WRITING CULTURE 2012: Film, Food & Beyond

Entries from September 2012

NEVER WEAR SHADES INSIDE THE HOUSE, OR ELSE!!!

September 26th, 2012 Written by | 3 Comments

 

     The film I chose to watch and review is entitled L’Accordeur and I found it to be… oh wait, you don’t speak French and have no idea what I just said right? I’m so sorry, L’accordeur simply means the Piano Tuner.  Now this film is very well executed and for 13 minutes it definitely packs a punch.  I truly did not know what to think when initially selecting this movie. I won’t lie, I was drawn in by the fact the lead character was a blind piano tuner. I mean, come on, if that isn’t an original character I don’t know what it.

     The film is about a visually challenged Piano tuner whom was once a great pianist but after failing to win a coveted piano competition falls into a deep depression and finds comfort in pretending to be blind.  Within the first few minutes of the film he lets us all in on the secret that he isn’t blind and gives us the magical reason that he does it, and it is because… “tips are better, people are nicer and less suspicious” astonishing isn’t it?, its not wonder more of us don’t pretend to be blind to get that same satisfaction. He also exclaimed to “know things about them that no one else does”.  In other words people let their guard down around him because in their minds their thinking “why shouldn’t I get undressed in front of a blind person, he can’t see me” but little do they know he is actually watching(cue creepy music).

     The beginning of the movie gets you comfortable with the character and what he actually does for a living, which is the interesting world of piano tuning(did you catch the sarcasm there).   At about the 8 minute mark you see the main character ringing the bell of an unassuming older woman who seemed very nervous about letting him in but finally relents after finding out he is blind.  Once in the house he see’s  something that truly freaks him out, he see’s a…hey wait a minute, I’m supposed to be giving you a synopsis not a spoiler alert.  Go see it for yourself, its only 13 minutes not to mention FREE and you can’t beat that.

     In relation to other thrillers, I would say that this one really catches you off guard and gets into your head unlike most movies where within the first 20 minutes of the film you’re able to tell exactly what’s going to happen and you have about 2 people in mind that could be the killer.  I enjoyed this movie and found myself  being relaxed by the soothing piano that seemed to always be in the background of every scene.  The main character was very likeable and I truly didn’t despise him for pretending to be a blind person, I actually thought it was pretty cool that he found a way to make his job as a piano tuner more exciting, please don’t tell my mother I said that.  Hmmm, now I need a unit of measure so I can show you just how good it was and since everyone uses apples or stars I need to be original. I got it!!  I’m going to use something that will put everyone in a New York state of mind and nothing says New York like pigeons, yes, Pigeons. So out of 5 Pigeons I give the film 4 and a half Pigeons. The only reason I gave a half is because I’m upset with the director for leaving me in suspense at the end and making my mind go in so many directions as to what happened.  That could be a reason to give them 5 pigeons but for those that know me, I don’t like being left out of secrets.

 Watch the Piano Tuner(click the blue words, I dare ya)

 


YES THE LAST PICTURE IS A BABY PICTURE AND SINCE ITS A BABY IT IS REPRESENTING HALF PIGEON, PLUS I COULDN’T ACTUALLY FIND A PICTURE OF HALF A PIGEON AND THE ONE THAT CAME CLASS WAS PRETTY GRUESOME LOOKING.

Tags: Film rants

Stepping Through The Dystopian Portal

September 26th, 2012 Written by | 1 Comment

Photo taken from theseoldcolors.com

To me, dystopian science fiction movies must be the Film God’s version of the Babel Tower, a way of smacking down an audience for having the gall to possess an imagination. Something about the lost promise of technology and the future just seems to resonate with the bleak atmosphere and hopelessness of the dystopian theme apparently. While I can appreciate the irony, there are some instances where I find it grating in the extreme, especially in post-apocalyptic versions where science often revert backwards. The reason is they take away the one thing I have always loved about the science fiction genre, the ability to push the boundaries on what we think is possible.  Yet I’m happy to say there is reason to rejoice in the form of the short film, Portal: No Escape by Dan Trachtenberg.

