The ability to re-watch any show on television new or old is a technology of a generation. Since Netflix started in 1999 they have been the leader in changing the game of how we watch television on our computers. The technology spread fast and soon enough every television station will have some type of internet access for live viewing or re-programming. In 2010 HBO launched its internet streaming syndicator, HBOGO. This allowed HBO to maintain its credibility as a high powered premium channel with great respect for the quality of programming.
HBO has been reaching out to service providers to make deals so more people have access to HBO as long as they are paying the premium through the service provider. Once HBO made a deal with Optimum I immediately created an account with HBO GO. Since then I have been catching up on my favorite HBO shows like Entourage, Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos and I can't wait till Game of Thrones season 3 comes out. What is nice about HBO that differs from companies like Netflix and Hulu Plus is that because HBO has its own programming they can put their shows up on their site immediately after they air giving the viewer the ability to access them anytime. Netflix has recently taking the role of studio with the release of their first original series House of Cards. I can't wait to view great television shows on my computer at home on my own time.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
GESTALT of the image and the Mind
In Leon Batista Alberti 's treatise De Pictura (1435), where he discusses for the first time in western literature the concept of optical perspective, he mentions, in relation to art that, "it is impossible to take anything away from it or add anything to it, without impairing the beauty of the whole."
Illustration for Book 2, p.15
More recently, the American poet William Carlos Williams, talks about what he calls action “pruned to a perfect economy”, and goes on:
" To make two bald statements: there is nothing sentimental about a machine, and: A poem is a small (or large) machine made of words. When I say there’s nothing sentimental about a poem I mean that there can be no part, as in any other machine, that is redundant. Prose may carry a load of ill-defined matter like a ship. But poetry is the machine which drives it, pruned to a perfect economy. As in all machines its movement is intrinsic, undulant, a physical more than a literary character. In a poem this movement is distinguished in each case by the character of the speech from which it arises."
I believe the same applies to the concept of design, which is, like Williams says, a well tuned machine, made of all the necessary elements but nothing more, since, by logic, anything not essential would be taking the place of what is. A place where form and function are interchangeable and indiscernible from each other.
Alberti said, in his famous visualization of painting as a window that
Now, Alberti was not refering to the surface of the painting as a whole as the "window", but rather to the square, quadrangolo de retti angoli, that you draw as a boundary, limit or predetermination of the shape, size, proportion etc where the outside will be seen, like a hole punched in the very fabric of reality.
I only wanted to share these thoughts to make you think about that window, about the possibility to break it, once you know it is there. Is it possible to maintain the coherence or continuity without it? What happens in our media world where the view is fragmented or distributed around millions of tiny windows that together are more than the sum of their parts?
All images, except Duchamp's Window are from The Painting of Leone Battista Alberti facsimile that you can find at the Science, Engineering and Technology Linda Hall Library
Illustration for Book 2, p.15More recently, the American poet William Carlos Williams, talks about what he calls action “pruned to a perfect economy”, and goes on:
" To make two bald statements: there is nothing sentimental about a machine, and: A poem is a small (or large) machine made of words. When I say there’s nothing sentimental about a poem I mean that there can be no part, as in any other machine, that is redundant. Prose may carry a load of ill-defined matter like a ship. But poetry is the machine which drives it, pruned to a perfect economy. As in all machines its movement is intrinsic, undulant, a physical more than a literary character. In a poem this movement is distinguished in each case by the character of the speech from which it arises."
I believe the same applies to the concept of design, which is, like Williams says, a well tuned machine, made of all the necessary elements but nothing more, since, by logic, anything not essential would be taking the place of what is. A place where form and function are interchangeable and indiscernible from each other.
Alberti said, in his famous visualization of painting as a window that
Now, Alberti was not refering to the surface of the painting as a whole as the "window", but rather to the square, quadrangolo de retti angoli, that you draw as a boundary, limit or predetermination of the shape, size, proportion etc where the outside will be seen, like a hole punched in the very fabric of reality.
I only wanted to share these thoughts to make you think about that window, about the possibility to break it, once you know it is there. Is it possible to maintain the coherence or continuity without it? What happens in our media world where the view is fragmented or distributed around millions of tiny windows that together are more than the sum of their parts?
All images, except Duchamp's Window are from The Painting of Leone Battista Alberti facsimile that you can find at the Science, Engineering and Technology Linda Hall Library
A Good Day To Die Hard
"A Good Day To Die Hard" is a perfect example of a movie that was made just so that those involved could make some money. Now that might not be the case for the production company after the weekend reviews for the newest installment to the "Die Hard" series flopped. However it is pretty obvious that Bruce Willis continues to sign on as John McClane just for the paycheck and maybe to be in a few cool fighting scenes. No matter the reason, it shows in the newer films that this series has run its course and now they are just dragging it along for money.
It's a shame because the first three movies in the series were actually very good. The first "Die Hard" is a classic that finds Officer John McClane in full rescue mode as he tries to save his wife and other hostages that are being held by a German terrorist. We have heard the plot before but in 1988 it was a little bit more original. There was strategy involved in his plan, and progressing the plot was just as important as big explosions and gun fights. The same can't be said about the more recent films.
