This interview from 2005 is a bit old, but I keep talking about it.
Stephen Colbert talks about his career, and the intention behind the different themes in his show. Like bears.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Head Mountain
This is an excellently drawn work of Japanese animation. With dreamlike symbolism, it explores a variation of the classic Japanese theme of civilization versus nature.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Little Miss Sunshine
Little Miss Sunshine is an excellent movie.
I was afraid of seeing it, because the reviews I saw captured very well how dysfunctional all the characters are. They are indeed a collection of disturbed people.
But I was afraid that the movie would be sad. Which it's not. It is full of joy and love. It is a happy, fun movie. It's a black comedy, but a comedy for sure.
It's some sort of cousin of The Addams Family. Spinning clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, having bright sunshine colors instead of thunderclouds and gravestones. But a family of love and joy, ironically juxtaposed against a backdrop of torment.
Also, the acting is perfect. First rate. And ensemble. No one actor stands out. They all fit together into one family. Excellent.
The story is also brilliant. No detail is unnecessary, but nothing is forced. Everything unfolds, connected to everything else. And the drama builds and concludes with perfect rhythm, with archetypical connection between the goal and the obstacles in the way.
It's a modern family Odyssey.
I was afraid of seeing it, because the reviews I saw captured very well how dysfunctional all the characters are. They are indeed a collection of disturbed people.
But I was afraid that the movie would be sad. Which it's not. It is full of joy and love. It is a happy, fun movie. It's a black comedy, but a comedy for sure.
It's some sort of cousin of The Addams Family. Spinning clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, having bright sunshine colors instead of thunderclouds and gravestones. But a family of love and joy, ironically juxtaposed against a backdrop of torment.
Also, the acting is perfect. First rate. And ensemble. No one actor stands out. They all fit together into one family. Excellent.
The story is also brilliant. No detail is unnecessary, but nothing is forced. Everything unfolds, connected to everything else. And the drama builds and concludes with perfect rhythm, with archetypical connection between the goal and the obstacles in the way.
It's a modern family Odyssey.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Tabletop object art
This guy makes sculptures from various objet d'art. Like playing cards, soup cans, spoons, pencil sharpeners.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Friday, February 9, 2007
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Monster House
I just saw the movie Monster House.
It's pretty good. The characters are just a little close to stock characters rather than genuine personalities. But the visuals are shiny, and the story's ok.
Although I bet I would have totally gotten the movie with the sound off. Which I was surprised worked during my trip East 2 weeks ago - with a Woody Allen movie!
Anyway, I'm still not sure how I feel about the motion capture technology used to make Monster House. Same as used to portray Gollum in Lord of the Rings. On the one hand, pretty impressive way to amp up your effects budget. On the other, the animators who shaped human bodies in The Incredibles are true artists who created original body language.
I've read somewhere speculation that Andy Serkis and other motion capture performers might get their own category of award some day. Who knows? My question is, if that happens, are we honoring a new art form, or making actors sit at the little kids' table?
It's pretty good. The characters are just a little close to stock characters rather than genuine personalities. But the visuals are shiny, and the story's ok.
Although I bet I would have totally gotten the movie with the sound off. Which I was surprised worked during my trip East 2 weeks ago - with a Woody Allen movie!
Anyway, I'm still not sure how I feel about the motion capture technology used to make Monster House. Same as used to portray Gollum in Lord of the Rings. On the one hand, pretty impressive way to amp up your effects budget. On the other, the animators who shaped human bodies in The Incredibles are true artists who created original body language.
I've read somewhere speculation that Andy Serkis and other motion capture performers might get their own category of award some day. Who knows? My question is, if that happens, are we honoring a new art form, or making actors sit at the little kids' table?
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