Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Today's observation: I'm really acidic. Tony Robbins' Get the Edge Day 4 was scary. I was literally freaking out on the bus. Maybe I should become a vegetarian.
Productive day. B'gah! Got 'teh' signatures from 'teh' cool collaborators (I am trying to be cool like thsoe cmoputer ppl nad sepll thigns worng and be liek toatlly pwned rgiht). Gave them First Stop as a WMV.
Wrote 600 words for that three-part short story, happy with it so far. It's about a mistreated bellboy. Disjointed sentences, but it's readable. Wonder what tutor will think. Also finished off my 'The Comatose Day Dreams' poem for week four's coursework. It ended up being 49 lines, which is over the max limit so damn them, for the first time I have written a poem that's not short and they are going to cut it. Rarr. I like this one so I'm not going to change it.
Humidity is getting a bit better I think. Not much to say, didn't do much in terms of bloggable material. But I felt good about doing 'things' and not sitting around today. Productivity is king. Or queen. Or whatever monarchy thing.
"Productivity is the tribal chief."
Um, I still sort of feel tired now though. Boring post eh? Righties. Sorry, good night.
Productive day. B'gah! Got 'teh' signatures from 'teh' cool collaborators (I am trying to be cool like thsoe cmoputer ppl nad sepll thigns worng and be liek toatlly pwned rgiht). Gave them First Stop as a WMV.
Wrote 600 words for that three-part short story, happy with it so far. It's about a mistreated bellboy. Disjointed sentences, but it's readable. Wonder what tutor will think. Also finished off my 'The Comatose Day Dreams' poem for week four's coursework. It ended up being 49 lines, which is over the max limit so damn them, for the first time I have written a poem that's not short and they are going to cut it. Rarr. I like this one so I'm not going to change it.
Humidity is getting a bit better I think. Not much to say, didn't do much in terms of bloggable material. But I felt good about doing 'things' and not sitting around today. Productivity is king. Or queen. Or whatever monarchy thing.
"Productivity is the tribal chief."
Um, I still sort of feel tired now though. Boring post eh? Righties. Sorry, good night.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Today's observation: I feel like performing the pathetic fallacy with the weather these days is pretty non-fallacious. At least right now anyway.
Blocked nose, sore throat. However, Mum made that green grass jelly thing and pearls too! She's awesome. Went for one of those rare walks with my parents after dinner, it was great to breathe in Bucklands Beach. Bumped into the Chang's and chatted to Hsuan and Hong. Hong is doing Pharmacy this year at UoA (or AU, whichever one you prefer). It was good to catch up. Based on some confidential information he gave me, I also realised that some people were actually way off the basic University entrance requirements. I really did not expect some people to fail that badly. I mean, we're talking the very basics to get into University. Like, achieved's/C's. Right. I wouldn't be saying this if those people worked hard, but they obviously didn't, so it wasn't like they made an effort and weren't capable - they failed.
Left the computer on for two hours to render to an uncompressed SD file. Made the stupid mistake of muting the video track before I started, so I'll have to do that again tomorrow.
Wrote a few poems for ENGLISH 252. It's sort of the next thing on the agenda right now in terms of projects. I have to do one dialogue short story, one 'normal' short story and one three-part short story by the end of the coming week. No fear, I have ideas already. Will probably sit down and speed through the first drafts tomorrow. Really loving this paper.
Have a happy Chinese New Year, take care and good night.
Blocked nose, sore throat. However, Mum made that green grass jelly thing and pearls too! She's awesome. Went for one of those rare walks with my parents after dinner, it was great to breathe in Bucklands Beach. Bumped into the Chang's and chatted to Hsuan and Hong. Hong is doing Pharmacy this year at UoA (or AU, whichever one you prefer). It was good to catch up. Based on some confidential information he gave me, I also realised that some people were actually way off the basic University entrance requirements. I really did not expect some people to fail that badly. I mean, we're talking the very basics to get into University. Like, achieved's/C's. Right. I wouldn't be saying this if those people worked hard, but they obviously didn't, so it wasn't like they made an effort and weren't capable - they failed.
Left the computer on for two hours to render to an uncompressed SD file. Made the stupid mistake of muting the video track before I started, so I'll have to do that again tomorrow.
Wrote a few poems for ENGLISH 252. It's sort of the next thing on the agenda right now in terms of projects. I have to do one dialogue short story, one 'normal' short story and one three-part short story by the end of the coming week. No fear, I have ideas already. Will probably sit down and speed through the first drafts tomorrow. Really loving this paper.
Have a happy Chinese New Year, take care and good night.
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work one cannot find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. An A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is well worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
I'm proud to present these three films, all very good movies.
The Bourne Supremacy: I actually like this more than the first film. Joan Allen has great screen presence, and Matt Damon is really great as the troubled and conflicted protagonist. I like this movie more because Bourne seems to have a stronger drive and motive for finding out the truth, other than for the sake of finding out the truth. Don't get me wrong though, the first movie was also very good. They are two very consistent films, and Supremacy is excellently directed, paced, acted and choreographed - a solid B+.
Collateral: The protagonist Max's complex is great, he's a great character. The film also has an excellent first act and Jada Pinkett Smith is charismatic in her role here (much more so than in the Matrix sequels). Many people may think Tom Cruise's character is great, but in all honesty, they spent the millions on a flat character. He is ultimately very mysterious and cool, which makes him compelling as a villain. In fact he's a great villain, but still no less cardboard than any other villain around. That said, Tom Cruise was born to play this role. The hard edge, the intensity and the concentration are all key Tom Cruise-ian assets and they were utilised superbly. This isn't a criticism of the film (because I am totally cool with the Vincent character in this film), it's only an observation.
One small criticism of the film is Max's transformation from passive 'collateral' to the hero who saves the damsel in distress. It is very sudden, and I understand a film only has two hours, but that first bit when he goes in to see Felix and suddenly manages to act cool, calm and in control was incredible. Everything post-Tom-Cruise-taunting-in-the-car is convincing however, and I think it's a great story. However, for the title of the film to ring true (and for the film to truly be a powerful tragedy), Max should have died. He didn't, of course, and that does not make it less of a film. But it does make it less groundbreaking.
On a side note, Jamie Foxx was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Max in this film, however I do believe he was the protagonist. Maybe being in the same movie as Tom Cruise just automatically makes you a supporting character. I don't know. His name was second on the credits, and I understand the marketing, but he was in no way a supporting character. As good as Tom Cruise was, Jamie Foxx was the heart and blood of this movie, and his character and performance was what elevated this film from an average thriller to a very good movie. I really think this a good piece of filmmaking, and I'd love to give it an A, but there were just bits when I felt like it could've just been slightly more resonant. The entire bar-shooting scene for example, was good, but the chaos of it almost hurts the intelligence of the film a little bit, i.e. random shooting every single person around as opposed to cool and calculating on Vincent's part. It's not much, but I still felt it. The first and last half hours of the film were works of art, just in terms of the tone and the character of Max and creating the emotional environment for the story. The hook is potent and undeniably great. It's a very solid A-.
My Neighbours the Yamadas: This is a really nice series of episodes about a family, the Yamadas, directed by Isao Takahata, who directed the critically acclaimed Grave of the Fireflies. This film conveys the bitter-sweet nuances of family life superbly, and is inspired and poignant in its simple portrayals of family member archetypes. It's a quality film, and the subject matter really resonates with what I'm going through right now on an emotional level. Because of its simplistic nature, the balance between some very excellent episodes and some very average ones, and its structural highs and lows, it gets a B. A very solid B though, I liked this film a lot.
I'm proud to present these three films, all very good movies.
The Bourne Supremacy: I actually like this more than the first film. Joan Allen has great screen presence, and Matt Damon is really great as the troubled and conflicted protagonist. I like this movie more because Bourne seems to have a stronger drive and motive for finding out the truth, other than for the sake of finding out the truth. Don't get me wrong though, the first movie was also very good. They are two very consistent films, and Supremacy is excellently directed, paced, acted and choreographed - a solid B+.
Collateral: The protagonist Max's complex is great, he's a great character. The film also has an excellent first act and Jada Pinkett Smith is charismatic in her role here (much more so than in the Matrix sequels). Many people may think Tom Cruise's character is great, but in all honesty, they spent the millions on a flat character. He is ultimately very mysterious and cool, which makes him compelling as a villain. In fact he's a great villain, but still no less cardboard than any other villain around. That said, Tom Cruise was born to play this role. The hard edge, the intensity and the concentration are all key Tom Cruise-ian assets and they were utilised superbly. This isn't a criticism of the film (because I am totally cool with the Vincent character in this film), it's only an observation.
One small criticism of the film is Max's transformation from passive 'collateral' to the hero who saves the damsel in distress. It is very sudden, and I understand a film only has two hours, but that first bit when he goes in to see Felix and suddenly manages to act cool, calm and in control was incredible. Everything post-Tom-Cruise-taunting-in-the-car is convincing however, and I think it's a great story. However, for the title of the film to ring true (and for the film to truly be a powerful tragedy), Max should have died. He didn't, of course, and that does not make it less of a film. But it does make it less groundbreaking.
On a side note, Jamie Foxx was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Max in this film, however I do believe he was the protagonist. Maybe being in the same movie as Tom Cruise just automatically makes you a supporting character. I don't know. His name was second on the credits, and I understand the marketing, but he was in no way a supporting character. As good as Tom Cruise was, Jamie Foxx was the heart and blood of this movie, and his character and performance was what elevated this film from an average thriller to a very good movie. I really think this a good piece of filmmaking, and I'd love to give it an A, but there were just bits when I felt like it could've just been slightly more resonant. The entire bar-shooting scene for example, was good, but the chaos of it almost hurts the intelligence of the film a little bit, i.e. random shooting every single person around as opposed to cool and calculating on Vincent's part. It's not much, but I still felt it. The first and last half hours of the film were works of art, just in terms of the tone and the character of Max and creating the emotional environment for the story. The hook is potent and undeniably great. It's a very solid A-.
My Neighbours the Yamadas: This is a really nice series of episodes about a family, the Yamadas, directed by Isao Takahata, who directed the critically acclaimed Grave of the Fireflies. This film conveys the bitter-sweet nuances of family life superbly, and is inspired and poignant in its simple portrayals of family member archetypes. It's a quality film, and the subject matter really resonates with what I'm going through right now on an emotional level. Because of its simplistic nature, the balance between some very excellent episodes and some very average ones, and its structural highs and lows, it gets a B. A very solid B though, I liked this film a lot.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Let's do a Kiwi In Review post.
Definitely a very smooth process this time round. However, I still could've been better prepared for the shoot. This was evident because I was still making creative choices during the editing stage. I know there are things that always change in post, but I would like to, for once, know exactly which cuts to make (and where to make them) immediately after seeing the rushes and not after hours of mix-matching. The other thing about being more prepared is that it gives you more freedom to do the shots you want to the highest quality, instead of shooting a lot of coverage. This may seem more risky at first (as doing lots of coverage always feeds your insecurity as a director), but I just think doing one or two great shots and cutting them together clean (as opposed to four or five filler cut-ins or cut-aways) creates a more direct storytelling style. With better preparation I could have improved the quality of the shots tenfold, and this is coming from the position of having done more planning for Kiwi than any other project, ever.