The second movie was well done as well. The airport was a nice added plot twist, anytime you can include some planes good things happen. But also the stakes were much higher this time for McClane as there were a lot more people involved in this hostage scenario than the last. So although we see McClane somehow save the day once again, at least it was an original scenario.
I'm going to skip over a few of the movies. Like when Samuel L. Jackson and the game "simon says" somehow snuck into the series. Or when that guy from the mac commercials made an appearance in the previous movie. These two were the start of the end, or so we thought, of the series. And there was nothing wrong with making three movies. But by the fourth it was just not believable anymore. Maybe it was because of Bruce Willis' age, but it was also because the plot and the stunts involved became so far fetched.
Which brings us to the most recent movie, "A Good Day To Die Hard". This movie just completely ruined the series for me. It was overproduced, with way too much emphasis on having big explosions and ridiculous stunts. But maybe most importantly I just can't buy Bruce Willis anymore. The guy is nearly 60 and he's scaling buildings and winning fights with guys half his age. I'm all for the underdog story, but this story now has gotten old and it's time for Bruce Willis to move on. As long as there is money being made the studios will continue to make "Die Hard" films. So it is really up to Bruce Willis to finally decide to close this chapter of his career.
It's a shame because the first three movies in the series were actually very good. The first "Die Hard" is a classic that finds Officer John McClane in full rescue mode as he tries to save his wife and other hostages that are being held by a German terrorist. We have heard the plot before but in 1988 it was a little bit more original. There was strategy involved in his plan, and progressing the plot was just as important as big explosions and gun fights. The same can't be said about the more recent films.
The second movie was well done as well. The airport was a nice added plot twist, anytime you can include some planes good things happen. But also the stakes were much higher this time for McClane as there were a lot more people involved in this hostage scenario than the last. So although we see McClane somehow save the day once again, at least it was an original scenario.
I'm going to skip over a few of the movies. Like when Samuel L. Jackson and the game "simon says" somehow snuck into the series. Or when that guy from the mac commercials made an appearance in the previous movie. These two were the start of the end, or so we thought, of the series. And there was nothing wrong with making three movies. But by the fourth it was just not believable anymore. Maybe it was because of Bruce Willis' age, but it was also because the plot and the stunts involved became so far fetched.
Which brings us to the most recent movie, "A Good Day To Die Hard". This movie just completely ruined the series for me. It was overproduced, with way too much emphasis on having big explosions and ridiculous stunts. But maybe most importantly I just can't buy Bruce Willis anymore. The guy is nearly 60 and he's scaling buildings and winning fights with guys half his age. I'm all for the underdog story, but this story now has gotten old and it's time for Bruce Willis to move on. As long as there is money being made the studios will continue to make "Die Hard" films. So it is really up to Bruce Willis to finally decide to close this chapter of his career.
Tip of the Arrow
As a huge DC Comics fan, I am surprised that it took me so long to at least give the CW's Arrow a shot, pardon the pun. Perhaps I was worried about being disappointed. Either way, I finally gave the show a watch and my thoughts are conflicted.
Bullseye
Let me get this out of the way first: the action sequences in the first episode were absolutely top notch. Featuring some incredible camera angles (such as what looked like a shoulder mounted GoPro while parkour-ing) and some unrelentingly fast-paced choreography and stunts, these sequences by far supplied the flashiness that a show needs in its pilot.
I don't know if this will remain this away over the course of the rest of the season or if it is only because they needed said flashiness in their pilot, but the production value was very high. From a massive rave party in the city's event center to a chase sequence spanning multiple industrial locations, every scene is something visually fresh and new.
One particular flashback scene literally elicited a "WOAH!" reaction from me, and for the sake of avoiding spoilers, I will not say what happens. If they have a scene like that every episode, this show will have the dark edge it needs to avoid straying into the teeny bopper drama genre like Smallville did.
Missed the mark
Some of the visual effects did not sell, especially on the island. Some very 2006-ish matte painting, ala Lost, and some obviously composited explosion effects unfortunately lowered the bar and detracted from our hero's origin story.
Just like the visual effects, some of the actors did not sell as well as I'm sure the producers would have hoped. Our protagonist, Oliver's sister, whose name escapes me, provides a very two-dimensional conflict within the episode. Similarly, the character Laurel's plot line fell flat, leaving me to wonder whether these actresses were chosen simply because of their undeniable good looks.
Arrow is a drama on the CW and it shows in the writing. Featuring some glaringly obvious lines that can only be explained by the network asking the writers to dumb the script down for the lowest common denominator, this show lacks the intellectual edge found in Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones (I understand that it is airing on a broadcast network. For example, in one scene, Laurel tells Oliver that she wish he would have died in the boat accident five years ago. Two scenes later, when she apologizes, she delivers the awkwardly stilted line of "I'm sorry about what I said... that you should have died in that boat accident five years ago". Yuck.
Fortunately, the pros by far outweigh the cons, and the interesting flashback-based means of storytelling and adrenaline-pumping action sequences will keep me returning for the next few episodes, at least until I get a better grasp on the direction in which Arrow is heading.
Bullseye
Let me get this out of the way first: the action sequences in the first episode were absolutely top notch. Featuring some incredible camera angles (such as what looked like a shoulder mounted GoPro while parkour-ing) and some unrelentingly fast-paced choreography and stunts, these sequences by far supplied the flashiness that a show needs in its pilot.
