Just when you think someone could take a genre into a different direction vis costume/armor I see something like this online that tells me that there was an opportunity wasted. I’m sure this isn’t a design that we will see in the upcoming sequel because it’s simply toobadass , and a visual departure from cannon which would alienate the ‘True Believer’ fan base that obsessively blog about plot missteps. What I love about the sketch above is that the designer kind of knew that this somewhat ’steampunk’ approach wouldn’t get picked up since he kept it nice and light, very concept sketch in nature as opposed to a polished rendering. Funny, I couldn’t tell you where I stumbled upon this one—probably someTumblr site out there…
This classic was on over the holiday weekend and it reminded me to track down the link and image for this overhauled poster because it’s so spot-on. Check out more of killer illustrator Olly Moss’ work here–his clients include the New York Times for a reason….I look forward to buying his glossy art book in about five years or so.
The Specials was the worst movie I have seen in recent memory. Out of 1 hr and 22 minutes I would have to say 5 minutes of it was watchable/funny, and that is definitely being generous for this Mystery Men knockoff. Thanks for remaining behind the times both in terms of ‘Recommendations Engine’ technology and online movie selection Netflix! I am convinced that they remain a market leader primarily due to lack of competition, but it’s not as though Blockbuster could figure this ‘online thing’ out on their own so maybe, just maybe there is an excuse for mediocrity. For now, that is…..
I don’t usually get excited about pure CGI films but this one looks pretty solid to me based on this clip since it’s not intended to mimic human beings, falling flat with facial expressions and detailed rendering. As far as movies based on Manga cartoons are concerned at least it’s looking better than Speed Racer looked anyways. That doesn’t say much, though.
I noticed something in DeathProof, Tarantino’s last film. His rhythm, the timing of events was a bit….off for whatever reason. When it boils down to his movies (and those of many others) I believe it’s fair to say there is a balance of action/violence and witty dialogue. In his most recent release, Ingolrious Basterds, without spoiling any plot elements I can honestly say that the proportion of time in between these two elements was pushed as far along that spectrum by Quentin to date. It seems as if the ramp up to events and action is too drawn out, seeming to languish for just a bit longer than it should.
The violence is about what you would expect although I have to admit that the last 20 minutes or so made me feel a bit uncomfortable to say the least. Since it would seem that based on past interviews I have read this would be the director’s intent then well done. FYI best part of the movie is by far the primary villain played by Christof Waltz, who I faintly remember as playing a German spy in 1989’s Goldeneye. Bottom line: Wait a few months to rent it.
No spoiler alerts here since I haven’t seen D9 yet, just wanted to showcase a bunch of Neill Blomkamp’s work since he has been receiving a lot of attention as of late due to District 9, but previous to his latest effort I think it’s fair to say it was only a matter of time before he made his debut onto the international scene as a director. Most people don’t realize that in Hollywood the myth of an unknown director being ‘discovered’ one day and becoming a legend the next is rare to say the least. Tarantino withstanding, it’s more often that people learn by failing upward when it comes to the entertainment industry.
When you can’t move forward on your own resume but are passionate about your work you can do great things solo. Case in point is Tetra Vaal, which is best described as Robocop for the Third World. Definitely has hints of projects to come later but smacks of that one Bjork Video, All is Full Of Love. In a good way, of course.
The next widely seen commercial effort had to have been Yellow, which is above. Most of us state-side haven’t seen this but will start to recognize Neil’s signature elements of Blair Witch-style lack of steady cam work blended with stellar CGI. And of course, scenes filmed in Africa which definitely adds an element of the unknown for most of us.
Alive in JoBurg was the true precursor to District 9 for obvious reasons. It’s really compelling to see what Blokamp can do with a shoestring budget. Being a former animator himself it’s interesting to see his evolution to where he stands today. This is reflected in the three short length movies above.
I couldn’t stop short of embedding his Showreel because it’s editing is pretty solid as well. It’s basic, but shows off the range of the director and tells the story of how much commercial work he had to do in order to get where he is today. Some cool sci-fi elements applied to surprising clients as well. I’m sure that the ad agencies knew what they were looking for to say the least.
As one last video to share I have included a nice snippet from one of my favorite magazines–’Wired. ‘I love seeing behind the scenes movies but they get that much better when this much CGI is involved. In this case it’s impressive how little is used compared to today’s blockbusters like Avatar which had a budget higher than some nation’s GDPs. Via Giz, i09, and a bunch of other sites.
Combine the talents of an award-winning Graphic/Motion Designer and Recording Artist to work towards accelerating the visual learning aptitude of infants and you end up with Wee See. Billed as ‘Part art installation, part pacifier,’ Wee See is a collection of black-and-white animations built from basic shapes to delight both child and parent. As vision develops slowly over the first months of life, Wee See provides surfaces of bold, well-defined artwork to engage your baby’s curious mind and bring the screen to vibrant life.
I don’t know about you but something described as ‘a sensory experience for babies and their parents that is both intensely playful and undeniably soothing’ sounds a bit trippy to me. Did I mention that Singer and songwriter Tim DeLaughter, best known as the front man of Tripping Daisy and, more recently, The Polyphonic Spree is in charge of the soundtrack? This may end up being uniquely suited for Burning Man but whatever, as long as it entertains who is to say it’s not all for the common good? Released as twin collections of short form videos and corresponding flash cards these are available here (both for $25 isn’t too bad). Via Wired.
I heard an interview with the author Adam Wiener over the weekend on NPR, and loved the thought of someone else sitting in front of a movie and saying ‘I learned that was impossible in fifth grade science.’ It totally made me want to pick up this book at the library, but if you can’t wait get it at Amazon for $15.50 here.
This classic was on over the holiday weekend and it reminded me to track down the link and image for this overhauled poster because it’s so spot-on. Check out more of killer illustrator Olly Moss’ work 
Saw this on 
