span></span>&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">qid</span></span>=1280883702&<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">sr</span></span>=8-1</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">.<br /><br /></span><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-36839787211482562282010-07-30T15:44:00.000-07:002010-08-26T11:00:15.570-07:00Understanding Comics<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Grade: <strong>F</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">Title: <em>Understanding Comics </em></span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >Author AND Artist (oh yeah double-whammy): Scott <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">McCloud</span></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499834327103425490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNWLl5_y9I/AAAAAAAAALI/phJ2wxxnKhE/s400/understanding-comics_5001.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >I know what you're thinking: this looks cheesy. At least, that's what I thought when my friend's older brother told me to read this comic book. However, since I wanted to get to know comics better I thought that it might be a little useful, and so I read it.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499838226857746146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNZuln4XuI/AAAAAAAAALg/ddogPIj2KNo/s400/New+023.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >(admit it - that intro made you smile). However, I couldn't have underestimated this comic book more. To make a small digression, one thing I want you to understand (since this is my first grade of a "F' that I have given) is that I don't think the work is <em>perfect</em> (for example, in this book I dislike how he always undermines his own arguments with "at least to me" etc. qualifiers, and I think he simplifies the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">complexities</span> and connectedness between the medium and the message too much - just to name a few). Rather, the piece moved me, made me think in a way I should have been thinking, revealed true beauty or something <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">similar</span>. Basically, I expect it to be something I can literally call "life-changing." This is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">precisely</span> what I found in <em>Understanding Comics. </em>It helped me to break through the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">preconceived</span> notions I had for comic books.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499837533703678434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNZGPbEqeI/AAAAAAAAALY/E6BQMcmwDVM/s400/New+006.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">McCloud's</span> comic book highlights one hugely important "detail" about comics that I want to clear up right now. Comics are NOT literature! Yes, at one time - after I had just "discovered" them - I used to try and argue that they were, but after a year and a half, a conversation with a good friend, and reading this book (took a lot, didn't it) I finally understood that there is no way they ever would be - no more than movies are theater. Comics are their own <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate</span> medium. Seems obvious to me now, but at that time I would have argued till I was blue in the face that they were literature because, of course, what I was really trying to argue was that they should be respected and read not disregarded and ignored.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNa0pQ5N_I/AAAAAAAAALw/Q3351KiJlzI/s1600/New+022.jpg"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499839430425917426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNa0pQ5N_I/AAAAAAAAALw/Q3351KiJlzI/s400/New+022.jpg" /></span></a><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" > </span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >Anyway, <em>Understanding Comics</em> is excellent because it, quite cleverly, uses the very medium that it is illuminating. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">McCloud</span> focuses on several aspects of comics that prove helpful in order to be a better reader and help in grouping the more abstract aspects of comics for easier understanding (for example, the chart breakdown he provides of the different artists who vary from realistic to abstract to symbolic, making a triangle - though a little too simplified - is not only fascinating but quite helpful in grasping all of the comics in existence).</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span><br /><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499834325115619554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNWLegESOI/AAAAAAAAALA/ESjdGZLnylg/s400/mccloud-uc-triangle.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >Thus, this book is one of the most helpful for those who are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">skeptical</span> of the comic book medium or simply want to learn more. It </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >tremendously </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" >helped me to finally look beyond misconceptions I had about this art form that I didn't even realize were there.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNaY4KHWAI/AAAAAAAAALo/IaWLXrufuAA/s1600/New+001.jpg"></a><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span></div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499836401835479282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TFNYEW4qkPI/AAAAAAAAALQ/_iTSCsaQEY4/s400/New+020.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ></span></div><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><br />I really loved this comic book, and highly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommend</span> it to everyone, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">especially</span> because I believe it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">will</span> make anyone who reads it want to read more comic books (which is my goal in life). Until next time; go enjoy some art!