The most important and valuable lesson I learnt is that the quality of the shots has no relationship with the number of takes you do, but has a direct relationship with the amount of time you spend on planning the shots. I think this is probably worth $100. Or more, maybe. If someone asked me to give them that money for this piece of knowledge, I'd do it. It'd be worth a 4-week course in filmmaking.
This might sound like common sense or something people take for granted, but really it has absolutely nothing to do with how many takes you do. I remember doing 15 takes on Epilogue, and it did nothing for quality. Doing a hundred takes won't improve anything if you haven't got the fuel or the substance there. Things don't just happen on the tenth take if you aren't well prepared. It's like improv, you need to do your homework on your character before you can unleash craziness on set.
In a practical sense, this means that instead of doing ten takes, the tenth of which is only slightly better than the worst of the bunch, you do three. Then you spend the remaining 70% of the time you would've spent on on shooting and use that on planning the day before.
Kiwi is definitely an exercise in applying the Soviet montage, which I guess is quite good since I learnt the theory of it in last year's Film Studies paper. I was already applying some of these techniques in Epilogue, but it's more explicit in this film. I think it's usage has primarily been a result of me watching modern films and music videos as opposed me being directly affected by the theory of the Soviet montage, because to be honest I've almost forgotten everything from that lecture.
Overall feelings about the film? Definitely the most well planned and executed shoot I've done, ever, and working under time pressure was great as well. But I could double the planning that I did and get a movie three times as good, or even five times as good.
In terms of my overall feeling about the quality of the film, I think I'm about 60% of the way there. Don't get me wrong, 60% may seem pretty low, but I am genuinely happy with this film. It's my answer to the question:
How much of what you want to convey and communicate actually shows in the final film?
For this one, 60%. I think most of my short films so far have really failed to communicate a straightforward thesis with clarity to the audience. I could sum up the message of each of my short films in a sentence, but I don't think a viewer could do the same after watching the shorts once. Not that a film should have only one message, but all I ask is for the viewer to come up with one dominant meaning of the film to them.
In short, the aim for me on a very basic level at this stage of my career is to achieve a level of mastery of the craft of filmmaking so that I can consistently communicate with clarity using the moving image medium.
I'm really happy with this short, I'm getting so much closer to that now.
Satisfaction with movie quality, period: C+
Satisfaction with movie quality, in context: B
Satisfaction with experience: A
Can't wait to make the next one. Thanks everyone for taking part, I hope it was a positive experience and look forward to working with you again in the future. This is probably the most understandable, accessible and simple short I've made. It's also the shortest and most economic.
Good night.
Definitely a very smooth process this time round. However, I still could've been better prepared for the shoot. This was evident because I was still making creative choices during the editing stage. I know there are things that always change in post, but I would like to, for once, know exactly which cuts to make (and where to make them) immediately after seeing the rushes and not after hours of mix-matching. The other thing about being more prepared is that it gives you more freedom to do the shots you want to the highest quality, instead of shooting a lot of coverage. This may seem more risky at first (as doing lots of coverage always feeds your insecurity as a director), but I just think doing one or two great shots and cutting them together clean (as opposed to four or five filler cut-ins or cut-aways) creates a more direct storytelling style. With better preparation I could have improved the quality of the shots tenfold, and this is coming from the position of having done more planning for Kiwi than any other project, ever.
The most important and valuable lesson I learnt is that the quality of the shots has no relationship with the number of takes you do, but has a direct relationship with the amount of time you spend on planning the shots. I think this is probably worth $100. Or more, maybe. If someone asked me to give them that money for this piece of knowledge, I'd do it. It'd be worth a 4-week course in filmmaking.
This might sound like common sense or something people take for granted, but really it has absolutely nothing to do with how many takes you do. I remember doing 15 takes on Epilogue, and it did nothing for quality. Doing a hundred takes won't improve anything if you haven't got the fuel or the substance there. Things don't just happen on the tenth take if you aren't well prepared. It's like improv, you need to do your homework on your character before you can unleash craziness on set.
In a practical sense, this means that instead of doing ten takes, the tenth of which is only slightly better than the worst of the bunch, you do three. Then you spend the remaining 70% of the time you would've spent on on shooting and use that on planning the day before.
Kiwi is definitely an exercise in applying the Soviet montage, which I guess is quite good since I learnt the theory of it in last year's Film Studies paper. I was already applying some of these techniques in Epilogue, but it's more explicit in this film. I think it's usage has primarily been a result of me watching modern films and music videos as opposed me being directly affected by the theory of the Soviet montage, because to be honest I've almost forgotten everything from that lecture.
Overall feelings about the film? Definitely the most well planned and executed shoot I've done, ever, and working under time pressure was great as well. But I could double the planning that I did and get a movie three times as good, or even five times as good.
In terms of my overall feeling about the quality of the film, I think I'm about 60% of the way there. Don't get me wrong, 60% may seem pretty low, but I am genuinely happy with this film. It's my answer to the question:
How much of what you want to convey and communicate actually shows in the final film?
For this one, 60%. I think most of my short films so far have really failed to communicate a straightforward thesis with clarity to the audience. I could sum up the message of each of my short films in a sentence, but I don't think a viewer could do the same after watching the shorts once. Not that a film should have only one message, but all I ask is for the viewer to come up with one dominant meaning of the film to them.
In short, the aim for me on a very basic level at this stage of my career is to achieve a level of mastery of the craft of filmmaking so that I can consistently communicate with clarity using the moving image medium.
I'm really happy with this short, I'm getting so much closer to that now.
Satisfaction with movie quality, period: C+
Satisfaction with movie quality, in context: B
Satisfaction with experience: A
Can't wait to make the next one. Thanks everyone for taking part, I hope it was a positive experience and look forward to working with you again in the future. This is probably the most understandable, accessible and simple short I've made. It's also the shortest and most economic.
Good night.
Finished.
(But the resolution is real crap for some reason when I see it on my TV. Oh well, consumer video footage in all its glory. There are heaps of artifacts too, like my computer was chewing gum when it was rendering. Will render again and change settings and see what happens.)
(But the resolution is real crap for some reason when I see it on my TV. Oh well, consumer video footage in all its glory. There are heaps of artifacts too, like my computer was chewing gum when it was rendering. Will render again and change settings and see what happens.)
Today's observation: Sweeping up leaves in the garden isn't really about sweeping up leaves. It's about killing mosquitoes. I think that's applicable to the other facets of life. You think you're doing one thing, but you're really doing something else. Wait this is the second time I've talked about insects this week.
Woke up earlier and did the usual stuff. Breakfast, yeah that sounds right. I had a nightmare last night and I woke up this morning with aching gums because I'd been clenching my jaws the entire time. Not good.
Go out and eat some grass. Go!
Woke up earlier and did the usual stuff. Breakfast, yeah that sounds right. I had a nightmare last night and I woke up this morning with aching gums because I'd been clenching my jaws the entire time. Not good.
Go out and eat some grass. Go!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Today's Observation: There is a new movie in which Amanda Bynes is playing a guy. She actually looks like a guy.
Editing editing, almost done woot! (w00t? bahhhh)
It just occured to me that everyone from 'half-my-year' got their results yesterday or something. Fifty new convo windows sprang up. Here are some sample first lines:
"Omg I got into Uni!"
"RARRR How do I check on nDeva this thing huh? RARRR!"
"I am so nervous do you want to make out with me?"
"Damnit my pen broke."
Have a nice evening. Please don't see that Ultraviolet movie. It's crazily good.
Editing editing, almost done woot! (w00t? bahhhh)
It just occured to me that everyone from 'half-my-year' got their results yesterday or something. Fifty new convo windows sprang up. Here are some sample first lines:
"Omg I got into Uni!"
"RARRR How do I check on nDeva this thing huh? RARRR!"
"I am so nervous do you want to make out with me?"
"Damnit my pen broke."
Have a nice evening. Please don't see that Ultraviolet movie. It's crazily good.
New day again eh? Supposed to finish Kiwi off completely today. Better get to work then.
Woke up late, 9, not good, bad. Stanislavski's book came yesterday, thanks Sonny. Yay it looks kick ass. The font size is small and the chapter titles look interesting. Stuff like, 'Inner Motive Forces' and 'On the Threshold of the Subconscious' make you go, "Ooooo..." Yes, five O's.
"Ooooo..." Have you noticed you mentally count the number of beats for your O's? So if I put Ooo you'd count three, and if I put Oooo you'd count four? No, now you're just doing it to rebel, but you really do subconsciously do it. Hah! Or maybe you don't. But I bet you hold the five O'd Ooooo longer than a three O'd Ooo.
Yesterday I was playing a game of 'take a photo of the bus as soon as you can see it'. As you can see, I'm not too slick yet, will try again on Tuesday. If there are probably better things to do at a bus stop, no one's told me.
:o/
Have a nice day.
:o)
Woke up late, 9, not good, bad. Stanislavski's book came yesterday, thanks Sonny. Yay it looks kick ass. The font size is small and the chapter titles look interesting. Stuff like, 'Inner Motive Forces' and 'On the Threshold of the Subconscious' make you go, "Ooooo..." Yes, five O's.
"Ooooo..." Have you noticed you mentally count the number of beats for your O's? So if I put Ooo you'd count three, and if I put Oooo you'd count four? No, now you're just doing it to rebel, but you really do subconsciously do it. Hah! Or maybe you don't. But I bet you hold the five O'd Ooooo longer than a three O'd Ooo.
Yesterday I was playing a game of 'take a photo of the bus as soon as you can see it'. As you can see, I'm not too slick yet, will try again on Tuesday. If there are probably better things to do at a bus stop, no one's told me.
:o/
Have a nice day.
:o)
Thursday, January 26, 2006
I didn't die. The Lemon Chicken turned out to be incredibly chili-fied. I was going to use one of those online recipes but I got home too late after Uni today so I just exited those browser windows and did something random. My calculator's random number generator function must've really liked me, because it chose soy sauce and sesame oil out of everything available in the pantry.
Casio FX-82, the cook's best friend.
The scrambled eggs and tomatoes are, as you can see, focked.
I took this photo a week or so ago, and, I don't know. I think my next short film, or the one after that, must capture what this photo captures. It's where I live and I really want to just convey that sense of home in a short film. Look at that bench. Bucklands Beach at its most serene.
Have a good night, take care.
Today's Observation: Being forced to cook makes one look up recipes on the internet. I never thought I'd actually do this. Lemon Chicken. Damnit. Fine. Reduction-tion-tion-tion-zzzz.
Eyes' verse has a really great melody, especially when Rogue sings, "Birds pass by to tell me that I'm not alone..." The hook at 'alone' is potent.
I'm pretty much done with Kiwi, but I just really don't like the transition between the Pre-Music section and the Pre-Groove section. It's adequate, but not that cool. I'll keep moving things around I get home tonight.
Boleslavsky book is good. However, he's pretty dedicated (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). His attitude is summed up in my paraphase below:
For the sake of the theatre give up everything, suffer everthing... expect the theatre to give you nothing in return, not the least grain of what seemed to you so beautiful in it and so alluring.
Well, I don't think it's bad for one to give their art everything. But I do believe people do things because of a reciprocal relationship they have with that activity. About a page later, he says:
Only by paying this price can you attain the happiness of creation, the happiness of the birth of a new artistic value.