I don't know if this will remain this away over the course of the rest of the season or if it is only because they needed said flashiness in their pilot, but the production value was very high. From a massive rave party in the city's event center to a chase sequence spanning multiple industrial locations, every scene is something visually fresh and new.
One particular flashback scene literally elicited a "WOAH!" reaction from me, and for the sake of avoiding spoilers, I will not say what happens. If they have a scene like that every episode, this show will have the dark edge it needs to avoid straying into the teeny bopper drama genre like Smallville did.
Missed the mark
Some of the visual effects did not sell, especially on the island. Some very 2006-ish matte painting, ala Lost, and some obviously composited explosion effects unfortunately lowered the bar and detracted from our hero's origin story.
Just like the visual effects, some of the actors did not sell as well as I'm sure the producers would have hoped. Our protagonist, Oliver's sister, whose name escapes me, provides a very two-dimensional conflict within the episode. Similarly, the character Laurel's plot line fell flat, leaving me to wonder whether these actresses were chosen simply because of their undeniable good looks.
Arrow is a drama on the CW and it shows in the writing. Featuring some glaringly obvious lines that can only be explained by the network asking the writers to dumb the script down for the lowest common denominator, this show lacks the intellectual edge found in Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones (I understand that it is airing on a broadcast network. For example, in one scene, Laurel tells Oliver that she wish he would have died in the boat accident five years ago. Two scenes later, when she apologizes, she delivers the awkwardly stilted line of "I'm sorry about what I said... that you should have died in that boat accident five years ago". Yuck.
Fortunately, the pros by far outweigh the cons, and the interesting flashback-based means of storytelling and adrenaline-pumping action sequences will keep me returning for the next few episodes, at least until I get a better grasp on the direction in which Arrow is heading.
Monday, February 18, 2013
A couple of It-less Its
I've got one less movie on my list now that I've watched, 'IT'. No, not that clown one- the silent film with Clara Bow from 1927.
'IT' is about Betty Lou played by Bow, who works at a big department store in New York. She's feisty and lives with her friend who has recently had a baby. The department store she works for ends up with a new boss, Cyrus Waltham and his friend, Monty has recently read a story in Cosmopolitan about having 'IT'.
Monty goes around the store trying to find a girl who has 'IT'. Monty tries to get Betty on a date but Betty has figured out that if she goes on a date with Monty, she can weasel her way into 'bumping' into Waltham during their date and make a move on him.
Of course this plan works by making a bet with Waltham saying that the next time he sees her, he wouldn't recognizer her. And of course he doesn't and he ends up taking her out to the boardwalk for a fun-filled and adorable date.
Drama ensues when her roommate Molly is down on her luck now being a single mother and relying on Betty so she doesn't have to give up her baby to the welfare workers. Betty pretends that the baby is hers to protect her friend from having to give up her baby. Monty sees the heroic gesture but didn't know that Betty was just being a good friend and ends up telling Waltham that Betty is a single mom.
'IT' is a perfect example of a rom-com. It's adorable, funny and of course there's the misunderstanding that eventually leads to love. There's even a best friend that gets looked passed for another girl. This movie is almost 90 years old and it's been remade again and again. (Even if you put in modern times, if a guy started dating a girl and he thought she was a single mom, he'd probably be hesitant/confused as well. Even if we are in the 21st century, single motherhood (like as if the baby's father was never involved whatsoever) is still looked down upon or at the least seems like there's something wrong with the woman.)
Clara Bow is beautiful as ever and the comedic timing is great. Watching this made me in the mood for some Mary Jane heels, the boardwalk and for another round of silent films.
'IT' is about Betty Lou played by Bow, who works at a big department store in New York. She's feisty and lives with her friend who has recently had a baby. The department store she works for ends up with a new boss, Cyrus Waltham and his friend, Monty has recently read a story in Cosmopolitan about having 'IT'.
Monty goes around the store trying to find a girl who has 'IT'. Monty tries to get Betty on a date but Betty has figured out that if she goes on a date with Monty, she can weasel her way into 'bumping' into Waltham during their date and make a move on him.
Of course this plan works by making a bet with Waltham saying that the next time he sees her, he wouldn't recognizer her. And of course he doesn't and he ends up taking her out to the boardwalk for a fun-filled and adorable date.
Drama ensues when her roommate Molly is down on her luck now being a single mother and relying on Betty so she doesn't have to give up her baby to the welfare workers. Betty pretends that the baby is hers to protect her friend from having to give up her baby. Monty sees the heroic gesture but didn't know that Betty was just being a good friend and ends up telling Waltham that Betty is a single mom.
'IT' is a perfect example of a rom-com. It's adorable, funny and of course there's the misunderstanding that eventually leads to love. There's even a best friend that gets looked passed for another girl. This movie is almost 90 years old and it's been remade again and again. (Even if you put in modern times, if a guy started dating a girl and he thought she was a single mom, he'd probably be hesitant/confused as well. Even if we are in the 21st century, single motherhood (like as if the baby's father was never involved whatsoever) is still looked down upon or at the least seems like there's something wrong with the woman.)
Clara Bow is beautiful as ever and the comedic timing is great. Watching this made me in the mood for some Mary Jane heels, the boardwalk and for another round of silent films.
Three movies down and thirty-two to go.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The Muppets.. AGAIN?!