<br /></span><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-46565180691946917072010-07-27T21:38:00.000-07:002010-08-26T11:05:24.212-07:00Inception<span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Grade: <strong>E</strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />Title:<span style="color:#660000;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;color:#660000;" >Inception</span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"> (2010)<br />Director: Christopher Nolan<br />Notable Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page (and about a dozen others).<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6KMolioI/AAAAAAAAAKI/CSOZ8lUIFgo/s1600/inception.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498818354395581058" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6KMolioI/AAAAAAAAAKI/CSOZ8lUIFgo/s400/inception.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />This past Sunday my delightful parents took me to see </span><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Inception</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">. My mother enjoyed it, but my dad thought a more fitting title would have been </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Insipid</span></span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#660000;">.</span> Obviously, I agreed more with my mom. I thought it was an intriguing movie, finding particular pleasure in the focus and attempt to understand the characters.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-7gXKaA7I/AAAAAAAAAKw/uu96tRwL8Jk/s1600/inception01.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498819834690536370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-7gXKaA7I/AAAAAAAAAKw/uu96tRwL8Jk/s400/inception01.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />Of course, the obvious concept that Nolan was using is at least as old as Plato (see Cave) and has been an idea that has fascinated people for centuries (from Berkley's notable ideas to the more recent </span><span style="color:#660000;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Matrix</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">). Personally, I have always enjoyed the question of what is true and happening versus what we have merely perceived to be reality. I also love the questions about how memory and memories are what we live off of. We place so much confidence in our memories, when we might be more prudent not to. This is just the kind of idea Nolan focuses on in his other film, which I also thoroughly enjoyed, </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Memento</span></span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#660000;">.</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6LCtlP7I/AAAAAAAAAKg/EVMhdGNdQPM/s1600/Memento-DVD.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498818368912048050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6LCtlP7I/AAAAAAAAAKg/EVMhdGNdQPM/s400/Memento-DVD.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />Naturally, I did not find<span style="color:#660000;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;color:#660000;" >Inception</span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"> flawless. There are some issues within the plot itself ( i.e. how his children didn't age or how the father appeared to reside in Paris, but was waiting for his son in L.A. among numerous other things - both of these and any other hole might be answered by the ambiguous end of the movie, which left the end to interpretation).<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6Kq_e3HI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/xcOp_NWOqw4/s1600/inception3.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498818362544675954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6Kq_e3HI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/xcOp_NWOqw4/s400/inception3.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />The most problematic issue I found was the pacing and length of the film. While I was enthralled and I wanted to see fulfillment for all the plot points, it dragged at times. I fear this is an issue that Nolan might need to guard against within himself because he seemed to struggle the same way with<span style="color:#660000;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;color:#660000;" >Dark Knight</span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"> where he didn't end one of his plot points at the right place.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6LURTgyI/AAAAAAAAAKo/UyugeMIz7io/s1600/the_dark_knight_poster.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498818373625283362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6LURTgyI/AAAAAAAAAKo/UyugeMIz7io/s400/the_dark_knight_poster.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />As I mentioned before, despite the flaws this movie possess, I believe the film is beautiful and made me really care about the characters from Cobb's relationship to his wife<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6KpDYwLI/AAAAAAAAAKY/kZaj1t35L3s/s1600/inception_window_2.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498818362024181938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-6KpDYwLI/AAAAAAAAAKY/kZaj1t35L3s/s400/inception_window_2.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />to the poor man they were planting the idea in and his relationship with his father and god father. The movie made me want to look deeper into those around me. We all have our secret depths and pains that we bury or hide but really want to show and heal because, <span style="color:#660000;">as </span></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;color:#660000;" >Inception</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"> noted, positive emotions are what we seek - we all yearn for reconciliation.</span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-7grx93gI/AAAAAAAAAK4/nYyDDhDfL1I/s1600/inception-trailer2-header.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498819840225172994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TE-7grx93gI/AAAAAAAAAK4/nYyDDhDfL1I/s400/inception-trailer2-header.jpg" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"><br />I didn't find the plot "too complex" as I have <span style="color:#660000;">heard it condemned nor boring as a friend reported. Instead, I was pleased with how </span></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;color:#660000;" >Inception</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)"> directed my thoughts and helped me to look beyond myself into another person's mind and subconscious. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span></span>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-1527922989489751552010-07-23T20:17:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:06:31.955-07:00Kingdom ComeGrade: <span style="font-weight: bold;">O</span><br />Title: <span style="font-style: italic;">Kingdom Come<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Author: Mark Waid<br />Artist (or as he likes to call himself "painter"): Alex Ross<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiRj6e_dI/AAAAAAAAAII/id4qcT-JUO8/s1600/4pb0h7k.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiRj6e_dI/AAAAAAAAAII/id4qcT-JUO8/s400/4pb0h7k.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497314348996951506" border="0" /></a><br />As you can tell from my grade, I was less than impressed with <span style="font-style: italic;">Kingdom Come</span>. In fact, I would say that it is the most overrated graphic novel that I have read. It has so much hype - "great story" "terrific art" "It'll blow your mind!" Let me just say, I found that I disagreed with pretty much all of these observations. Part of me feels bad - as if I have missed something huge, but then the other part (the much larger part) knows that I'm right. Of course, the fact that the introduction to this book rubbed me the wrong way (call me crazy, but I don't take too well to patronizing narratives) did not help my outlook as I began to read.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpj4KoJymI/AAAAAAAAAI4/PD7NZ44WvLM/s1600/New+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpj4KoJymI/AAAAAAAAAI4/PD7NZ44WvLM/s400/New+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497316111735704162" border="0" /></a><br />Let's begin with the artwork (Yes, that is Superman in overalls sans shirt . . . . classy). This is what is usually highlighted the most within this work - everyone told me I would love Ross,; sadly, I did not find it so. I really wanted to like it. In fact, I felt like I should, but I just couldn't force myself. I do appreciate parts of it (which is why I didn't give it a "P"), but it just does not connect well with the story. The paintings (as they are referred to) seem to lack power and emotion at the most important parts. For example, when a superhero is winding up to hit someone it feels like it is simply a tableaux. We all know it is not really happening - a very bad sign in any kind of fiction or story.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiSKoujgI/AAAAAAAAAIY/kM9SADsgpJo/s1600/S_KingdomCome3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiSKoujgI/AAAAAAAAAIY/kM9SADsgpJo/s400/S_KingdomCome3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497314359391456770" border="0" /></a><br />Also, I feel like the images in this story are too inundated with bright, sunny light. It doesn't work for me when I find myself thinking of Thomas Kinkade,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiRxklLxI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/rY0tM3kp10I/s1600/1180539931_thomas_kinkade_61.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiRxklLxI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/rY0tM3kp10I/s400/1180539931_thomas_kinkade_61.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497314352663179026" border="0" /></a><br />which I try at all costs to avoid, rather than looking at say a Vermeer (who is a good example of a painter who is both realistic and uses light a great deal - of course, he does so much more successfully, as seen below).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiSYul8PI/AAAAAAAAAIg/19Gv4lnDTA0/s1600/vermeer_milkmaid.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpiSYul8PI/AAAAAAAAAIg/19Gv4lnDTA0/s400/vermeer_milkmaid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497314363174154482" border="0" /></a><br />Not only did the art fall short for me, so did the text. There were parts that simply did not ring true. For example, at one point in the story Spectre (who acts as a kind of guide) is talking with a priest (the prophet-esque person he is kind of guiding) about Superman. Spectre uses the term "otherworldly" to describe him, to which the priest responds, "Otherworldly . . . ? Of course. Superman is an alien." Now, let's break down why this statement didn't work (although I am sure they could give me a reason for putting it in): <span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span>) It simply didn't it in the context of the dialogue <span style="font-weight: bold;">B</span>) redundant for anyone who has ever known of Superman (which, one presumes, all are who would find themselves reading this book) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">C</span>) awkward in its flow and presentation. Also, there are elements that revealed a disconnect with plot follow through. For example, at one point the priest is pulled out of his placement in time and space, rendering him visible to Superman and the gang - they respond, but when he disappears they act like it is not a big deal. Very odd behavior and not believable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpmeP92NaI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Ii5yscTQkaI/s1600/New+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpmeP92NaI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Ii5yscTQkaI/s400/New+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497318965027157410" border="0" /></a><br />Essentially, it comes down to the fact that I don't care about the story they have created. It is not believable to me at many points (which is unusual because I love fantasy - <span style="font-style: italic;">good </span>fantasy - and these type of dystopic tales). I believe that the sun-inundated hyper-realism of the art just doesn't work with this story, which makes them both fail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpklev8PFI/AAAAAAAAAJA/_NbwMxzniYo/s1600/New+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEpklev8PFI/AAAAAAAAAJA/_NbwMxzniYo/s400/New+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497316890231192658" border="0" /></a><br />Now, don't get me wrong. This piece does have some elements that are good and even beautiful. For example, I quite enjoyed the irony and humor present in the restaurant of Superheroes where Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are eating served by people dressed up as them ( as well as Nite Owl - in fact, all throughout this story there was little homages to <span style="font-style: italic;">Watchmen</span>, as well as almost every comic book, which are pleasant enough to pick up on). There was also a very humorous moment to me when Batman and Superman are talking in the Bat-cave and Batman turns around and Superman has disappeared (as he was want to do) and he responds by saying "So that's what that feels like," which I really enjoyed because I love Batman so much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEplp1ntusI/AAAAAAAAAJY/MyzHbG48_WE/s1600/New+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEplp1ntusI/AAAAAAAAAJY/MyzHbG48_WE/s400/New+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497318064601807554" border="0" /></a><br />Thus, there are some good parts in this piece - enough to perhaps merit a reading. Indeed, many people do love the art and this story, so you might as well. However, it falls far short for me and failed in just too many ways, forcing me to give an "O" (don't I feel harsh). Until next time; go enjoy some art!Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-35753323523584454982010-07-20T21:19:00.000-07:002010-07-20T22:01:24.146-07:00Le voyage dans la lune<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Grade: </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >G+</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Title: </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Le voyage dans la lune</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > (1902)<br />Director: Georges Méliès<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2gkIL3gI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Z8SCxxDxE04/s1600/voyage-lune-1902poster.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2gkIL3gI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Z8SCxxDxE04/s400/voyage-lune-1902poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496210697078169090" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Sadly, and I hate to admit this, the first time I heard about this film was through <span style="font-style: italic;">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</span> by Brian Selznick, which I read because all of my friends were in children's lit and thought I would enjoy the pictures (ironically, people always give me a hard time about not reading books sans pictures, but I only started reading graphic novels two years ago - recently highlighted for me when I attended a bridal shower with people who last knew me in high school as a reader of classics and wondered what I was doing with comic books). After reading <span style="font-style: italic;">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</span> I watched <span style="font-style: italic;">Le voyage dans la lune</span> (or <span style="font-style: italic;">A Trip to the Moon</span>) and found it endearing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2bxJxNLI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6ITvFkLwtyg/s1600/Trip_03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2bxJxNLI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6ITvFkLwtyg/s400/Trip_03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496210614675125426" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />This movie is quite short (running around fourteen minutes) and you should take the brief time to view it because of its whimsical (a word I find especially fitting for the whole of this film) adventures in sci-fi and its nostalgic presentation of the early nineteen hundreds. However, apparently because it is such a film it lacks character development (or characters even really being present) or even plot development. In fact, it may be a little hard to follow, but the fact that the scenes abruptly (as well as the logic) jump is supported by the film's representations of a fanciful space - seen in the representation of the moon, which is one of the best scenes in the film. The moon is first shown as the man in the moon as one might see it with the naked eye. Then, as the ship moves closer, it is easier to see that he has a real face, quite alive with emotion. Finally, the ship lands in the moon's eye, creating an iconic shot I am sure you are familiar with. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2bWDON8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/JFXiEpMiEiw/s1600/Le_voyage_dans_la_lune.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2bWDON8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/JFXiEpMiEiw/s400/Le_voyage_dans_la_lune.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496210607399909314" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />As seen in this photo, the space that the assortment of, what appears to be, scientists (though they often look like wizards) embark to the moon together is fantastic. Endearingly, once they land all of the scientists pile out and immediately set to yawning and lay down - forget seeking to gain one's bearings. The next highlight - apart from the Mucha-esque star, moon, and planet appearance -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2bPDKcQI/AAAAAAAAAHo/-T9Lp49ELSk/s1600/05+Expo+Melies+VOYAGE-DANS-LA-LUNE.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2bPDKcQI/AAAAAAAAAHo/-T9Lp49ELSk/s400/05+Expo+Melies+VOYAGE-DANS-LA-LUNE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496210605520613634" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />is when they venture underground in a cavern of over sized mushrooms and meet the first "moon man."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2arMZZGI/AAAAAAAAAHg/eu1hnl37cG8/s1600/melies.