Right, so it IS reciprocal. Suffer and feel deeply, and in return you attain the happiness of creation. Woohoo! Awesome, that sounds like a good deal to me. And so, I keep reading, in hopes of attaining this... this thing called happiness. Whatis dis... happiness?
Eyes' verse has a really great melody, especially when Rogue sings, "Birds pass by to tell me that I'm not alone..." The hook at 'alone' is potent.
I'm pretty much done with Kiwi, but I just really don't like the transition between the Pre-Music section and the Pre-Groove section. It's adequate, but not that cool. I'll keep moving things around I get home tonight.
Boleslavsky book is good. However, he's pretty dedicated (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). His attitude is summed up in my paraphase below:
For the sake of the theatre give up everything, suffer everthing... expect the theatre to give you nothing in return, not the least grain of what seemed to you so beautiful in it and so alluring.
Well, I don't think it's bad for one to give their art everything. But I do believe people do things because of a reciprocal relationship they have with that activity. About a page later, he says:
Only by paying this price can you attain the happiness of creation, the happiness of the birth of a new artistic value.
Right, so it IS reciprocal. Suffer and feel deeply, and in return you attain the happiness of creation. Woohoo! Awesome, that sounds like a good deal to me. And so, I keep reading, in hopes of attaining this... this thing called happiness. Whatis dis... happiness?
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work I can't find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. Anything A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
It is my pleasure to present the weakest trio of films I have seen consecutively in a long time:
Ocean's Twelve: A very average movie. The charm of the star system basically killed itself, although the film still has its ups and downs. The stakes are high, like the first film, and there is tension, however in execution and presentation it seems to aim lower than Eleven with every punch. This would have certainly been a disappointing film for many, however I saw it with low expectations and came out alright - C.
Breathless: This American remake of the influential Godard film of the French New Wave is not very good at all. However I can see why Tarantino liked this movie. There are certain bits where a moving camera catches action in very highly choreographed ways. So kudos for that. However, the story, the drama and the acting were all very weak. There are certain plot elements which are changed, but the film's core message and essential dialogue is the same as the original. However, the drama and 'carpe diem' nature of Gere's character is heightened in this film. While this film does not use any innovative technique like the original, the character arcs are more swallowable. However, many parts just came out bland. Worth seeing only if you have seen the original film, because there definitely are certain things one can learn. Otherwise, passable - C-.
Along Came Polly: Truly terrible movie. This is a typical bad movie with obvious flaws. The toilet humour was not well timed and the characters do stupid things that aren't charismatic or charming at all. How Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston picked up this script and said, "Yes, I think I'll do this movie," is beyond me, because I'm sure both of them would've gotten a decent pay cheque (I'm not American) working on anything else. This isn't even a good idea gone bad. This is a very obviously bad script with tasteless humour that does not appeal to anyone. However, I think Ben Stiller really tried. Plus, there was one bit when he did the Magnum look from Zoolander. I'm in a very good mood today, so - D+.
It is my pleasure to present the weakest trio of films I have seen consecutively in a long time:
Ocean's Twelve: A very average movie. The charm of the star system basically killed itself, although the film still has its ups and downs. The stakes are high, like the first film, and there is tension, however in execution and presentation it seems to aim lower than Eleven with every punch. This would have certainly been a disappointing film for many, however I saw it with low expectations and came out alright - C.
Breathless: This American remake of the influential Godard film of the French New Wave is not very good at all. However I can see why Tarantino liked this movie. There are certain bits where a moving camera catches action in very highly choreographed ways. So kudos for that. However, the story, the drama and the acting were all very weak. There are certain plot elements which are changed, but the film's core message and essential dialogue is the same as the original. However, the drama and 'carpe diem' nature of Gere's character is heightened in this film. While this film does not use any innovative technique like the original, the character arcs are more swallowable. However, many parts just came out bland. Worth seeing only if you have seen the original film, because there definitely are certain things one can learn. Otherwise, passable - C-.
Along Came Polly: Truly terrible movie. This is a typical bad movie with obvious flaws. The toilet humour was not well timed and the characters do stupid things that aren't charismatic or charming at all. How Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston picked up this script and said, "Yes, I think I'll do this movie," is beyond me, because I'm sure both of them would've gotten a decent pay cheque (I'm not American) working on anything else. This isn't even a good idea gone bad. This is a very obviously bad script with tasteless humour that does not appeal to anyone. However, I think Ben Stiller really tried. Plus, there was one bit when he did the Magnum look from Zoolander. I'm in a very good mood today, so - D+.
Drizzly but a great day. The lecturer was awesome! For the tutorial we went to the art gallery and had an hour of 'inspiration'. Ahahaha... it was cruisy, but it was great.
Hey! Rogue Wave are opening for Nada Surf! How cool is that. Not only was that pun intended but it'd be a great mix of sounds.
What else was I going to say? Nothing. Bye.
Hey! Rogue Wave are opening for Nada Surf! How cool is that. Not only was that pun intended but it'd be a great mix of sounds.
What else was I going to say? Nothing. Bye.
Today's observation: An hour of power spent killing flies is about as productive as an hour of power could get.
Rogue Wave, yet again, has surprised me with great songs. Two albums in and they are here to stay. In addition to their great sophomore album (Descended Like Vultures), they have a new track on their MySpace site (streaming).
Check out Eyes: (and also California and Publish My Love, both of which were featured on The O.C. and on the album, and Endless Shovel, which is slightly more upbeat)
http://www.myspace.com/roguewave
They were also featured on the Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack (Every Moment). Yes, it seems Indie music just collides and collides. The original Forever Young is also on this soundtrack and Youth Group's cover is on The O.C., and it really makes me wonder if everyone knows everyone.
Started reading the Boleslavsky book. It's understandable, although I may read this and that other one in parallel so I don't get confused. Have a nice day.
Rogue Wave, yet again, has surprised me with great songs. Two albums in and they are here to stay. In addition to their great sophomore album (Descended Like Vultures), they have a new track on their MySpace site (streaming).
Check out Eyes: (and also California and Publish My Love, both of which were featured on The O.C. and on the album, and Endless Shovel, which is slightly more upbeat)
http://www.myspace.com/roguewave
They were also featured on the Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack (Every Moment). Yes, it seems Indie music just collides and collides. The original Forever Young is also on this soundtrack and Youth Group's cover is on The O.C., and it really makes me wonder if everyone knows everyone.
Started reading the Boleslavsky book. It's understandable, although I may read this and that other one in parallel so I don't get confused. Have a nice day.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Today's observation: Sometimes things you expect to happen can just happen so unexpectedly. And sometimes you walk through so much rain you eventually start drinking it.
Today's tutorial was very cool. I keep falling asleep in the lectures though, it's just that time of day.
Finished auto biographical essay, tweaked some more timings for Kiwi. Right now I'm trying to do the best transition from 'real world' into 'music world'. The credits are also being moved around because I have quite a few and I dont' want them to distract the audience from the picture.
Some of the acting books arrived today! In the box today were:
Acting: The First Six Lessons (Richard Boleslavsky)
and
Sanford Meisner On Acting
One book left (I can't really read these two without reading this one): An Actor Prepares, by the ever so important Stanislavski. Provided that it's not in Russian, I think I will enjoy reading it. After reading up on the basics of acting, I would like to move onto improv, especially for comedy. Then after that I may want to turn to re-reading those lighting and cinematography books.
Ohhh, so many cool books around. Good night.
Today's tutorial was very cool. I keep falling asleep in the lectures though, it's just that time of day.
Finished auto biographical essay, tweaked some more timings for Kiwi. Right now I'm trying to do the best transition from 'real world' into 'music world'. The credits are also being moved around because I have quite a few and I dont' want them to distract the audience from the picture.
Some of the acting books arrived today! In the box today were:
Acting: The First Six Lessons (Richard Boleslavsky)
and
Sanford Meisner On Acting
One book left (I can't really read these two without reading this one): An Actor Prepares, by the ever so important Stanislavski. Provided that it's not in Russian, I think I will enjoy reading it. After reading up on the basics of acting, I would like to move onto improv, especially for comedy. Then after that I may want to turn to re-reading those lighting and cinematography books.
Ohhh, so many cool books around. Good night.
Yesterday's observation: Eyetoy is so cool.
Hi. I've lined up all the footage for Kiwi now. But I think I'll let it sit there for a few days and do small tweaks after a few repeated viewings. One thing that is annoying about these films is that you can't photograph anything too important close to the edges of the screen because they aren't visible on a normal television. However, if one chooses to view the same video file on a computer, they will see the edges, which leaves a problem as to which format one should compose for. Something that appears nice on TV may appear ugly on a computer. So I guess I'll just have to compose for a television and hope for the best. [To clarify I'm not talking about aspect ratio]
Back to autobiographical essay thing. I'm almost done. Have a nice day (even though it isn't).
:o)
Hi. I've lined up all the footage for Kiwi now. But I think I'll let it sit there for a few days and do small tweaks after a few repeated viewings. One thing that is annoying about these films is that you can't photograph anything too important close to the edges of the screen because they aren't visible on a normal television. However, if one chooses to view the same video file on a computer, they will see the edges, which leaves a problem as to which format one should compose for. Something that appears nice on TV may appear ugly on a computer. So I guess I'll just have to compose for a television and hope for the best. [To clarify I'm not talking about aspect ratio]
Back to autobiographical essay thing. I'm almost done. Have a nice day (even though it isn't).
:o)
Monday, January 23, 2006
Forgot to make an observation yesterday.
Yesterday's observation: Some websites give stupid advice about exercising. Below is a comment from an undisclosed help site:
Get someone to sit on your back. It makes push-ups a bit harder.
Smart. Really, I should try that some time. With a baby. Damn where can I find a baby.
In other news I have two tasks today: (would someone stop with the colons?)
1. Completely finish that damn autobiographical essay.
2. Edit Kiwi like a can of canned beef.
Have a nice day.
:o)
(no those are eyes, not a colon)
Ok fine I won't use the damn colon.
=o)
(that just makes me look like Mickey Mouse)
(no I want to look like Brian the Dog)
(he has a big nose)
Ok bye.
Yesterday's observation: Some websites give stupid advice about exercising. Below is a comment from an undisclosed help site:
Get someone to sit on your back. It makes push-ups a bit harder.
Smart. Really, I should try that some time. With a baby. Damn where can I find a baby.
In other news I have two tasks today: (would someone stop with the colons?)
1. Completely finish that damn autobiographical essay.
2. Edit Kiwi like a can of canned beef.
Have a nice day.
:o)
(no those are eyes, not a colon)
Ok fine I won't use the damn colon.
=o)
(that just makes me look like Mickey Mouse)
(no I want to look like Brian the Dog)
(he has a big nose)
Ok bye.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Time for another round of trio-movies-I-have-seen:
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work one cannot find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. Anything A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
City of God: This style of storytelling is the archetypal my kind of movie. I honestly don't need to elaborate except say that at points the thesis was painted in strokes that were a bit too broad and that it is very black and white about most things. It has that 'fairy tale' quality to it, in the sense that the storyteller seems to go, "He's good. He's bad. They're corrupt. This place sucks." The main thing about this movie however, is that the direction is awesome. I repeat, this guy can direct movies. An A- through and through.
Super Size Me: Very solid documentary. Not much to say but B-.