Yeah, you heard it! The rumor is true. Kermit, Miss Piggy,
Beaker, and the rest of the Muppets gang will be returning to the big screen in
2014 for The Muppets… Again. This
film will include Kermit and Frog and the rest of the team travelling across
Europe attempting to solve a case of a stolen identity.
With the success of The
Muppets, the 2011 movie, director James Bobin has decided to create another
rendition of this film for its avid followers. This new film has an assortment of great
additions that promise another exciting presentation of our favorite lineup.
While it is sad to see Jason Segel and Amy Adams not return for the sequel, the
new cast, including Tina Fey, Christoph Waltz, and Ricky Gervais, is sure to
make you laugh. In addition, the movie will be tugging on the heartstrings by
setting big milestones for some of our favorite members of the Muppet crew. For
instance, Miss Piggy will finally fulfill her love life goals by getting
married. It has not been disclosed that she will be marrying her long time
co-star Kermit the Frog, so it will remain a secret until 2014.
After seeing the 2011 comedy, I can say I believe this movie
will be as great a success, if not better than the original. The cast has
grown, adding more humor than just Jason Segel, and with Tina Fey as one of the
main characters, I believe it could be very entertaining. In addition, the
Muppets team never gets old because we have grown up with these characters. We
enjoy their humor, no matter how many times we have seen it, so I think it will
be a fun film for all viewers.
The Departed
Martin Scorsese has made dozens of incredible films, many of them being classics. But the one that earned him is one and only Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture was his 2006 film, The Departed. Set in South Boston, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to be an undercover cop in the Irish mob run by ganglord Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a criminal working for the Irish mob and Costello, who has become a Massachusetts State Police Detective. Both Billy and Collin attempt to gain information about the organizations they have infiltrated. However, both the police and Irish mob become aware of the moles inside their organizations and Billy's and Collin's lives are suddenly put into danger. Each man must work quickly to find the other man and take him out before they get taken out by the organizations.
With an amazing cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winston, Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin, The Departed is an outstanding film that everyone should go see, if you can get past the abundance of violence and cursing that is in the film. This film simply has it all. A great cast, great cinematography, great editing and a great script. It is one of my personal favorites and every time I watch it, I am sitting at the edge of my seat.
I think my favorite part of the film is the scene on the top of the rooftop, (SPOILERS AHEAD). Both Billy and Collin have found out that the other is the rat in the organizations. Billy told Collin to meet him on the top of the roof and when he arrives, Billy arrests Collin. Detective Brown, played by Anthony Anderson, also comes to the rooftop because he knows who both Billy and Collin are. Billy takes Collin down the elevator at gunpoint and as soon as the elevator doors open, Barrigan, who is another detective working for the Irish mob, puts a bullet through Billy's head and Detective Browns. Collin then puts a bullet through Barrigan's head, making sure that there are no loose ends. This scene is very intense and you do not see the murders coming at all. I jumped in my seat when I heard the loud bangs.
Also just as a side note, my brother actually works in the building where this scene was shot.
The Departed is a terrific film and I think it is Scorsese's best.
With an amazing cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winston, Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin, The Departed is an outstanding film that everyone should go see, if you can get past the abundance of violence and cursing that is in the film. This film simply has it all. A great cast, great cinematography, great editing and a great script. It is one of my personal favorites and every time I watch it, I am sitting at the edge of my seat.
I think my favorite part of the film is the scene on the top of the rooftop, (SPOILERS AHEAD). Both Billy and Collin have found out that the other is the rat in the organizations. Billy told Collin to meet him on the top of the roof and when he arrives, Billy arrests Collin. Detective Brown, played by Anthony Anderson, also comes to the rooftop because he knows who both Billy and Collin are. Billy takes Collin down the elevator at gunpoint and as soon as the elevator doors open, Barrigan, who is another detective working for the Irish mob, puts a bullet through Billy's head and Detective Browns. Collin then puts a bullet through Barrigan's head, making sure that there are no loose ends. This scene is very intense and you do not see the murders coming at all. I jumped in my seat when I heard the loud bangs.
Also just as a side note, my brother actually works in the building where this scene was shot.
The Departed is a terrific film and I think it is Scorsese's best.
Avengers
Hollywood loves it's franchises, for they are extremely marketable. If the book, item, show, ect, is popular enough, it will become a movie. This is has happened most often with comics. So far Batman, Spiderman, The Hulke, ect, have become movies. There's nothing wrong with this, in a lot of cases these movies are good, but the stories are starting to get a little predictable.
Stop
me if you've heard this one before, "Some all powerful government
thing has an energy source that can be used as a continuous renewing
source of energy. But there's a bad guy who wants to use it for his own
ends. Stealing ensues, there's brain washing, a short fight scene, we've
all seen it before. So our friendly neighborhood government agency
gathers a team to take out the bad guy and get the energy source back.
However there is a clash of the personalities and this idea falls flat,
until some emotional trigger makes them wake up and realize "We are
screwed if we don't get our act together!!!" This culminates is the
traditional small group of good guys vs. the bad guy and his army of
minions from another galaxy. And as is traditional the good guys win
because of a combination of luck, the smarts of a couple of the
characters, and sheer brute strength."
We have seen this in countless movies over the last ten years, namely in Super Hero movies (see Batman, Spiderman, the Fantastic Four 1&2, ect). Frankly this is starting to become a formula, and therefore boring.
