Tag: films

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These Are Those Things

Movies In Another Universe

Okay, sure they will be the same films, but looking at these posters for Hollywood films of 20 & 30 years ago, all redone by Polish artists for then Soviet-controlled Poland, makes me want to see all of them! They look so much better this way. 

How great would it be if our posters could look this good! Wellmedicated has put together a great list of 50 Incredible Film Posters From Poland.

Can you name the film by the poster?  The Hollywood Studios would say it’s a problem if you can’t, but to me that’s the joy.

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These Are Those Things

But What IS Mingering?

If I had to pick one thing and one thing  only that truly moved, inspired me, expanded my mind, and moved my feet,  I would hand that golden stature to the greatest soul superstar you never heard of: Mingering Mike.

How all this incredible work found its way back to this world is pretty great too.  A record collector, Dori Hadar, bought some crates of records sight unseen.  Although Dori knew pretty much all there was to know about soul music, he encountered records he had never seen before.  Upon closer inspection, these sealed and stickered discs were clearly hand-painted.  A full examination revealed a complex world of musicians, producers, and session players, their rise and fall, complete with side explorations into movie soundtracks and benefit albums.  A complete mythology and rockin’ universe.
Although the actual discs in the jackets were often cardboard facsimiles, Mike and his cousin recorded several tracks over the years, singing all the instruments themselves.  “Coffee Cake” is my number one single of the last three seasons.  Mike’s music is now available for download on eMusic.  The book is must-buy for anyone who has ever danced or sang in their dreams (and Amazon has it bargain priced now).  The Ted Museum would certainly give Mike’s entire collection front hall prominence.  And the movie, well the movie, will change your life and blow your mind (but we have to make it first!).
There is also a great story on Mike in The Washington City Paper this week.
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These Are Those Things

More Godard Trailers

You have to love the music in the MASCULINE FEMININE trailer:

I know that this film is to blame for my film school laundromat shoots, and those of many others.  And many young women’s hair style and fashions to this day live comfortably in this forty year old footage.
BREATHLESS is responsible for so much, a day doesn’t go by without being chock full of references:

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These Are Those Things

The Land Of 1000 Cereals (this is that free choice you heard so much about?)

Over at BOWL OF NOSES there is a post of Charlie Chaplin’s Eating Machine from Modern Times.  With it’s robotic Rube Goldbergian complication, it delights me in it’s misguided quest for efficiency.

Ryan Alexiev is an artist with complicated relationship to cold cereal, creating elaborate mosaics and more.  He’s made one of my favorite short films I have seen in a while, THE WIZARD OF O’S, and with it brought a nicely streamlined version of Charlie’s machine: The Golden Spoon.  Check it out.
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Bowl Of Noses

Homemade Doctor Who

It’s the weekend, so we are watching the Doctor.  We are almost done with Season Two.  Soon we will have to say good-bye to Rose.  It’s tough to get enough.  I am sure that they can’t make them fast enough.

Thankfully, the fans have started to make their own.  BoingBoing tipped us to this “sweded” adventure.  It’s gets big points for the Dalek costume.

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These Are Those Things

I Want To See This: Fear(s) Of The Dark

Why do Americans think animation is for kids?  Most of my favorite films last year were animations.  Animation works on so many levels and can truly tap into our subconscious.  The freedom of form is exhilarating.  

My daily surfs took me to this trailer for Fear(s) Of The Dark.  I hope the film comes to NYC and soon. — I just got word that IFC is bringing it to NYC in November! (thanks Jim!)

postscript: I saw the film. Charles Burns section is worth twice the price of admission!

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Bowl Of Noses

Recommended Viewing #3: Nausica Of The Valley Of The Wind

NAUSICA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND (1992) was the first film of Studio Ghibli (even before they were Studio Ghibili!).  It’s got everything in it, from the first seeds of steampunk, robots, a great female youthful heroine, and an environmental message (plus another one of how aggression is often a cry for love…).  We’ve watched it numerous times, have the figures, and our very own pet fox-squirrel.