Tape: Simplicity, dramatic tension, great performances, a strong hook and a very straightforward and convincing thesis. I applaud you, Stephen Belber (writer), Linklater, Hawke, Thurman and Robert Sean Leonard. Great performances, especially Leonard. B+ through and through.
Sitting there thinking today and re-watching my short films, I realise something quite amusing:
I actually don't have good ideas. I mean, honestly, pretty much every person I know who wants to make movies has better ideas than me. It makes me laugh in more than one way. Let me repeat that:
Every person I know who wants to make movies has better ideas than me.
(Rest assured this is not some stupid 'self-pity' post)
My point is that I now realise what my immediate goals and aims are. They are basically to make as many short films of different genres (of reasonable quality) and styles as possible. My theory is that if I don't have very good ideas now (I don't think all of my ideas are crap, but most of them are pretty flakey), by the 8th short film I make or the 10th or the 15th, my ideas will become good. The point is that, I can only move north and east of where I am now if I make more movies, therefore by my 10th movie I will be more north and east of where I am now. If I can be up to my 10th film and still be making short films and still have ideas, then I think it is safe to say that I have not run out and that the 'creative muscle' is only getting stronger.
The essence of this theory lies in the fact that ten films worth of practical experience can be applied to that ONE good idea, instead of applying three or four films worth of practical experience to the same good idea. In other words, despite me not being in a good position to give advice, if I can say anything, coming from a novice videomaker:
If you can't think of a good idea yet, don't worry, try to make as many short films worth of bad ideas before that good idea arrives, because you're going to need that experience under your belt before that good idea can even come close to being a good film. If you don't, you'll just end up making a good idea into a bad movie.
This might not work for everyone but I think it could work for me.
:o)
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work one cannot find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. Anything A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
City of God: This style of storytelling is the archetypal my kind of movie. I honestly don't need to elaborate except say that at points the thesis was painted in strokes that were a bit too broad and that it is very black and white about most things. It has that 'fairy tale' quality to it, in the sense that the storyteller seems to go, "He's good. He's bad. They're corrupt. This place sucks." The main thing about this movie however, is that the direction is awesome. I repeat, this guy can direct movies. An A- through and through.
Super Size Me: Very solid documentary. Not much to say but B-.
Tape: Simplicity, dramatic tension, great performances, a strong hook and a very straightforward and convincing thesis. I applaud you, Stephen Belber (writer), Linklater, Hawke, Thurman and Robert Sean Leonard. Great performances, especially Leonard. B+ through and through.
Sitting there thinking today and re-watching my short films, I realise something quite amusing:
I actually don't have good ideas. I mean, honestly, pretty much every person I know who wants to make movies has better ideas than me. It makes me laugh in more than one way. Let me repeat that:
Every person I know who wants to make movies has better ideas than me.
(Rest assured this is not some stupid 'self-pity' post)
My point is that I now realise what my immediate goals and aims are. They are basically to make as many short films of different genres (of reasonable quality) and styles as possible. My theory is that if I don't have very good ideas now (I don't think all of my ideas are crap, but most of them are pretty flakey), by the 8th short film I make or the 10th or the 15th, my ideas will become good. The point is that, I can only move north and east of where I am now if I make more movies, therefore by my 10th movie I will be more north and east of where I am now. If I can be up to my 10th film and still be making short films and still have ideas, then I think it is safe to say that I have not run out and that the 'creative muscle' is only getting stronger.
The essence of this theory lies in the fact that ten films worth of practical experience can be applied to that ONE good idea, instead of applying three or four films worth of practical experience to the same good idea. In other words, despite me not being in a good position to give advice, if I can say anything, coming from a novice videomaker:
If you can't think of a good idea yet, don't worry, try to make as many short films worth of bad ideas before that good idea arrives, because you're going to need that experience under your belt before that good idea can even come close to being a good film. If you don't, you'll just end up making a good idea into a bad movie.
This might not work for everyone but I think it could work for me.
:o)
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Today's observation: Sometimes everything just connects and there is only one thing you have to change to make things right. But it just pisses the shit out of you when you realise that that one thing is completely unchangeable. It really, really makes you wonder why everything else worked.
Spent about an hour before dinner re-shooting the scrabble pieces scene of Kiwi. Unfortunately the lighting wasn't so good on Wednesday, but everything's in the can for sure now.
Ok, so I did not meet my target of finishing the editing in one day. But I am 50% through. Halfway through. Yee yeah. Very excited about this project. It's been a very 'in the zone' experience the entire time, and it's not over yet.
:oP
Family dinner out. It was pretty silent. You know that silence. That silence.
Thinking thinking thinking. Stuff happening. Wonder what will happen this year and next year. And later.
Good night.
Spent about an hour before dinner re-shooting the scrabble pieces scene of Kiwi. Unfortunately the lighting wasn't so good on Wednesday, but everything's in the can for sure now.
Ok, so I did not meet my target of finishing the editing in one day. But I am 50% through. Halfway through. Yee yeah. Very excited about this project. It's been a very 'in the zone' experience the entire time, and it's not over yet.
:oP
Family dinner out. It was pretty silent. You know that silence. That silence.
Thinking thinking thinking. Stuff happening. Wonder what will happen this year and next year. And later.
Good night.
Thanks to David for this awesome piece of news: (courtesy of DeathCabForCutie.com)
Death Cab for Cutie has announced details of their upcoming “DIRECTIONS,” an innovative anthology of 12 short films inspired by each song on the band’s acclaimed album PLANS. Every song will be delivered by a different director. 11 of the videos will be unveiled one by one at www.deathcabforcutie.com. The first of which will be 'Marching Bands of Manhattan' on January 23. The entire collection will be available on dvd to purchase April 11, 2006. Among the filmmakers contributing to “DIRECTIONS” are Lance Bangs, P.R. Brown, Ace Norton, Jeffrey Brown, Lightborne, Autumn de Wilde, Rob Schrab, Laurent Briet and Monkmus, as well as Aaron Stewart-Ahn.
How cool is that? This is exactly what I want to see happening with mroe bands and music. Complete 'short film/music video' anthologies to match albums.
Started properly editing Kiwi today. Going pretty well, but still a lot to do. I'm probably about 15% done.
Have a nice afternoon.
Death Cab for Cutie has announced details of their upcoming “DIRECTIONS,” an innovative anthology of 12 short films inspired by each song on the band’s acclaimed album PLANS. Every song will be delivered by a different director. 11 of the videos will be unveiled one by one at www.deathcabforcutie.com. The first of which will be 'Marching Bands of Manhattan' on January 23. The entire collection will be available on dvd to purchase April 11, 2006. Among the filmmakers contributing to “DIRECTIONS” are Lance Bangs, P.R. Brown, Ace Norton, Jeffrey Brown, Lightborne, Autumn de Wilde, Rob Schrab, Laurent Briet and Monkmus, as well as Aaron Stewart-Ahn.
How cool is that? This is exactly what I want to see happening with mroe bands and music. Complete 'short film/music video' anthologies to match albums.
Started properly editing Kiwi today. Going pretty well, but still a lot to do. I'm probably about 15% done.
Have a nice afternoon.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Today's observation: Some people are crazy. So archetypally crazy.
Shot Kiwi, slept, got up, stuff happened, cleared throat, drank water, didn't do much editing at all, listened to music, slept, listened to music, slept, ate, played guitar, played guitar, played guitar, surfed the net, ate, talked, slept, ate, exercised, walked, ran, drank, watched stuff, sang stuff, killed stuff, sat.
Typing up blog entry.
Goodnight. Think think think. What are my priorities. What's happening. Do I know what I want. Where is this all going. What is happening. Do I want question marks.
I guess not.
Take care.
Shot Kiwi, slept, got up, stuff happened, cleared throat, drank water, didn't do much editing at all, listened to music, slept, listened to music, slept, ate, played guitar, played guitar, played guitar, surfed the net, ate, talked, slept, ate, exercised, walked, ran, drank, watched stuff, sang stuff, killed stuff, sat.
Typing up blog entry.
Goodnight. Think think think. What are my priorities. What's happening. Do I know what I want. Where is this all going. What is happening. Do I want question marks.
I guess not.
Take care.
Kiwi shoot this morning.
Start time: 7:45 AM
Finish time: 10:15 AM
Efficient, fast and problemless shoot. About 60-70% of shots were one-taked and the rest were three-five-taked (I'm not sure anyone else uses this vocab). Goes to show how important planning is. Some people say your pre-production time should be three times as long as your production time. I think it should be longer. Maybe like, five times as long as your shoot if you're doing a feature and twenty times as long, if you're doing a short short like this. Cool gonna go edit now yes wait ofmgr take a nap first I think.
Many thanks to Ray, Cath, Steve and Alex for choosing to take part and helping out.
You guys are awesome.
Have a nice day, the weather's awesome, everything's good.
:o)
Start time: 7:45 AM
Finish time: 10:15 AM
Efficient, fast and problemless shoot. About 60-70% of shots were one-taked and the rest were three-five-taked (I'm not sure anyone else uses this vocab). Goes to show how important planning is. Some people say your pre-production time should be three times as long as your production time. I think it should be longer. Maybe like, five times as long as your shoot if you're doing a feature and twenty times as long, if you're doing a short short like this. Cool gonna go edit now yes wait ofmgr take a nap first I think.
Many thanks to Ray, Cath, Steve and Alex for choosing to take part and helping out.
You guys are awesome.
Have a nice day, the weather's awesome, everything's good.
:o)
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Today's observation:
1) World is really small. Really small.
Bonus Question:
2) You know when people smile at you and you smile back because you know them? I really wonder how often that smile is forced and how often it just comes naturally. Now imagine if that was an extended metaphor for relationships.
Tutorials, lectures good. Today went from alright to pretty good to very good to completely terrible to ok. The two observations above sort of work together in terms of what happened. Actually, if I look at it in context, nothing bad actually happened [to me] today. But in terms of what I know now, as a person, that's what sort of contributes to the 'completely terrible' part. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. 'Blissful ignorance' wouldn't be a nice phrase to use, because it's overused and just not very fitting for what I'm trying to describe. But yeah, hey, it's ok now.
I'm just going over the shots for Kiwi for the last time. Have started brainstorming for the next short film. I don't know, I'm thinking of shooting it in Feb. I just wonder if I really should shoot it then or shoot it in mid-semester or inter-semester break. This could be the first 'web of life' thing I do. I am thinking of around three-five characters. Three would be a good number. Either way, these things are always plot driven. Well, the characters drive the plot. But then the plot drives the characters. It's like what Lajos Egri said. I don't remember the exact quote, but he said something along the lines of there not really being 'character driven' or 'plot driven' narratives, and that they are essentially the same thing and you only really have 'bad narratives' and 'good narratives', as character and plot must intertwine. Not sure I got that right but never mind, I'm going to stop typing in a few words.
Take care. Here's something more lighthearted:
Roof Graffiti-ing: "Brand [in this case behavioural] imprinting for later actuation in life." - Super Size Me
1) World is really small. Really small.
Bonus Question:
2) You know when people smile at you and you smile back because you know them? I really wonder how often that smile is forced and how often it just comes naturally. Now imagine if that was an extended metaphor for relationships.
Tutorials, lectures good. Today went from alright to pretty good to very good to completely terrible to ok. The two observations above sort of work together in terms of what happened. Actually, if I look at it in context, nothing bad actually happened [to me] today. But in terms of what I know now, as a person, that's what sort of contributes to the 'completely terrible' part. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. 'Blissful ignorance' wouldn't be a nice phrase to use, because it's overused and just not very fitting for what I'm trying to describe. But yeah, hey, it's ok now.