The Avengers is decently done. The cinematography is o.k. and the effects are decent, but we hardly get more than a couple of seconds with them. This leads to the theory that the producers shaved a couple of thousand off the effects budget. but this is just a theory. The real problem with this movie is the story.
It's not that it's not well written, it's written decently and some parts give some interesting insight into the characters. Heck in some parts the characters have you completely fooled, and that is GREAT!!! When a character fools you it makes you believe in the story, it puts you in the movie. However the story in and of itself was boring. It's been done, several times, and that's all that can be said about it.
We have seen this in countless movies over the last ten years, namely in Super Hero movies (see Batman, Spiderman, the Fantastic Four 1&2, ect). Frankly this is starting to become a formula, and therefore boring.
The Avengers is decently done. The cinematography is o.k. and the effects are decent, but we hardly get more than a couple of seconds with them. This leads to the theory that the producers shaved a couple of thousand off the effects budget. but this is just a theory. The real problem with this movie is the story.
It's not that it's not well written, it's written decently and some parts give some interesting insight into the characters. Heck in some parts the characters have you completely fooled, and that is GREAT!!! When a character fools you it makes you believe in the story, it puts you in the movie. However the story in and of itself was boring. It's been done, several times, and that's all that can be said about it.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Bane Rules
I feel kind of lame admitting it, but until tonight I had yet to see The Dark Knight Rises, the final movie in the Batman trilogy. I wasn't into comic books growing up, so I never rushed to watch the big blockbuster movies, but I am disappointed in how long it took me to watch this one. For the last several months I've heard about Bane and how badass he is but but I never truly understood how awesome Bane actually is. His chilling, hallow machine-y british accent, which I hadn't heard (or at least hadn't remembered) previous to watching the movie, increased his badassery ten-fold.
It was probably because we were shooting our project today, but I also couldn't help but notice the lighting in many scenes. Not that they were bad, but whenever I saw the shadow on a characters face I tried to figure out where the lights were coming. It was interesting, but I've done too much work for a Friday.
It was probably because we were shooting our project today, but I also couldn't help but notice the lighting in many scenes. Not that they were bad, but whenever I saw the shadow on a characters face I tried to figure out where the lights were coming. It was interesting, but I've done too much work for a Friday.
Go Daddy Nerd Is Making His Rounds
I don't know which super bowl commercial was your favorite, it could've been Budweiser Clydesdale reuniting with his owner or the lonely teen who drives an Audi to prom and develops the courage to kiss the hottest girl in school (much to the dismay of the prom king). But my personal favorite was non other than that of the Go Daddy stud Jesse Heiman going hard in a make out sesh with supermodel Bar Raefali.
Too sexy for words.
What's our stud up to now after gaining national fame from his mad smooching skills?
BECOMING A MAKE OUT WHORE
Here is he is locking lips with "Extra" correspondent Maria Menounos:
With Jenny Mccarthy (alright they're not making out, but they did after this I swear):
and of course... JAY LENO?!?!
Well I guess when you've got that charm and charisma like Heiman does, you're pretty much irresistible to everyone. TEACH ME YOUR WAYS HEIMAN!!!
Too sexy for words.
What's our stud up to now after gaining national fame from his mad smooching skills?
BECOMING A MAKE OUT WHORE
Here is he is locking lips with "Extra" correspondent Maria Menounos:
With Jenny Mccarthy (alright they're not making out, but they did after this I swear):
and of course... JAY LENO?!?!
Well I guess when you've got that charm and charisma like Heiman does, you're pretty much irresistible to everyone. TEACH ME YOUR WAYS HEIMAN!!!
Becoming Internet Famous
Similarly, original web content is an exploding market. Websites like CollegeHumor are thriving, producing new comedic content every day, occasionally nabbing an A-list celebrity for a cameo.
With so many people making content for the internet, how is one to discover quality and separate the good from the bad? Thus is the problem. Without millions in funding or a big name attached, months, if not years of hard work can disappear in the black hole that is the internet.
I worked on a web series last semester called John and Kyle Do Everything (which you can find here), and while I am thrilled with the reception we got, it took us months to understand how exactly to get people to watch the show. We did a condom handout in the on-campus dining halls, with our logo emblazoned on the wrappers. Classic.
In an environment as expansive and impersonal as the Internet, web marketing really boils down to establishing person-to-person connections. How many times have you received an email telling you to check out a website and immediately deleted it? Thus is the problem... or at least another problem. Try to market too broadly and people will think you are a robot (and you will most likely get your accounts suspended).
If you want to get big on the internet, you need to get small first. Build your empire from the ground up, person by person.
The Untouchables: Classic
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This week I re-watched one of my all-time favorite movie,
The Untouchables. This Brian De Palma crime classic centers on the effort to
arrest the notorious gangster, Al Capone. The movie takes place in the beginning
of the 1930’s at the height of the prohibition in Chicago, Illinois. Eliot Ness
and his gang of “Untouchables” must bend the rules of the law in order to
capture the heavily influential criminal.