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2arMZZGI/AAAAAAAAAHg/eu1hnl37cG8/s400/melies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496210595895665762" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />After attempting to rid themselves of the moon people, the French explorers are captured and taken to the place of the moon people, where one of the scientists picks up the seeming leader of the moon men and throws him down, causing him to explode. From there, it is a scurry to get back home, landing in the ocean where they are lead to safety and celebrate their adventures in a parade. I love the tone and feel of Méliès' because it reminds me of several things I always want to remember like imagination, ingenuity, and whimsy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2aJEcHGI/AAAAAAAAAHY/4FMQZMfuhMw/s1600/Sketch_Splashdown.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 284px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEZ2aJEcHGI/AAAAAAAAAHY/4FMQZMfuhMw/s400/Sketch_Splashdown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496210586735484002" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Essentially, the great thing about <span style="font-style: italic;">Le voyage dans la lune</span> is that it showed, definitively through its creative and inventive future in motion pictures. However, it lacks a true story and - often with all of its elements it still remains a little too naive. This story reminds me how wonderful silent films can really be. <span style="font-style: italic;">Le voyage dans la lune</span> is in public domain, so you can easily access it on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-76BX59e7Y. Until next time; go enjoy some art! </span>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-28335650519515687592010-07-16T22:50:00.001-07:002010-07-18T21:09:25.271-07:00Midnight Days<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Grade: <span style="font-weight: bold;">G+</span><br />Title: <span style="font-style: italic;">Midnight Days</span><br />Author: Neil Gaiman<br />Artists: Dave McKean, Matt Wagner, Richard Piers Rayner, Mike Hoffman, Mike Mignola, Teddy Kristiansen, and Steve Bissette and John Totleben.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFEs3t3JjI/AAAAAAAAAGY/1G2FiQJc-KE/s1600/midnight_days.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFEs3t3JjI/AAAAAAAAAGY/1G2FiQJc-KE/s400/midnight_days.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494748558029956658" border="0" /></a></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />I was somewhat surprised to find that I really enjoyed this collection of short comic stories by Neil Gaiman and various artists (most notably, in my opinion, Dave Mckean). However, before I go into the stories, a brief note about the author Neil Gaiman. You might as well know - I am currently writing my masters thesis on <span style="font-style: italic;">Sandman</span>, written by Gaiman. He is truly a fascinating writer and has done much for comics (i.e. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sandman</span> - really you should read it as it proves itself to be very interesting, haunting, and, ultimately, beautiful - and <span style="font-style: italic;">Black Orchid</span>,among other briefer works). I would recommend almost anything he has written, though he has the tendency to be a little dodgy (both in some aspects of his writing and some of the mature content he chooses to include). </span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFAKjLY1I/AAAAAAAAAGg/P8PtfxxjXFE/s1600/swampthingjack01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFAKjLY1I/AAAAAAAAAGg/P8PtfxxjXFE/s400/swampthingjack01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494748889502933842" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />For <span style="font-style: italic;">Midnight Days</span>, I was quite glad I had just read <span style="font-style: italic;">Swamp Thing</span> by Alan Moore (see previous post on July 2nd) because three of the five stories are some development of it. Out of the three - some quiet odd, especially <span>"Swamp Thing Annual</span><span style="font-style: italic;">."<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFAYJauqI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dCCrWyZ0ukM/s1600/swampgaiman.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFAYJauqI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dCCrWyZ0ukM/s400/swampgaiman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494748893152983714" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />I am afraid there might have been several references I just did not understand ( i.e. about the puppet who got struck by lightening) in this story. The previous story dealt with the Swamp Thing taking care of people who died of the plague, which is interesting if nothing else. At the same time, the second one is most assuredly interesting and has some good parts (for example, there are two pages where Batman himself puts in an appearance and you know how I feel about Batman). Overall, with "Swamp Thing Annual" I just did not appreciate it like I felt I was supposed to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFAgiuebI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Gsb0TGb8n5c/s1600/New+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFAgiuebI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Gsb0TGb8n5c/s400/New+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494748895406619058" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Out of these three, the last story provided me with the most pleasure because it laid out Gaiman's idea of plantology. It was intriguing to see where he wanted to take <span style="font-style: italic;">Swamp Thing</span> (originally he was going to write some of this series, but he opted not to when the current writer left early . . . here is my plug for introductions: you should pretty much ALWAYS read them. OK, there are some exceptions, but if the introduction or preface is written by the author you really <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> to read it. Luckily, Gaiman makes his so interesting and funny that they are always worth the read)! Thus, he seems to reveal in his introduction that if he had stayed with <span style="font-style: italic;">Swamp Thing <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">i</span></span></span></span>nstead of creating<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Sandman,</span></span></span></span> he still would have weaved all of the different mythologies in with one he already created.