I'm just going over the shots for Kiwi for the last time. Have started brainstorming for the next short film. I don't know, I'm thinking of shooting it in Feb. I just wonder if I really should shoot it then or shoot it in mid-semester or inter-semester break. This could be the first 'web of life' thing I do. I am thinking of around three-five characters. Three would be a good number. Either way, these things are always plot driven. Well, the characters drive the plot. But then the plot drives the characters. It's like what Lajos Egri said. I don't remember the exact quote, but he said something along the lines of there not really being 'character driven' or 'plot driven' narratives, and that they are essentially the same thing and you only really have 'bad narratives' and 'good narratives', as character and plot must intertwine. Not sure I got that right but never mind, I'm going to stop typing in a few words.
Take care. Here's something more lighthearted:
Roof Graffiti-ing: "Brand [in this case behavioural] imprinting for later actuation in life." - Super Size Me
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work one cannot find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. Anything A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
Anchorman: Some funny moments, but Will Ferrell kicking and screaming for five minutes wasn't one of them. Steve Carell's weather man was pretty funny. So was Vince Vaughn and the alley fight for the most part. See it if you like the Frat Pack - C.
Coffee and Cigarettes: A nicely conceived collection of short films. Some of them are very good, some are average. Some are very well acted and some are not, but a solid effort and some nice insight into 'Awkward Central' (as Sonny would put it) - B.
Waking Life: Another philosophical film from Linklater. This one seems like an extension of the Before Sunrise/Sunset series, but is far less conversational. It is essentially a film made up of interviews of people who have various different philosophies and world views. Most of these theories are fairly standard and therefore make this film an accessible introduction to philosophy, a good accompaniment to any PHIL 101 course. The rotoscoping is a notable effort, and it is conceptually inspired. However, like Coffee and Cigarettes, it is still a 'collection' of loosely linked vignettes, making it hard to see it as a coherent whole - B.
Anchorman: Some funny moments, but Will Ferrell kicking and screaming for five minutes wasn't one of them. Steve Carell's weather man was pretty funny. So was Vince Vaughn and the alley fight for the most part. See it if you like the Frat Pack - C.
Coffee and Cigarettes: A nicely conceived collection of short films. Some of them are very good, some are average. Some are very well acted and some are not, but a solid effort and some nice insight into 'Awkward Central' (as Sonny would put it) - B.
Waking Life: Another philosophical film from Linklater. This one seems like an extension of the Before Sunrise/Sunset series, but is far less conversational. It is essentially a film made up of interviews of people who have various different philosophies and world views. Most of these theories are fairly standard and therefore make this film an accessible introduction to philosophy, a good accompaniment to any PHIL 101 course. The rotoscoping is a notable effort, and it is conceptually inspired. However, like Coffee and Cigarettes, it is still a 'collection' of loosely linked vignettes, making it hard to see it as a coherent whole - B.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Today's observation: An hour long bus ride without music or Anthony Robbins shouting in your ear makes you appreciate the dryness of the air conditioning system.
Today's tutorial and lecture were really good. I woke up at 6 AM! I chose a different walking route this morning. How suspiciously reminiscent of freewill. *eyes narrow*
Awkward silences galore before the lecture today. Uh, maybe I should just say hi to that person. But I guess that's why they call it awkward. Ok I'll say hi tomorrow.
Today's tutorial and lecture were really good. I woke up at 6 AM! I chose a different walking route this morning. How suspiciously reminiscent of freewill. *eyes narrow*
Awkward silences galore before the lecture today. Uh, maybe I should just say hi to that person. But I guess that's why they call it awkward. Ok I'll say hi tomorrow.
Did screen test with Cath this morning, went well. In terms of costume both Ray and Cath are wearing the same colour shirt. Test photos:
Raymond Scott, playing Guy sitting at bus stop.
(MS bus stop lighting test and CU closed eyes wide angle test)
Catherine Eason, playing Girl sitting at bus stop.
(MS profile test on 16:9 and 3/4 MCU blank expression test)
Is it time for Uni? Uh huh I think so. Raining tomorrow, says weather man.
;_; (a la Henry)
Have a nice day.
Raymond Scott, playing Guy sitting at bus stop.
(MS bus stop lighting test and CU closed eyes wide angle test)
Catherine Eason, playing Girl sitting at bus stop.
(MS profile test on 16:9 and 3/4 MCU blank expression test)
Is it time for Uni? Uh huh I think so. Raining tomorrow, says weather man.
;_; (a la Henry)
Have a nice day.
From the friedorange.blogspot.com Tag-board on Tuesday 17th of Jan:
William: at least you cant flame "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind"
Dennis: Uh huh... :)
henry: i watched that today. brilliant. just brilliant :o
Uwe Boll: naw its like teh suck
Dennis: YEAH GREAT MOVIE IN MY TOP 3-4.
Steve: Only because you haven't seen stuff like Apocalypse Now or The Godfather (I & II) yet :p Excellent movie for sure, but THAT high? Really?
Dennis: Uh huh. :) Remember you're talking to the guy who has Edward Scissorhands and Punch Drunk Love in his Top 5. At the same time I definitely acknowledge and like movies such as The Shawshank Redemption and Schindler's List, both of which I'd give A's/A+'s. ESOTSM is one of the most emotionally resonant films I have seen. While there are many obvious great classic films, if I'm coming up with MY favourites list I'm gonna screw what others think. Just hold up two films and say, "Which one do I like more?" Keep doing that with films you've seen and you have your list. One could probably try to rationalise why they *should* like a timeless classic more, but in the end all you can do is trust yourself. And if the movies you happen to love also happen to be ones a lot of other people like, so be it. If not, no worries. :)
Steve: Well I wouldn't say you shouldn't :D I think I'll watch it again today or tomorrow because a lot of people seem to like ESOTSM more than I did even though I thought it was great. It's nagging at me, that I didn't get the same experience and will try again...
Dennis: Lol, for me it was the line, "You said it with such disdain..." followed by "It's ok." That sealed the movie.
Wills: lol this tagging should really go into a post, yknow.
david: man, the convo's so long i cant even get to the bottom of it
henry: i guess making another post won't help, will it >.>
Dennis: I guess not :D
William: at least you cant flame "Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind"
Dennis: Uh huh... :)
henry: i watched that today. brilliant. just brilliant :o
Uwe Boll: naw its like teh suck
Dennis: YEAH GREAT MOVIE IN MY TOP 3-4.
Steve: Only because you haven't seen stuff like Apocalypse Now or The Godfather (I & II) yet :p Excellent movie for sure, but THAT high? Really?
Dennis: Uh huh. :) Remember you're talking to the guy who has Edward Scissorhands and Punch Drunk Love in his Top 5. At the same time I definitely acknowledge and like movies such as The Shawshank Redemption and Schindler's List, both of which I'd give A's/A+'s. ESOTSM is one of the most emotionally resonant films I have seen. While there are many obvious great classic films, if I'm coming up with MY favourites list I'm gonna screw what others think. Just hold up two films and say, "Which one do I like more?" Keep doing that with films you've seen and you have your list. One could probably try to rationalise why they *should* like a timeless classic more, but in the end all you can do is trust yourself. And if the movies you happen to love also happen to be ones a lot of other people like, so be it. If not, no worries. :)
Steve: Well I wouldn't say you shouldn't :D I think I'll watch it again today or tomorrow because a lot of people seem to like ESOTSM more than I did even though I thought it was great. It's nagging at me, that I didn't get the same experience and will try again...
Dennis: Lol, for me it was the line, "You said it with such disdain..." followed by "It's ok." That sealed the movie.
Wills: lol this tagging should really go into a post, yknow.
david: man, the convo's so long i cant even get to the bottom of it
henry: i guess making another post won't help, will it >.>
Dennis: I guess not :D
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Today's observation: Moleskine notebooks are very expensive. Maybe they use better moleskin than everyone else.
Exhaustion from living. Tired and shall go to bed. Wonderful world eh. I'm not being sarcastic, in good mood today.
Rogue Wave. Have listened to the album thoroughly. Favourite tracks: California, Catform, Salesman At The Day Of The Parade and Love's Lost Guarantee.
Scrabble letters screen tests tomorrow. Ok tired bye night yee yah.
Exhaustion from living. Tired and shall go to bed. Wonderful world eh. I'm not being sarcastic, in good mood today.
Rogue Wave. Have listened to the album thoroughly. Favourite tracks: California, Catform, Salesman At The Day Of The Parade and Love's Lost Guarantee.
Scrabble letters screen tests tomorrow. Ok tired bye night yee yah.
How many grammatical errors can a blogger make? I realise how many mistakes I made in the Friday the 13th post. Blame that on Friday the 13th.
"Had a rehearsal/briefing session with Raymond this morning. Went well , did a 'screen test' with a several still photos that I can use as a reference for my planning and storyboarding. It didn't take took long either."
"The new TV. Uh. This thing is huge. The photo doesn't really do it justice. While it's not the biggest TV ever, it's is so much bigger than [what] I'm used to. There's a monster in our living room and, I don't know, really, it's just... weird."
In other news non of my 1ASPHost sites work, which is why I can't see the background waterprint thing on the blog either. I hope it's not down permanently.
Um. Summer school again today. This week: Vernacular/dialogue writing. Should be fun. No, must. Must everything. Must eating. Must reading. Must sleeping. Must mustard. Must mustaku. Must mustoys. Must mustennis. Must mustea cups.
"Had a rehearsal/briefing session with Raymond this morning. Went well , did a 'screen test' with a several still photos that I can use as a reference for my planning and storyboarding. It didn't take took long either."
"The new TV. Uh. This thing is huge. The photo doesn't really do it justice. While it's not the biggest TV ever, it's is so much bigger than [what] I'm used to. There's a monster in our living room and, I don't know, really, it's just... weird."
In other news non of my 1ASPHost sites work, which is why I can't see the background waterprint thing on the blog either. I hope it's not down permanently.
Um. Summer school again today. This week: Vernacular/dialogue writing. Should be fun. No, must. Must everything. Must eating. Must reading. Must sleeping. Must mustard. Must mustaku. Must mustoys. Must mustennis. Must mustea cups.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Today's observation: Reese Witherspoon is pretty. She looks like a puppy. And Mischa Barton. They both look like dogs.
I just found an open slot in a better workshop time for FTVMS 204! Woohoo! Awesomeness. Friday 10-12 AM (as opposed to Wednesday 2-4). Happiness.
In bad news: iHug are capping their old 256k customers. Including me.
Rule number one: Never downgrade your service when your customers have been loyal and are paying exactly the same price as before. They talk and talk about viral marketing, about how effective it is. Well, here goes:
iHug, you have jerked me and other customers around again and again. You have terrible customer service; about 70% of the staff I have talked to on the phone in the past are not helpful, impatient and seem to assume that the customer is stupid or that the problem was most likely caused by the customer's incompetence. Their online accounts system also sucks in that they have often mailed us about overdue fees more than a week after we have paid. Some readers may think I'm just being pedantic or trying to prove a point. I'm not: On average I have around 40-60 GB of data usage. Which is 3 times their cap (20 GB). Which means paying an additional $20-40 a month to get the same data usage.