The film stars Kevin Coster as Eliot Ness, Sean Connery as
Jimmy Malone, and Robert De Niro plays Al Capone. The film takes advantage of several engaging shots that
really bring the viewer into the retro setting of this film to life. One thing I
noticed this time watching it that I had not noticed before is that the clothing was
all chosen and designed by Giorgio Armani. I am not really a fashion buff, but I
know the significance of Mr. Armani’s name and I believe he did a really good
job. The music in the film is entirely done with a full orchestra and it really
lines up to the time period and the subject at hand.
The acting is superb. All characters shine especially De
Niro’s interpretation of Capone. De Niro, known for his mobster roles, does the
part great justice and really helps you understand how sick he really was.
I recommend the film to all.
Safe Haven... Yes, I saw a chick flick, but it was great!
For
my Valentines day, my girlfriend and I went to dinner and a movie, and of
course we ended up at a chick flick called, Safe Haven.
The
movie started with the main character, Katie (Julianne Hough) fleeing from a
house because of something that the audience has yet to discover. She
skips town and arrives in a small-town in North Carolina, looking for
clean slate after her horrible past in Boston. She finds a job at a local
restaurant, and rents a small, secluded home buried in the woods,
hoping to avoid the tight-knit community. Alex (Josh Duhamel), a widowed store
owner with two children, tries to welcome Katie to the neighborhood, but she
denies him, not wanting a relationship with anyone.
Soon
after the denial of friendship, Katie’s new friend in town Jo (Cobie Smulders),
encourages her to become friends with Alex and to give their friendship a
chance. The art of Nicholas Sparks strikes again, after a date on the
beach, a romantic canoeing trip, and a cute dinner date with dancing and
laughing, Katie and Alex fall head over heels for each other.
Director Lasse
Hallström excellently incorporates the beautiful scenery of North Carolina
to benefit the plot, and the creative cinematography of particular scenes is
just captivating.
Even
though the film doesn't truly live up to the other Sparks films like The
Notebook or A Walk to Remember, the addition of cool cinematography
and suspense creates a great new twist to his orginals. The
Valentine’s Day release date will definitely play a huge roll in the
popularity of this film.
Any
couples out there, I suggest you go see!
Argo Review
Last night, instead of seeing yet another Die Hard movie, my date and I spent Valentines day seeing one of this year's Oscar contenders, Argo. My date despises Ben Affleck, and went into the movie not expecting to like it, where I on the other hand am a fan of Mr. Affleck and expected only to love this movie. Surly Argo did not disappoint and brought a fascinating story that I know nothing about, to the big screen with amazing direction and a thrilling plot. Argo has won almost every major award this season and of course is nominated for 7 Oscar nominations for next weekend's celebration.
The biggest surprise surrounding the movie; however, is Ben Affleck's snub for best director. I could not agree more. The directing of this movie is what I think is strongest in this film. Although the 7 other nominations are well deserved, I think Ben Affleck's directing is brilliant, connecting such a secretive, complicated story into a 2 hour film. The only thing I did not like about his directing was the multitude of close-up's on Affleck's face. (He also stared in the movie as Tony Mendez.) Although Affleck is a handsome man, no one looks good in the 70's and the close ups on his face were ridiculous and unnecessary.
The plot was complicated and detailed, but this is something I can not complain about because it's not just a script it is in fact real life. The story follows Affleck's character Mendez using a faux Hollywood movie made my Canadian filmmakers to enter Iran and help 6 hostages escape. The story is amazing and I can not believe this is based on a real event. It absolutely blows my mind, and the use of found footage from the time was incredibly well planned and used to the best of it's ability. I really felt like I was in 1979 / 1980.
The film is also up for best picture at the Oscars, which is no surprise after it won best picture for the BAFTAS, Critics Choice, and Golden Globes. However looking at the other nominees this year I would not give Argo the oscar. I believe it is a wonderful film and Affleck should be nominated; but I don't think it can even compare to a film like Zero Dark Thirty. Alan Arkin is also nominated for his role in the film as a big shot Hollywood producer. His story arch is absolutely hilarious, but won't win him the award. John Goodman, Victor Garber, Brian Craynston, and Kyle Chandler also do a phenomenal job in the film, but this was really not an acting piece. It was all about the plot and the history and I am happy how it turned out. They added in a story line about Affleck's character Mendez and his family, which I found extremely irrelevant to the plot and hurt it more than helped. You did not need to humanize his character it was not a strong enough relationship with the audience that we cared about his character or his family, and if that sub-plot was eliminated I think it would have overall been a much stronger film.
However I still give it an A and loved watching it and would love to know more about the Iranian hostage situation. Argo does not disappoint.
The biggest surprise surrounding the movie; however, is Ben Affleck's snub for best director. I could not agree more. The directing of this movie is what I think is strongest in this film. Although the 7 other nominations are well deserved, I think Ben Affleck's directing is brilliant, connecting such a secretive, complicated story into a 2 hour film. The only thing I did not like about his directing was the multitude of close-up's on Affleck's face. (He also stared in the movie as Tony Mendez.) Although Affleck is a handsome man, no one looks good in the 70's and the close ups on his face were ridiculous and unnecessary.
The plot was complicated and detailed, but this is something I can not complain about because it's not just a script it is in fact real life. The story follows Affleck's character Mendez using a faux Hollywood movie made my Canadian filmmakers to enter Iran and help 6 hostages escape. The story is amazing and I can not believe this is based on a real event. It absolutely blows my mind, and the use of found footage from the time was incredibly well planned and used to the best of it's ability. I really felt like I was in 1979 / 1980.