Portal: No Escape, based on the videogame with the same title by Valve Software, begins with our protagonist waking up in a cell with absolutely no idea where she is. Time passes as she acclimates herself to confinement, probing the walls every so often in search of a way out. Finally, she discovers a very interesting device that, with the right amount of creativity, may hold the key to her prison, and perhaps to everything else as well!

What I love about Portal: No Escape is the fact that it’s an example of what you can do when you put the science back in dystopian science fiction. The device, the technological possibilities it offers, is a central asset to the story. The doors it can open up, literally in some instances, challenge both the protagonist and the audience to think laterally in order to make the best use of it, pushing ones preconceived notions while still making logical sense.

Photo taken from telegraph.co.uk

I compare this to some of the latest futuristic dystopian films out there like the Hunger Games, which I did enjoy, but left me a more then a little tenuous on the necessity of science fiction elements being there at all. Whereas Portal is dependent on its technology to move the story forward, Hunger Games is all about tapping into something primitive and decadent, often having to make do with what little the characters have on hand in order to survive. I could easily picture  Katniss and the other tributes story in a period piece doing a show in the Colosseum of Rome or some surreal drama taking place on a television show set in the present day, like a less funny and more bloody version of Jim Carrey’s The Truman Show. 

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience that makes you do a different take on how you’re looking at things and opens up new possibilities for a seasoned genre then I highly recommend checking out Portal: No Escape. Oh, and The game’s not too bad either.

watch?v=4drucg1A6Xk

 

Tags: Film rants · Short film critiques

Defying gravity

September 26th, 2012 Written by | 1 Comment

Brink? A concise title with romantic picture of the film attracted me to watch this film. Shawn Christensen directed the Winner of Tribeca short films, Brink; is science-fiction about love in live-action. This short 9-minute film impresses audiences with its narrative and unique photographic techniques.

Jeremy’s voiceover of his written letter leads the viewers into the film, and this impact lasts until the end of the film. Furthermore, the slow motions of the characters and objects’ floating in the air are almost dreamy and reminded me of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Shawn’s Brink had more hidden messages that audiences need to figure out themselves.

Therefore, I stared at the closing credits when I watched Brink for the first time because I totally felt at awe and did not understand what was going on. Moreover, Jeremy’s narration made me to feel like I was daydreaming. It was short but had a strong, lasting effect on me. But I gradually understood and immersed into his narration after watching many times of this film.

“Jeremy has been in love with his best friend, Evelyn, since before he can remember. He decides to profess his love for her through a simple, thoughtful letter… but there’s a strong chance they will never see each other again.”(Short of the week)

His confusion about the progression of losing gravity and uncertainty of the future with Evelyn is very well reflected in this film. Also, the indescribable emotion amplified by the psychedelic background music and his voice

Tags: Film rants · Uncategorized

Tuning Actions

September 26th, 2012 Written by | 1 Comment

L’Accordeur

The Piano Tuner is a French Thriller Short by Olivier Treiner about a failed musical genius that ends up working as a tuner. His boss is not happy with the plan he devises to become at least successful at this, but his bookings have doubled within one month. The clients tip better, treat him especially well and are more open with their private lives. His boss reluctantly allows him to proceed, however, sometimes the solution can easily become the problem…He has to tune what happens with the piano he is tuning.

The story is very well written, concise and well cast. The premise of the story is simple but the execution is refined, detailed – Brilliant! It contains just the right amount of suspense and type of music not to be over the top, the pace is perfect. Within such a short amount of time the films is able to touch upon so many subjects within the bigger story.

This film fits as close as two sheets of paper laying against each other into my favorite genre: Cerebral Foreign Films. A French produced, French language, thought provoking, intellectually stimulating film with a deep lesson to top it off.

The first 45 seconds are not necessary. Watching the film several times was the only way to notice that this beginning snippet does not add anything nor subtract so it is useless. L’accordeur is worth watching, no doubt.