Here is their website: http://www.ihug.co.nz
It would be ok if they explained the new plan with an apology. Such as, "Due to rising costs and/or other issue, we have had to downgrade our service. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause you and hope you will continue to be a valued customer. Regards, the iHug team." But instead they try and act like nothing is wrong and just smooth it over. Or if they offered us a capped option at a LOWER price.
People aren't stupid. Treat your customers with respect and they won't post bad comments about you on their blogs.
Other than that, today has been pretty cool. I am grateful that I am enjoying life and have food and water and those who love me. Good night and take care.
I just found an open slot in a better workshop time for FTVMS 204! Woohoo! Awesomeness. Friday 10-12 AM (as opposed to Wednesday 2-4). Happiness.
In bad news: iHug are capping their old 256k customers. Including me.
Rule number one: Never downgrade your service when your customers have been loyal and are paying exactly the same price as before. They talk and talk about viral marketing, about how effective it is. Well, here goes:
iHug, you have jerked me and other customers around again and again. You have terrible customer service; about 70% of the staff I have talked to on the phone in the past are not helpful, impatient and seem to assume that the customer is stupid or that the problem was most likely caused by the customer's incompetence. Their online accounts system also sucks in that they have often mailed us about overdue fees more than a week after we have paid. Some readers may think I'm just being pedantic or trying to prove a point. I'm not: On average I have around 40-60 GB of data usage. Which is 3 times their cap (20 GB). Which means paying an additional $20-40 a month to get the same data usage.
Here is their website: http://www.ihug.co.nz
It would be ok if they explained the new plan with an apology. Such as, "Due to rising costs and/or other issue, we have had to downgrade our service. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause you and hope you will continue to be a valued customer. Regards, the iHug team." But instead they try and act like nothing is wrong and just smooth it over. Or if they offered us a capped option at a LOWER price.
People aren't stupid. Treat your customers with respect and they won't post bad comments about you on their blogs.
Other than that, today has been pretty cool. I am grateful that I am enjoying life and have food and water and those who love me. Good night and take care.
Learnt Because You Live by Jesse McCartney on the geetar. Ok get it out of your system. It's ok to laugh. Now let's continue...
New band discovery worth recommending: Rogue Wave. Indie band on Sub Pop (of course) who sound light and integrate some very soothing vocals with folk guitar here and there and unexpected moments of muddiness. Fairly accessible with some subdued pop hooks in a few tracks. Their new album is Descended Like Vultures.
Incantations really work.
Now let's see, I've completed the 'first draft' of my autobiographical essay, I'm going to polish and finish it tonight.
Bought rope yesterday for Kiwi. That was fine. The service industry seems to be very friendly eh? I know it's a requirement, but it's funny how quote unquote society's standards for treating customers are HIGHER than the standards for treating people normally, most notably people you love, like your family and friends. It's going to be a long term goal for me to treat everyone better.
Out to dinner. Good evening.
New band discovery worth recommending: Rogue Wave. Indie band on Sub Pop (of course) who sound light and integrate some very soothing vocals with folk guitar here and there and unexpected moments of muddiness. Fairly accessible with some subdued pop hooks in a few tracks. Their new album is Descended Like Vultures.
Incantations really work.
Now let's see, I've completed the 'first draft' of my autobiographical essay, I'm going to polish and finish it tonight.
Bought rope yesterday for Kiwi. That was fine. The service industry seems to be very friendly eh? I know it's a requirement, but it's funny how quote unquote society's standards for treating customers are HIGHER than the standards for treating people normally, most notably people you love, like your family and friends. It's going to be a long term goal for me to treat everyone better.
Out to dinner. Good evening.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Aiya eh, today good loh. New Office episodes are very good.
Marissa is back at Harbor.
Key shots from Kiwi completely figured out.
What I've got left to do is sort out the sequence and orders I will shoot by and visualise the shoot in my mind.
Reading Steve's post on prodigy filmmakers, I had a really surreal feeling. Here I am working hard on a three minute short film, and there is a 9 year old kid out there who's conceived, written and directed a full length feature. Part of me wants to feel very skeptical, but the movie must be at the least watchable. It could even be very good. So I am not one to judge, but it seems like an amazing feat.
Today I rented: Super Size Me, Breathless (yes, the Richard Gere version that Tarantino likes), Tape (from Linklater) and City of God.
I only realised today that we still have free txt weekends. Oh cool.
I shall leave you with the new Blockhead's Guide To Cutting Oranges.
Take care.
Marissa is back at Harbor.
Key shots from Kiwi completely figured out.
What I've got left to do is sort out the sequence and orders I will shoot by and visualise the shoot in my mind.
Reading Steve's post on prodigy filmmakers, I had a really surreal feeling. Here I am working hard on a three minute short film, and there is a 9 year old kid out there who's conceived, written and directed a full length feature. Part of me wants to feel very skeptical, but the movie must be at the least watchable. It could even be very good. So I am not one to judge, but it seems like an amazing feat.
Today I rented: Super Size Me, Breathless (yes, the Richard Gere version that Tarantino likes), Tape (from Linklater) and City of God.
I only realised today that we still have free txt weekends. Oh cool.
I shall leave you with the new Blockhead's Guide To Cutting Oranges.
Take care.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Hiya. I think all I've pretty much been saying to everyone for the last few days has been, "I'm planning a short film, yeah, that's about it." I don't think I have to apologise for the uneventfulness, after all, planning takes time, and the more you plan the clearer the film's process of execution becomes.
Let's talk about movies. Today, let's talk about these three: The Terminator, Blue and Red.
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work one cannot find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. Anything A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
The Terminator: This was an enjoyable film with very well paced action sequences. However, as an overall film it is slightly unbalanced in terms of the 'emotional backbone' supported by the acting. In structure and narrative it is very well oiled and crises are dealt with in many good scenes - a solid B-.
Blue: Part one of the Three Colours trilogy. Very slow and sedated. How does one rate 'good looking' films that don't work one's emotional and intellectual muscles? I don't know, but it has several good things about it. For example, this was put together with a lot of care, like the other two parts. But it was so boring. This could be the point when some people would close this window/tab or say something along the lines of, "You didn't understand the film," or, "You didn't catch the nuances of the film." Or something. Somehow, there is a sense of superiority when one 'gets' a film while others 'don't'. Well, I didn't 'get' this movie. And I don't see a need to apologise for being bored. Turning points are met with no enthusiasm or life but instead complete exhaustion by the central characters. The actors were very very hardworking, but it is impossible to tell if the restraint was director or script imposed. "But it's in character!" Yes, but it's also a film without narrative contrast. It's very average overall with a small hint of inspiration - a high C.
Red: The ending of this film reminds me of Crash in general. The cinematography of this film was outstanding for the most part. The main character also had great screen presence. Also, after seeing this film, one can see the re-exploration of similar 'auteur' themes in all three films. The biggest flaw of this film is the philosophical dialogue. No one seems to talk normally in this movie, with the central characters throwing in big 'life' statements every once in a while. Also, conversations and topics don't link well at all. The film's most notable quality is pretentiousness. The filmmaker's 'dialectical' essay on relationships, trust and the nature of people is presented in this film. At times his points are subtly conveyed through recurring motifs (also prominent in the other two films), but at times they are too blatant. Sometimes I feel too stupid, and sometimes I feel too dumb. However, there is more 'action' in this film than Blue by a substantial amount, and the first 20 minutes were very interesting and seemed to be propelling forwards towards something. Outstanding cinematography coupled with yet another less-than-substantial narrative. Any 'other' big thesis presented in the trilogy is overshadowed by this one: Life is a coincidence.
See it if you like coincidence films, or for the beautiful cinematography. Otherwise, passable - C+.
That's all for now. See you later and take care.
:o)
Let's talk about movies. Today, let's talk about these three: The Terminator, Blue and Red.
[Film Rating Key: A+ is a work one cannot find flaws in, F is one of the worst films I have seen and C is a dead centre average film. Anything A-ish is likely to be in my Top 100, anything B-ish is worth watching, anything C-ish is passable and anything D-ish is not worth seeing.]
The Terminator: This was an enjoyable film with very well paced action sequences. However, as an overall film it is slightly unbalanced in terms of the 'emotional backbone' supported by the acting. In structure and narrative it is very well oiled and crises are dealt with in many good scenes - a solid B-.
Blue: Part one of the Three Colours trilogy. Very slow and sedated. How does one rate 'good looking' films that don't work one's emotional and intellectual muscles? I don't know, but it has several good things about it. For example, this was put together with a lot of care, like the other two parts. But it was so boring. This could be the point when some people would close this window/tab or say something along the lines of, "You didn't understand the film," or, "You didn't catch the nuances of the film." Or something. Somehow, there is a sense of superiority when one 'gets' a film while others 'don't'. Well, I didn't 'get' this movie. And I don't see a need to apologise for being bored. Turning points are met with no enthusiasm or life but instead complete exhaustion by the central characters. The actors were very very hardworking, but it is impossible to tell if the restraint was director or script imposed. "But it's in character!" Yes, but it's also a film without narrative contrast. It's very average overall with a small hint of inspiration - a high C.
Red: The ending of this film reminds me of Crash in general. The cinematography of this film was outstanding for the most part. The main character also had great screen presence. Also, after seeing this film, one can see the re-exploration of similar 'auteur' themes in all three films. The biggest flaw of this film is the philosophical dialogue. No one seems to talk normally in this movie, with the central characters throwing in big 'life' statements every once in a while. Also, conversations and topics don't link well at all. The film's most notable quality is pretentiousness. The filmmaker's 'dialectical' essay on relationships, trust and the nature of people is presented in this film. At times his points are subtly conveyed through recurring motifs (also prominent in the other two films), but at times they are too blatant. Sometimes I feel too stupid, and sometimes I feel too dumb. However, there is more 'action' in this film than Blue by a substantial amount, and the first 20 minutes were very interesting and seemed to be propelling forwards towards something. Outstanding cinematography coupled with yet another less-than-substantial narrative. Any 'other' big thesis presented in the trilogy is overshadowed by this one: Life is a coincidence.
See it if you like coincidence films, or for the beautiful cinematography. Otherwise, passable - C+.
That's all for now. See you later and take care.
:o)
Henry pouring juice on a beach bench.
We figured it was cheaper to buy a 3L bottle of juice than buy separate ones so we got plastic cups. Well they had foam ones, we got the foam ones. Right.
Today is devoted to more planning. Not much to talk about right now, sorry. More later I'm sure. Have a nice day.
We figured it was cheaper to buy a 3L bottle of juice than buy separate ones so we got plastic cups. Well they had foam ones, we got the foam ones. Right.
Today is devoted to more planning. Not much to talk about right now, sorry. More later I'm sure. Have a nice day.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Had a rehearsal/briefing session with Raymond this morning. Went well , did a 'screen test' with a several still photos that I can use as a reference for my planning and storyboarding. It didn't take took long either.
The new TV. Uh. This thing is huge. The photo doesn't really do it justice. While it's not the biggest TV ever, it's is so much bigger than I'm used to. There's a monster in our living room and, I don't know, really, it's just... weird.
Just saw Blue. Will talk about it once I see another movie.
Back to Kiwi. Have a nice afternoon.