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFEsrhkZ5I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/opHE-ts-4Qw/s1600/hellb_027_520pixh_96ppi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFEsrhkZ5I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/opHE-ts-4Qw/s400/hellb_027_520pixh_96ppi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494748554757171090" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />However, the story in this collection that surprised me by its depth and tenderness (since the first three were really about a young writer attempting to become familiar with his own writing) was Gaiman's collaboration with Dave McKean in "Hold Me." This story includes as its protagonist an intriguing character named John Constantine who Alan Moore originally created. The story is beautiful in its dark simplicity as a dead person (at least that is what I am going to call him since Constantine seemed to in the story) wanders around looking for someone to hold him because he is so cold. Intertwining this with Constantine's own story, creating something really special. Of course, Dave McKean's art is what elevates this piece even higher. His lines are exquisite and he captures expressions exceptionally well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFBNQr7AI/AAAAAAAAAG4/LFYfdfheUt4/s1600/New+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFBNQr7AI/AAAAAAAAAG4/LFYfdfheUt4/s400/New+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494748907410549762" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />McKean's art also works to provide a pertinent tone to the story overall. Through his use of more sketchy lines, he is able to reflect the story itself. This story really represents what good comic writing is all about - neither words nor images should be privileged, instead they should work together to further the success of the story.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFRVgDu0I/AAAAAAAAAHI/ybvbqinNLgI/s1600/New+011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFRVgDu0I/AAAAAAAAAHI/ybvbqinNLgI/s400/New+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494749184500415298" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Finally, the collection ends with a story bringing together the two Sandmans (the pulp, gas mask wearing one with Gaiman's creation of the one from the Endless). I did enjoy this story, but one really should have read his <span style="font-style: italic;">Sandman</span> to appreciate it. Also, I couldn't help but wonder how much I missed for not having read the original Sandman. The story was able to stand up though because it was interesting and presented some great characters who did not appear cheesy at all (which I have to admit I was expecting from the pulp Sandman).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFRom6VRI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/vnk9V_Z1GgI/s1600/New+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFRom6VRI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/vnk9V_Z1GgI/s400/New+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494749189629433106" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Rather, the characters were both believable and identifiable, especially the enigmatic priest. The art in this story was refreshing most of the time, reminding me of Edward Hopper in some places. Altogether, this collection is absolutely worth the read, and some of the stories are so enjoyable that I hope you are able to make the time. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TEFFBaVsMnI/AAAAAAAAAHA/W0biQSWniMQ/s1600/sandmanmidnight.jpg"></a>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944424854877081619.post-48289166068657615992010-07-13T21:35:00.000-07:002010-07-13T22:36:04.620-07:00Brazil<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />Grade: </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >E</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Title: </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brazil</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > (1985)<br />Director: Terry Gilliam<br />Notable Actors: Jonathan Pryce and Robert De Niro<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_arb164I/AAAAAAAAAFY/YLpkPbpgExE/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_arb164I/AAAAAAAAAFY/YLpkPbpgExE/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616848030526338" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />In the year of 1984, dystopia movies were abounding, and how could they not be? Orwell's book has haunted and projected onto the subconscious of our society for over sixty years. Consequently, when Terry Gilliam (of Monty Python fame) created <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span>, a satire that lays bureaucracy under the operator's knife, it was not expected to be that different. However, seeing this movie twenty-five years later has revealed that <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span> is not just another dystopia film because this movie is unique, clever, humorous with just enough biting wit, and sublime (according to Longinus' definition of the word). I actually stumbled across <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil </span>in Target one day when I had a gift card and really wanted to buy a movie. They didn't have the film I wanted, but I really wanted to watch something new that night. I found this movie and bought it solely based on the amazing cover (how can you say no to a man flying in Icarus-esque wings). [a quick note: Do NOT see the "Love Conquers All" version! It is much shorter and loses most of the true beauty of the film. The most painful cut of all is that they completely change the ending to make it "happy," which does not work and ruins the whole point of the movie].<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_a3OnDZI/AAAAAAAAAFg/BtXtCJ9oUVs/s1600/abra.