Click here to watch

 

Tags: Film Review

Heroes vs. Villians

September 25th, 2012 Written by | 4 Comments

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” is not your typical musical film. It is a hilarious and entertaining tragicomedy musical that gives the heroes vs villains scene a musical twist.

The movie was written and directed by Joss Whedon, along with his brothers Zack Whedon and Jed Whedon, and writer/actress Maurissa Tancharoen in 2008. The producers decided that the film would be released in three acts and produced exclusively for Internet distribution. But it was so successful that it’s now on Blu-Ray DVD and Itunes.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” is presented as Dr. Horrible’s vlog who tells about his dream to finally be a member of the Bad Horse’s evil league, the progress of his “freeze ray” that stops time, his love interest, Penny (played by Felicia Day), and his nemesis, Captain Hammer (played by Nathan Fillion), who always stands in his way and ends up getting what Dr. Horrible (played by Neil Patrick Harris) wants. In the end, will Dr. Horrible get the girl? Will he be able to produce a successful freeze ray? Only those who watch it will know.

Compared to other musicals, this is probably the most unique way of presenting a musical. A musical is the balance between spoken dialogue and song lyric. When songs are performed, it is highlighting a dramatic event or a momentous event. “Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” definitely incorporates those traits and more. What makes “Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” unique is the way the musical was presented, as a vlog. It also incorporates various comedy styles which is a must-see, because it will keep you entertained throughout the entire 42 minutes.

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” won the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Online Sensation”, an Emmy award for “Outstanding Special Class – Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs”, and a Hugo Award for “Best Dramatic Presentation-Short Form” in 2009.

http://youtu.be/qVBjS22ppdw

Tags: Film rants · Rants and Love Songs

Flawed

September 25th, 2012 Written by | 1 Comment

Watch Flawed on PBS. See more from POV.

Flawed is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age film about a woman who is uncomfortable starting a relationship with a plastic surgeon. This 12-minute short film directed by Canadian artist and filmmaker Andrea Dorfman tackles the issues of identity and challenges the notions of the ideal beauty.

This film is the raison d’être of coming-of-age films. In 12 minutes Dorfman manages to capture what takes most directors 90 minutes. Flawed is a personal story that conjures one of the primary issues that many face during their adolescent years, self-acceptance. It is also sprinkled with elements of childhood insecurities, obstacles of a blossoming relationship and personal growth. The voice-over narrative is accompanied with watermarked drawings and light melodies that compliment the actions of the scene. This creates a storybook like tale of events.

I enjoyed watching Flawed I was continuously engaged. Dorfman deftly packaged adult like complexities with childlike illustrations. The film was well written. You were not bombarded with loads of information that it would ideally take to develop a character in a film. It didn’t give too much but also didn’t give too little, a perfect balance of material.

Tags: Short film critiques

Life, suicide and Love….

September 25th, 2012 Written by | 1 Comment

http://www.shortoftheweek.com/2012/02/14/moving-takahashi/moving-takahashi

Moving Takahashi is a romance based short film, well written and directed by Josh Soskin. It is an 11 minutes short cinematography about a mover and a suicidal daughter of the house, who takes some overdose pills to suicide and she has only twenty minutes left to survive. After a conflicting debate of whether to involve in such situation or not, the mover saves the daughter’s life and inspires her to live for life. The short dramatically elevated at the end when the mover reveals that his actual intent was to rob furniture in the house.

The theme of the short Moving Takahashi portrays the importance of life and love, which is fairly matched with its genre, romance. The cinematography has also couple of important messages to deliver to the viewers. Firstly, suicide is not the ultimate solution of any problem. It can only destroy your life. Secondly, everyone needs love in life and that can be happen any moment and anywhere. Finally, there are so many good reasons for living your life, so do not waste it.

Glowing acting of the main two leads, Robert Boyd Holbrook and Kristin Malko, make the film more pulsating and motivating in 11 minutes. Compare to other shorts of the same genre, the film goes quite along with another short film, Adelaide, where a girl is lonely and desperately looking for love and attention, and finally finds the man of her life.

The last scene is the soul of the film Moving Takahashi which is stunningly scripted and inspired to live for free will and life. And a girl chooses to go away with an unknown, but the saver of her life.