:o)
The new TV. Uh. This thing is huge. The photo doesn't really do it justice. While it's not the biggest TV ever, it's is so much bigger than I'm used to. There's a monster in our living room and, I don't know, really, it's just... weird.
Just saw Blue. Will talk about it once I see another movie.
Back to Kiwi. Have a nice afternoon.
:o)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Today eh? GOOD. Bought silk for the short film. There were two types of silk satin, one was $99.95 a metre, one was $49.95 a metre. The more expensive one was an amazing colour. The less-but-still-very-expensive one was a very nice colour. I uh... this is a no-budget short so uh... I got the $49.95 one. Luckily they had 20% off and I bought half a metre so that came to $20.
-------
Uh, my parents just decided to get a High Definition LCD 40" television. I know, it was completely out of the blue. We're definitely not an upper-class Asian family, we have a pretty tight budget. Nor do we just buy big big televisions for no reason (sorry that is the stereotype) but, somehow today we ordered one. It's insane. Honestly, my mum just said, "I want a bigger and better TV. Let's go get one." I'm not complaining but I'm in shock. It is like the first piece 'big' electronic appliance we have bought in eleven years. She just woke up and decided to bite the bullet and... wow. I don't know what to say. Well, I know she wants it because it's bigger and everything is crisper and nicer to look at. I mean, I know she has had trouble looking at subtitles on a smaller screen (not that our previous TV was 'small', it was fair in size), but you know, to go specifically to a 40" High Def panel is very OFMGR-ing.
Doing more planning on short film now. See you!
In other news, have you checked out yemabef.blogspot.com? This is the very recently revived blog of Steve, a fellow filmmaker in the Howick-Bucklands Beach New Wave cinema movement. You can also call this movement (on a more narrow scale) the Macleans New Wave cinema movement, or on a wider scale the Auckland-East New Wave cinema movement. Really, it's not a movement yet. But it will be. Anyway, that's Steve's blog, there are long, thoughtful and well written posts. Check it out.
:o)
-------
Uh, my parents just decided to get a High Definition LCD 40" television. I know, it was completely out of the blue. We're definitely not an upper-class Asian family, we have a pretty tight budget. Nor do we just buy big big televisions for no reason (sorry that is the stereotype) but, somehow today we ordered one. It's insane. Honestly, my mum just said, "I want a bigger and better TV. Let's go get one." I'm not complaining but I'm in shock. It is like the first piece 'big' electronic appliance we have bought in eleven years. She just woke up and decided to bite the bullet and... wow. I don't know what to say. Well, I know she wants it because it's bigger and everything is crisper and nicer to look at. I mean, I know she has had trouble looking at subtitles on a smaller screen (not that our previous TV was 'small', it was fair in size), but you know, to go specifically to a 40" High Def panel is very OFMGR-ing.
Doing more planning on short film now. See you!
In other news, have you checked out yemabef.blogspot.com? This is the very recently revived blog of Steve, a fellow filmmaker in the Howick-Bucklands Beach New Wave cinema movement. You can also call this movement (on a more narrow scale) the Macleans New Wave cinema movement, or on a wider scale the Auckland-East New Wave cinema movement. Really, it's not a movement yet. But it will be. Anyway, that's Steve's blog, there are long, thoughtful and well written posts. Check it out.
:o)
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Hello! How was your day?
This week's lectures are on the Short Story, and today's one was very, very good. The lecturer (Tusiata Avia) was a great reader and a good speaker.
I can finally talk about three movies here now (after seeing 12 Monkeys tonight at Steve's). I am proud to talk about three movies from three distinctive directorial voices.
21 Grams: Benicio Del Toro. What a great actor. Naomi Watts. What a great actress. Sean Penn. Ditto. The direction is superb and the atmosphere reminiscent of a certain good movie called Traffic. But what is particularly strong about this film is the structure of the narrative. Despite a non-linear structure, it was very engaging and compelling to watch. The best character by far was Benicio Del Toro's, and he was exceptional. Negatives include a slightly contrived 'hand-of-writer' connection of the dots in the film's third act and some dialogue that could be refined. But this is a quality movie - B+.
Talk To Her: One of the only weaknesses of this film is that the two central male characters' relationship progressed without much documentation throughout the film. However, everything else about this film is superb. The direction succeeded on every level, connecting all the elements of film language in a beautiful and accessible way. This is a very, very good movie. It is simple, it is moving and it is beautifully constructed and acted. The music is used sparingly but to great effect, the performance art is beautifully photographed, and the flashbacks are delicately presented - A.
12 Monkeys: This movie's style is one that consistently challenges traditional genres and film form associations. The direction and the script are daring. Gilliam is willing to make the characters look ugly, something not that many directors do. He gives them hell and he knows this, but he also infuses an out-of-this-world sense of humour that consistently unsettles one in their seat. The use of film form in this movie is notable - the music and the photography are used against the grain of the narrative on many occasions to 'jarring effect'. The experience is surreal, for one never knows what to expect or is ever left to sit comfortably in their 'genre expectations'. This is a very ambitious movie. However, it may be very confusing to many on first watch. While I caught most of the key points, many of the subtleties of the film were lost. It was, however, an enjoyable ride of unexpected turns - B+.
I highly recommend checking these films out. 12 Monkeys, if you're into sci-fi and transgressive cinema, 21 Grams if you're into 'gritty drama', and Talk To Her if you watch movies.
It doesn't really matter what you like: Talk To Her is a film with beautiful voices.
Good night.
This week's lectures are on the Short Story, and today's one was very, very good. The lecturer (Tusiata Avia) was a great reader and a good speaker.
I can finally talk about three movies here now (after seeing 12 Monkeys tonight at Steve's). I am proud to talk about three movies from three distinctive directorial voices.
21 Grams: Benicio Del Toro. What a great actor. Naomi Watts. What a great actress. Sean Penn. Ditto. The direction is superb and the atmosphere reminiscent of a certain good movie called Traffic. But what is particularly strong about this film is the structure of the narrative. Despite a non-linear structure, it was very engaging and compelling to watch. The best character by far was Benicio Del Toro's, and he was exceptional. Negatives include a slightly contrived 'hand-of-writer' connection of the dots in the film's third act and some dialogue that could be refined. But this is a quality movie - B+.
Talk To Her: One of the only weaknesses of this film is that the two central male characters' relationship progressed without much documentation throughout the film. However, everything else about this film is superb. The direction succeeded on every level, connecting all the elements of film language in a beautiful and accessible way. This is a very, very good movie. It is simple, it is moving and it is beautifully constructed and acted. The music is used sparingly but to great effect, the performance art is beautifully photographed, and the flashbacks are delicately presented - A.
12 Monkeys: This movie's style is one that consistently challenges traditional genres and film form associations. The direction and the script are daring. Gilliam is willing to make the characters look ugly, something not that many directors do. He gives them hell and he knows this, but he also infuses an out-of-this-world sense of humour that consistently unsettles one in their seat. The use of film form in this movie is notable - the music and the photography are used against the grain of the narrative on many occasions to 'jarring effect'. The experience is surreal, for one never knows what to expect or is ever left to sit comfortably in their 'genre expectations'. This is a very ambitious movie. However, it may be very confusing to many on first watch. While I caught most of the key points, many of the subtleties of the film were lost. It was, however, an enjoyable ride of unexpected turns - B+.
I highly recommend checking these films out. 12 Monkeys, if you're into sci-fi and transgressive cinema, 21 Grams if you're into 'gritty drama', and Talk To Her if you watch movies.
It doesn't really matter what you like: Talk To Her is a film with beautiful voices.
Good night.
Got up early to do planning on Kiwi. Well actually, I didn't get up early enough but, at least it was relatively early. Did a lot of planning today, I'm really optimistic about this shoot, and I'm glad I gave myself enough time to do pre-production.
I think short posts are alright. I am going to go buy red silk tomorrow. It's required for the shoot.
Have a nice day.
I think short posts are alright. I am going to go buy red silk tomorrow. It's required for the shoot.
Have a nice day.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Summer school day 2. 'Twas very good. Big tutorial class, full of eager beavers. Guest lecturer was Jane [I didn't catch her last name]. She talked about the autobiography. The lecture was pretty informative, although a bit boring. She asked us to do this writing exercise on memories. I thought it'd be stupid at first, but once I started writing it actually became really enjoyable.
Went to the Video Shop to return Talk To Her, and I borrowed Blue and Red. No, she wasn't there today.
><
Saw Lip and Ada around today. There are way more people doing Summer School than I had originally expected.
Tony Robbins. Finished listening to his 'Unlimited Power' session today. Hmm, this guy's good, however, I think as with anything (books, lectures, news), take everything with a grain of salt. I don't really agree with some of his concepts, but he's very good at illuminating key basic attitudes ands thought processes that can help one achieve their goals. Whaaaaat.
I've missed so many weeks of Everwood on television. Doh. Guess I'll have to just stick to season four.
Buh bye, take care.
Went to the Video Shop to return Talk To Her, and I borrowed Blue and Red. No, she wasn't there today.
><
Saw Lip and Ada around today. There are way more people doing Summer School than I had originally expected.
Tony Robbins. Finished listening to his 'Unlimited Power' session today. Hmm, this guy's good, however, I think as with anything (books, lectures, news), take everything with a grain of salt. I don't really agree with some of his concepts, but he's very good at illuminating key basic attitudes ands thought processes that can help one achieve their goals. Whaaaaat.
I've missed so many weeks of Everwood on television. Doh. Guess I'll have to just stick to season four.
Buh bye, take care.
Summer school tutorial ehhh gonna be on today lah ehh. I should really stop trying to talk stereotypically Asian, or else it'll become a habit. Aiya!
Almodóvar. Want to see more movies directed by him.
Sonny, thanks for the Tony Robbins 'Get the Edge' recommendation. I'm listening to it now and, woah, this guy is intense.
Storyboarding this morning. Have a nice day.
Almodóvar. Want to see more movies directed by him.
Sonny, thanks for the Tony Robbins 'Get the Edge' recommendation. I'm listening to it now and, woah, this guy is intense.
Storyboarding this morning. Have a nice day.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Finished Talk To Her. Awwwwww, shall talk about it later. Parents asleep so shall go to bed now. Uni tomorrow. Planning for Kiwi went well. Today was very '------------'. Nevermind.
Good night, take care.
Good night, take care.
Planning Kiwi today as we get closer to the shoot this weekend. Well, this is uh, hard. I mean, I have figured out the list of shots that I want, but it's so hard to tell something complete within this period of time. The good thing though is I am shifting away from 'narration-driven' storytelling and made this a very visual film. However, this is the shortest film I've worked on - weighing in at around three and a half minutes. Plus I won't be able to ask for Henry's awesome voice (as there's no narration), so I guess I'll leave that for the next short film.
Good fun. Yay just got an idea, things falling into place. Time to take a nap and dwell on this.
Good fun. Yay just got an idea, things falling into place. Time to take a nap and dwell on this.
Last night was Simon's birthday dinner thing. Wow eh, restaurant *eyes fog up*. I didn't eat a lot, but the food tasted really good. I mean, I felt healthy because I was eating a salad, but I don't think I've developed the taste buds for ex-ex-expensive meals. Nor the wallet. 'Twas a nice meal and beautifully presented but uh, 'ouch'.
However, it all comes back to the theory that it doesn't matter where you are or what you do, just who you're with and the good moments. Like how the house is irrelevent when you're enjoying music. Or when you're asleep in a deep dream. Your surroundings don't matter, and neither does the food, as long as it's edible and fairly nice.