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_a3OnDZI/AAAAAAAAAFg/BtXtCJ9oUVs/s400/abra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616851196251538" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />The first aspect of the movie that jumped out at me (other than that great opening music) is the incredibly likable nature of the characters from the hero, Sam, to the Judas, Jack. Sam immediately separates himself from the rest of the people introduced because he is a dreamer. In fact, he has a pretty well-developed dream world that he has created, dealing with a beautiful woman and himself dressed up as a sort of knight angel. The dreaming allows the audience to understand Sam beyond the place where he works, which is imperative since he is constantly doing inane, pointless things, showing the pitfalls of bureaucracy. <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span> does an effective job of revealing what is dangerous about a people completely dependent on bureaucracy and form filling. Nothing can get done, and when a mistake is made, instead of correcting it, the job seeks to bury it and anyone who might start complaining because of it. This, of course, is exactly what happens, and Sam is the one who notices the discrepancy. However, when he tries to help set things right he gets sucked into dangerous situations and, in the process, quite literally meets the girl he has been dreaming about.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_bFL4_hI/AAAAAAAAAFo/NqYZMDQbRq8/s1600/brazil.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_bFL4_hI/AAAAAAAAAFo/NqYZMDQbRq8/s400/brazil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616854942940690" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Part of what helps <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span> stand above most of its other brothers and sister dystopia movies is that it has a lighthearted tone, even amongst all of the machinery and paper work. All throughout the movie, up till the chilling end, there are little things that are very funny. For example, Sam's mother, and all her friends, are obsessed with looking younger and all of the surgeries and procedures they force themselves to endure provides quite a number of amusing situations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_bcmE4RI/AAAAAAAAAFw/sZQixarqQkA/s1600/ScreenShot003-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_bcmE4RI/AAAAAAAAAFw/sZQixarqQkA/s400/ScreenShot003-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616861226787090" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Other than that, Sam works in the office that provides no individuality and doesn't appear to get much work done. When he finally accepts a promotion, Sam is moved upstairs to have his very own office, which ends up being a tiny closet with half a desk in it. While he is settling himself in, Sam notices that his half of the desk is being pulled through the wall, revealing that he is forced to share everything with his neighbor (including the art decorations - in this case a poster). This type of situation is typical in <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span> and represents the norm that the characters were being forced to experience.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_bjVOUGI/AAAAAAAAAF4/sx5ifVKD9DA/s1600/brazil2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_bjVOUGI/AAAAAAAAAF4/sx5ifVKD9DA/s400/brazil2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616863035150434" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Apart from the hilarity, which often proves to be double-edged (like any satire should), there is a pleasing kind of, and I hesitate to use this word, whimsy. For instance, when Sam is being held prisoner, his boss comes to see him dressed as Santa Claus. It is such an odd placement of what is expected to be a happy time that it works perfectly well to further the purpose of the film. Little hints like this help to make the movie more enjoyable on the second viewing because there are lots of small details that build to make the overall atmosphere and tone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_hjxxpYI/AAAAAAAAAGA/BjmnyOMofOM/s1600/500full.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_hjxxpYI/AAAAAAAAAGA/BjmnyOMofOM/s400/500full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616966234121602" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />The atmosphere is obviously a little dark, even as it is presented as lighter because the people in the story have forced themselves to accept it and make their lives around it. However, the fact that Gilliam is able to marry the dark with the light makes the movie so interesting to watch. In the above picture, you see Sam, locked to a chair about to be tortured, while he is being approached by a very serious torturer who happens to be wearing a chubby mask over his face. The mask is undoubtedly creepy, but it does hearken back to the idea of Santa Claus - the things we loved as children like dressing up. All this to say, <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span> is able to capture the nature of what a dystopia would be like without losing the humanity because man cannot exist without humor or childish aspects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_h54Ep2I/AAAAAAAAAGI/ga8Eh0yXGqc/s1600/Brazil53.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YfumoNcZy-U/TD0_h54Ep2I/AAAAAAAAAGI/ga8Eh0yXGqc/s400/Brazil53.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493616972166113122" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br />Ultimately, Gilliam presents a completely satisfying film that provides entertainment, thought-provoking questions, and a better understanding of the dangers of bureaucracy. This movie is pure joy to watch, and it represents truth beyond what I expected to find in it. I hope you enjoy it! As always, when buying or viewing a film try to secure the Criterion Collection (it really makes a difference). Here is a link to <span style="font-style: italic;">Brazil</span> on amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brazil-Criterion-Collection-Jonathan-Pryce/dp/0780022181/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1279082421&sr=8-3">http://www.amazon.com/Brazil-Criterion-Collection-Jonathan-Pryce/dp/0780022181/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1279082421&sr=8-3</a>. But I will tell you that it is also available to watch on youtube. Until next time; go enjoy some art!</span>Intellectual Snobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15303263942197972416noreply@blogger.com2