Source – Short of the Week

Tags: Short film critiques

Eight Minutes of Bliss

September 25th, 2012 Written by | 3 Comments

This eight-minute gem of a short by Canadian producer/writer/director Jason Reitman, tells the story of how two young people carefully negotiate the terms of their first sexual encounter.

Consent brilliantly encapsulates the best comedic aspects and plays up the ‘worst’ exaggerations of the full length rom com, using the hilarious ‘sex contract’ bedroom scene as a microcosm of the compromise couples go through in all budding relationships.

By concentrating on a simple sex scene, Reitman is able to very quickly portray what is often stretched out and over indulged in a standard romantic feature.

At their most annoying, the courtship phase in an ordinary rom com can become tiresome and clichéd. In Consent it has essentially already happened. Hollywood rom coms are also not known for their subtle and intelligent humor. In this film, the marriage of a concise and witty script, and a group of skilled actors, means that the humor and the ending twist, really get a chance to take center stage. It’s funny, sweet, enjoyable, light, and has bite. All the things I enjoy most about the best in the genre.

In just eight minutes there is nowhere to hide corny, and Consent is a masterful illustration of a romantic comedy at its most succinct.

Tags: Short film critiques

American Juggalo

September 25th, 2012 Written by | 4 Comments

American Juggalo by director Sean Dunne gives a shocking and entertaining look at the life of a “Juggalo.”
But what is a “Juggalo?” According to Wikipedia, the FBI classified Juggalos as a “loosely organized gang,” with a small segment that commits violent or drug related crimes. The name Juggalo originated with the band “Insane Clown Posse” as a name to describe their fans. Female Juggalos are called “Juggalettes.”
The short-film takes place at the annual “Gathering of the Juggalos.” Inspired by “Insane Clown Posse” the music festival features acts from the Posse’s record label and various other forms of “entertainment”.
Members of the Juggalo “family” describe themselves and their lifestyle in their own profanity laced vocabulary.
As you will see, Juggalos come in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and stages of motherhood. Often riddled with piercings and tattoos, one of their proudest characteristics is that despite the violent lyrics, they love everyone. A Juggalette who calls herself “Maniac” most elegantly described Juggalos as a puzzle where everyone is a piece of the picture.
Although there are some “straight-edge” members, drug use, drinking, nudity and erratic behavior are completely acceptable and highly encouraged. After seeing this film the viewer must decide if Juggalos are misfits, criminals, or as one Juggalette calls it; just into “really weird-shit.”

Tags: Short film critiques

Heartless Zombies Have Hearts After All

September 25th, 2012 Written by | 4 Comments

Still Image taken from the short film “Rest” by Cole Schreiber

Who says zombies can’t have hearts? …Oh, yeah. Well, anyway this zombie from the short “Rest” by Cole Schreiber will make any 300 pound, muscle man squeal “awww” right in front of their laptop screens. It all begins with a zombie inexplicably rising from his grave and walking miles to unspecified location. We see the zombie walk through sand and dirt and mountains just to arrive at this location. He even rides a boat across the ocean. All that is heard throughout is a merry piano tune. The lack of language is good because it perplexes the audience and makes them wonder where he might be going. Is he going to seek revenge on the person that killed him? Or is he just mindless walking since he is a zombie and therefore brainless.  Well for the sake of making it a short film, let’s assume that he is going somewhere specific for a reason.

As you see him walk and walk for minutes through these different fields and areas, even through New York City at one point, the we still don’t get a hint as to where he might be walking to which can bore the audience. For a short film that’s only about 12 minutes long, 5 minutes of just walking with no indication or clue can get a little redundant and boring and make viewers just close their screens. Midway, however, we see him take out a picture and look at it so now the viewers can assume he has a plan, at least. At the end, he gets a shovel and digs up a grave and jumps in it, only for us to see a woman there and they lay there together until the end. How cute. If you’re into zombies and the undead and at the same time love a good love story, this is a good short film to watch.

Tags: Rants and Love Songs