The film is also up for best picture at the Oscars, which is no surprise after it won best picture for the BAFTAS, Critics Choice, and Golden Globes. However looking at the other nominees this year I would not give Argo the oscar. I believe it is a wonderful film and Affleck should be nominated; but I don't think it can even compare to a film like Zero Dark Thirty. Alan Arkin is also nominated for his role in the film as a big shot Hollywood producer. His story arch is absolutely hilarious, but won't win him the award. John Goodman, Victor Garber, Brian Craynston, and Kyle Chandler also do a phenomenal job in the film, but this was really not an acting piece. It was all about the plot and the history and I am happy how it turned out. They added in a story line about Affleck's character Mendez and his family, which I found extremely irrelevant to the plot and hurt it more than helped. You did not need to humanize his character it was not a strong enough relationship with the audience that we cared about his character or his family, and if that sub-plot was eliminated I think it would have overall been a much stronger film.
However I still give it an A and loved watching it and would love to know more about the Iranian hostage situation. Argo does not disappoint.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Kiefer Sutherland
My single favorite show of all time is 24. The show follows the character Jack Bauer who is a federal agent that stops terrorists from destroying the country. The idea of the show is that this terrorist attack takes place within the course of 24 hours. Each episode is an hour long and the show builds on itself with worse and worse things happening while Jack Bauer saves the day whether he gets into trouble or not. The character of Bauer is an extremely well trained fearless person who will do whatever it takes to save his country which rarely thanks him or pays him back. The show is extremely well casted and should go down in television history as one of the best.
The show first aired in 2001 on Fox and was an immediate hit. I started watching the show during its second season and I fell in love. The show aired for 8 seasons over the course of 9 years because of the writers strike in 2007-2008. This was Sutherland's break through TV show that received 9 awards for through many different ceremonies and 7 of the awards were for Sutherland's performance. The show also received countless nominations for awards especially during seasons 4 and 5.
Since the show ended in 2010 Sutherland has been playing small roles in a few movies and has made some cameo appearances. His latest work is staring in a new television series called Touch which is also aired by Fox. I have not seen the show yet but maybe I will start watching the second season and love it just like 24, I highly doubt something like that will happen but I love Kiefer as an actor.
The show first aired in 2001 on Fox and was an immediate hit. I started watching the show during its second season and I fell in love. The show aired for 8 seasons over the course of 9 years because of the writers strike in 2007-2008. This was Sutherland's break through TV show that received 9 awards for through many different ceremonies and 7 of the awards were for Sutherland's performance. The show also received countless nominations for awards especially during seasons 4 and 5.
Since the show ended in 2010 Sutherland has been playing small roles in a few movies and has made some cameo appearances. His latest work is staring in a new television series called Touch which is also aired by Fox. I have not seen the show yet but maybe I will start watching the second season and love it just like 24, I highly doubt something like that will happen but I love Kiefer as an actor.
Paperman
Another Disney related post... sorry guys.
I had the pleasure of watching Paperman today. I had heard awesome things about it and finally got the chance to sit down and enjoy it. Paperman is a short, black and white animated Disney film.
I had the pleasure of watching Paperman today. I had heard awesome things about it and finally got the chance to sit down and enjoy it. Paperman is a short, black and white animated Disney film.
I appreciated this film for a ton of reasons. First of all, I really took time to appreciate how the black and white shading of the film affected how the story was told, since our first project is being shot in black and white. It really added a "classic" aspect to the film. It helped stray away from when the story took place. With the exception of some telephones that were a little "old fashioned", it was difficult to tell when the story took place. Everyone was dressed in business/work attire, which also remains relatively the same among generations.
Next thing I noticed was the use of many different aspect ratios we discussed in class. I noticed a lot of the "Golden Ratio" being put to use. A lot of the shots were very aesthetically pleasing. Since this is animated, the animator has true control over where everything is placed. One of the first shots in the filmed shows aspect ratios...
See?
And probably the thing I appreciated most about this- the relationship between Paperman and Mickey The Sorcerer's Apprentice. I liked how there was a relationship in the sense that there was life given to inanimate objects. It was definitely cool to see a reference to an old Disney film.
Lastly, the amount of characterization to a person who isn't even real. I never stop being amazed at how characters that are animated touch my heart so close. This film tells a compelling story, without dialogue, but through emotions of animated characters.
Needless to say- I really enjoyed Paperman. Job well done.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Movies and Great Chase Scenes
The other night I was watching the first installment of one of the classic trilogies of our time: The Bourne Identity. Watching Matt Damon as Jason Bourne got me to thinking about some of the best chase scenes in movie history. The Bourne series just does exactly what you want in a chase scene. Whether it be high speed cars, high speed motorcycles, or gun fire while driving. The director Doug Liman gives us all three.
So I thought to myself what movies also do these types of scenes well? The two that I came up with are classics within themselves for multiples reasons. But these two are exceptionally good at their various different styles of chase scenes. The first movie is a remake but is a very good one, "The Italian Job". Mark Wahlberg stars in the retelling of the elaborate heist pulled off by a group of old-school thieves. The scene that I immediately thought of was the climax of the movie when the gang rolls around in mini coopers making their way through the city. The way that they captured both the in-car conversations, the multiple different angles of the chase, and some action scenes as well was impressive. It's ability to be easy to follow is what makes it so special. The other scene I thought of was the first scene of the movie. Instead of on land, this scene is actually in the streets of Venice. It's always cool to see a boat chase. There is something pretty cool about a high speed boat chase. This scene was also well done.