Two-thirds of the way through the Twin Peaks pilot now, and also one-third of the way through the original Terminator film. When I finish both I'll be able to write about 'em on the blog with 21 Grams. Yes, there has to be three things.
Autobiographical essay. Two nights ago, in a whirlwind I wrote about 1200 rambling words, which can count as a first draft. Very colloquial and blog-ish actually, so I better tidy up the structure and vocab.
The last two paragraphs are around the same length. This thing is pretty cool. I mean, typing on the keyboard, it's pretty cool.
However, it all comes back to the theory that it doesn't matter where you are or what you do, just who you're with and the good moments. Like how the house is irrelevent when you're enjoying music. Or when you're asleep in a deep dream. Your surroundings don't matter, and neither does the food, as long as it's edible and fairly nice.
Two-thirds of the way through the Twin Peaks pilot now, and also one-third of the way through the original Terminator film. When I finish both I'll be able to write about 'em on the blog with 21 Grams. Yes, there has to be three things.
Autobiographical essay. Two nights ago, in a whirlwind I wrote about 1200 rambling words, which can count as a first draft. Very colloquial and blog-ish actually, so I better tidy up the structure and vocab.
The last two paragraphs are around the same length. This thing is pretty cool. I mean, typing on the keyboard, it's pretty cool.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Yes, I went to The Video Shop again today.
The movie I rented was 'Talk To Her'.
How appropriate.
:oP
The movie I rented was 'Talk To Her'.
How appropriate.
:oP
Saturday, January 07, 2006
I just met the nicest girl to have ever worked in the video rental desk clerk/clerkess business when I was signing up to be a member of this video shop in Meadowlands, and what can I say? I was too stupid to ask her out on the spot. It wasn't that I was scared, rather, the thought didn't cross my mind as I was feeling fuzzy. I left without even knowing her name. Oops.
*fuzzy*
No, I'm not a stalker, we did actually exchange understandable sentences and have what you would call a conversation. No, I wasn't monosyllabic. Yes, she was the one who initiated conversation. No, the conversation did not only involve her asking me for my name, address, signature and identification. Yes, I looked her in the eye and told her I wanted premium membership. No, I couldn't read her mind. Yes, I wish I could.
One should use this emoticon thing in these situations:
=_=
Yes, I will go back there some time to clarify a few things.
*slaps self*
2006 has only just started, and I've already missed one opportunity. I swear these things happen to everyone and you just feel really good but bad at the same time. It's the eternal and universal regret of not doing something. It's always worse than if you'd done something. This could be an auteur theme.
*fuzzy*
No, I'm not a stalker, we did actually exchange understandable sentences and have what you would call a conversation. No, I wasn't monosyllabic. Yes, she was the one who initiated conversation. No, the conversation did not only involve her asking me for my name, address, signature and identification. Yes, I looked her in the eye and told her I wanted premium membership. No, I couldn't read her mind. Yes, I wish I could.
One should use this emoticon thing in these situations:
=_=
Yes, I will go back there some time to clarify a few things.
*slaps self*
2006 has only just started, and I've already missed one opportunity. I swear these things happen to everyone and you just feel really good but bad at the same time. It's the eternal and universal regret of not doing something. It's always worse than if you'd done something. This could be an auteur theme.
Went to Botany today, the primary objective being to get Sonny's present. I had a pretty good idea of what I was intending to get.
Taken more photos of possible shoot locations: Check.
Bought new wallet that has an eyelet for a chain and key-rings unlike the Time Magazine giveaway one I have now: Check.
Bought oily yucky stir-fried food for lunch: Check.
Saw Jesse, random Asian chick from my AS Maths class working at that oily stir-fried food place: Check.
Bought cheap rubber practice drum pad: Check.
Bought Sonny's present: Negative.
Non of the stores I looked at had what I wanted! And it's not like what I had in mind was something really uncommon too. And you'd think... at Botany, one of the largest shopping centres around. Doh. Guess I'll look for it tomorrow.
Watched one-third of the Twin Peaks pilot: Check.
Checked off everything on the list: Check.
Mission objectives for January 7th:
Watch 2nd third of Twin Peaks pilot.
Pick Joy up from the airport (yes, she did just go down to Wellington like two days ago, she's coming up again!).
Sleep early.
Bobo. Or Bilbo. Haha! Bobo is cuter than Bilbo. Bilbo is a hobbit. Bobo is Mr Burns' teddy bear.
Bobo. B-bobo. Hah!
:oP
Taken more photos of possible shoot locations: Check.
Bought new wallet that has an eyelet for a chain and key-rings unlike the Time Magazine giveaway one I have now: Check.
Bought oily yucky stir-fried food for lunch: Check.
Saw Jesse, random Asian chick from my AS Maths class working at that oily stir-fried food place: Check.
Bought cheap rubber practice drum pad: Check.
Bought Sonny's present: Negative.
Non of the stores I looked at had what I wanted! And it's not like what I had in mind was something really uncommon too. And you'd think... at Botany, one of the largest shopping centres around. Doh. Guess I'll look for it tomorrow.
Watched one-third of the Twin Peaks pilot: Check.
Checked off everything on the list: Check.
Mission objectives for January 7th:
Watch 2nd third of Twin Peaks pilot.
Pick Joy up from the airport (yes, she did just go down to Wellington like two days ago, she's coming up again!).
Sleep early.
Bobo. Or Bilbo. Haha! Bobo is cuter than Bilbo. Bilbo is a hobbit. Bobo is Mr Burns' teddy bear.
Bobo. B-bobo. Hah!
:oP
Friday, January 06, 2006
New haircut. Yikes what is happening to the world. I don't look so happy. But trust me, I am.
I thought I'd grow it for an entire year without cutting it but... looks like the hairdresser disagreed. I said, "Don't cut it, just make it 'thinner'" and he gave me this. Not bad though, I mean, it's summer so it's kind of cool to not be smoking in the head.
New toothbrushes. Yohoho. I couldn't stop laughing. They are cool.
Miscellaneous things that happened/come to mind:
1. It is so good to have family here.
2. Saw Lisa (of harp fame) at the airport today, picking up her mum. She's transferring to Otago for 2006.
3. My parents came out of the terminal really fast, like they were the fourth/fifth people out or something.
4. I tried to have a Big Mac combo for lunch , but I couldn't do it. I mean, I actually physically couldn't finish the combo. I felt really bad about not finishing it so I gave my fries to the kid at the next table.
5. My cousin is studying journalism in Chicago and is three semesters into her course. She was the only niece/nephew my parents actually met while they were in Taiwan.
6. My fourth grand-aunt (is that how you say it?) on my mother's side was the only grand-tree-level relative my parents met this time.
7. My mum's younger brother and my dad's younger brother were the only same-tree-level relative my parents met this time.
8. It's kind of weird/sad/cool that everyone is overseas and we don't have a massive reunion thing. I honestly feel so removed from my extended family it's not funny. Like, I remember when my cousins came over and we hung out and it was cool but now they're such distant cool memories. Like if I saw them now (and I really want to, because it's been six years) they'd be complete strangers. I hope I see them some day. Cos there is the possibility that I'd never see them again. I mean, it could happen. That's what scares me.
9. It makes me want to go back to Taiwan, but I also feel sick about going back because I know I won't meet the majority of the people I want to meet (because they're all overseas like us) so I'll be really down and depressed.
Three posts in one day. Haven't done that in a while. Night.
I thought I'd grow it for an entire year without cutting it but... looks like the hairdresser disagreed. I said, "Don't cut it, just make it 'thinner'" and he gave me this. Not bad though, I mean, it's summer so it's kind of cool to not be smoking in the head.
New toothbrushes. Yohoho. I couldn't stop laughing. They are cool.
Miscellaneous things that happened/come to mind:
1. It is so good to have family here.
2. Saw Lisa (of harp fame) at the airport today, picking up her mum. She's transferring to Otago for 2006.
3. My parents came out of the terminal really fast, like they were the fourth/fifth people out or something.
4. I tried to have a Big Mac combo for lunch , but I couldn't do it. I mean, I actually physically couldn't finish the combo. I felt really bad about not finishing it so I gave my fries to the kid at the next table.
5. My cousin is studying journalism in Chicago and is three semesters into her course. She was the only niece/nephew my parents actually met while they were in Taiwan.
6. My fourth grand-aunt (is that how you say it?) on my mother's side was the only grand-tree-level relative my parents met this time.
7. My mum's younger brother and my dad's younger brother were the only same-tree-level relative my parents met this time.
8. It's kind of weird/sad/cool that everyone is overseas and we don't have a massive reunion thing. I honestly feel so removed from my extended family it's not funny. Like, I remember when my cousins came over and we hung out and it was cool but now they're such distant cool memories. Like if I saw them now (and I really want to, because it's been six years) they'd be complete strangers. I hope I see them some day. Cos there is the possibility that I'd never see them again. I mean, it could happen. That's what scares me.
9. It makes me want to go back to Taiwan, but I also feel sick about going back because I know I won't meet the majority of the people I want to meet (because they're all overseas like us) so I'll be really down and depressed.
Three posts in one day. Haven't done that in a while. Night.
Got home. Parents are back. It's great. My mum can't believe this is her house. Had not seen my dad for four months, the longest in quite a while.
Not much happening now as I try to think things through and plan for next week's shoot. I'm supposed to do a 800-1200 word autobiographical essay (well, not really an essay, but a piece) this weekend. Shall do that tomorrow.
Another thing to do tomorrow: Take more photos of that Bucklands Beach War Memorial bench that looks quite nice. I will pixelate all those trademarks like Plunkets and Coke.
Time to begin my 'intensive January film television watching period'. Things that I have lined up (in no particular order, but that I intend to get through):
Twin Peaks Seasons 1 and 2
The Vietnam War Film collection
Family Guy Season 4
The Straight Story
Oldboy
Princess Mononoke
Broken Flowers
You and Me and Everyone We Know
Serenity
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter... and Spring
Requiem For A Dream
I guess now that I've listed them officially on the blog I can't do anything about not watching them. Saw 21 Grams last night (which is about to be kicked off the IMDb Top 250, but I saw it anyway), but I shall talk about it when I've seen two more things. Muahaha, the power of three. Urgh.
Bye.
Not much happening now as I try to think things through and plan for next week's shoot. I'm supposed to do a 800-1200 word autobiographical essay (well, not really an essay, but a piece) this weekend. Shall do that tomorrow.
Another thing to do tomorrow: Take more photos of that Bucklands Beach War Memorial bench that looks quite nice. I will pixelate all those trademarks like Plunkets and Coke.
Time to begin my 'intensive January film television watching period'. Things that I have lined up (in no particular order, but that I intend to get through):
Twin Peaks Seasons 1 and 2
The Vietnam War Film collection
Family Guy Season 4
The Straight Story
Oldboy
Princess Mononoke
Broken Flowers
You and Me and Everyone We Know
Serenity
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter... and Spring
Requiem For A Dream
I guess now that I've listed them officially on the blog I can't do anything about not watching them. Saw 21 Grams last night (which is about to be kicked off the IMDb Top 250, but I saw it anyway), but I shall talk about it when I've seen two more things. Muahaha, the power of three. Urgh.
Bye.