The other movie I was thinking of is the James Bond series. Whether it be Casino Royal or Skyfall both movies have different chase scenes that are great. In Casino Royal, the chase is on foot through an African village. It involves climbing on giant cranes which is probably the coolest part. Bond and the man he is chasing climb high above the ground after each other before it finally ends with Bond catching him inside his embassy. In Skyfall, the chase scene where Bond is chasing Silva through the London subway system tunnels is one of the best shot chase scenes ever. Capturing all the different people involved while still following the plot line was unbelievable.
All three of the films are great action movies. And like any classic action movie they have to have multiple elaborate chase scenes. I think the best part of a good chase scene to me is when the actors really capture the franticness that the shots are trying to portray. I think that Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, and Daniel Craig all do this very well. You can feel the pressure and the anxiety building in the situation. Hopefully there are more great chase scenes to come from all of these directors.
So I thought to myself what movies also do these types of scenes well? The two that I came up with are classics within themselves for multiples reasons. But these two are exceptionally good at their various different styles of chase scenes. The first movie is a remake but is a very good one, "The Italian Job". Mark Wahlberg stars in the retelling of the elaborate heist pulled off by a group of old-school thieves. The scene that I immediately thought of was the climax of the movie when the gang rolls around in mini coopers making their way through the city. The way that they captured both the in-car conversations, the multiple different angles of the chase, and some action scenes as well was impressive. It's ability to be easy to follow is what makes it so special. The other scene I thought of was the first scene of the movie. Instead of on land, this scene is actually in the streets of Venice. It's always cool to see a boat chase. There is something pretty cool about a high speed boat chase. This scene was also well done.
The other movie I was thinking of is the James Bond series. Whether it be Casino Royal or Skyfall both movies have different chase scenes that are great. In Casino Royal, the chase is on foot through an African village. It involves climbing on giant cranes which is probably the coolest part. Bond and the man he is chasing climb high above the ground after each other before it finally ends with Bond catching him inside his embassy. In Skyfall, the chase scene where Bond is chasing Silva through the London subway system tunnels is one of the best shot chase scenes ever. Capturing all the different people involved while still following the plot line was unbelievable.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Groovy.
I'm a deadite and I don't care who knows... Well, actually... Most people don't know what that means so um... Let me explain. Tonight I watched Evil Dead II and it doesn't matter how many times I've seen that movie, it will still be one of my favorites.
Evil Dead II is a reboot/sequel to The Evil Dead which stars Bruce Campbell and directed by Sam Raimi. This is a picture almost 30 years old but this is one of my favorites of the two best friends.
Evil Dead II is a reboot/sequel to The Evil Dead which stars Bruce Campbell and directed by Sam Raimi. This is a picture almost 30 years old but this is one of my favorites of the two best friends.
You may know Sam Raimi as the director of the upcoming movie, Oz staring James Franco. And hopefully (fingers crossed) you know Bruce Campbell from Hercules? Oh how about... Burn Notice? He's the guy that always wears the Hawaiian shirts.
Okay, so Evil Dead II is when Ash (Bruce) and his girlfriend stay at an abandoned cabin for the weekend in the woods. He listens to a tape recorder there and he basically unleashes the evils from centuries of hibernation. So, zombie things attack and in the end Ash has to cut his hand off and attaches a chainsaw to the hand stub and save the day. It's pretty badass. (If you've ever seen The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, a guy with a chainsaw hand should seem familiar. Remember this guy?
That's Hoss Delgado. A reference to Kurt Russel's character from Escape From New York, Bruce Campbell's character from Evil Dead and his name is an ode to the comic book character Gangbuster.)
This movie series is a cult classic- literally, it's basically like a cult. Deadites live for these movies. My family and I use Bruce's brilliant one-liners in an everyday conversation. (We could be talking just about anything and if the conversation allows it, someone will just say, "Hail to the King, baby." like it made sense to the conversation.) There are horror conventions and when Bruce Campbell is there, you know it's the place to be.
Now, a lot of us Deadites got really really really really really really really really really pissed off when they decided to remake the first movie. It looks terrifying as hell but I was so nervous as to whether I was going to see it out not. Luckily, my main man Bruce and Sam are producers on the movie and are fully behind the film. So thankfully, soon, I'll be able to be scared shitless for days on end after seeing the remake.
Oh Bruce. You worked so hard and did your own stunts so directors that weren't his best friend would hire him in action films. You are the #1 B-Movie Actor and always will be. Any man who defeats the Deadites in Army of Darkness and fights with his own hand will always on the top of my list.
Oh, also. The day before I came to campus from winter break, I tweeted a picture to Bruce Campbell stating that I was organizing all of my Army of Darkness Comics and not even a minute later, Bruce Campbell tweeted back. I squealed and ran down to my parents room and showed my half asleep mom and dad the best moment of my life.
Bruce. I shall always have a crush on you for as long as we both shall live... Even though you are old enough to be my father, but that's besides the point.
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