Skyfall

Another film of the year that I got sucked into because of hype. I'm not feeling a great need to write much about the latest Bond film, which in due, in part, to the fact that I left the cinema feeling somewhat underwhelmed (should have known once Adele's voice rang out over the opening credit sequence - yeh, I said it, I don't like her).

Skyfall was a good and brave departure from the usual Bond fare, though enough of the typical elements are thrown in to still give it that flavour, so I appreciated the focus on M in this film. The only thing is that it was a little 'boring' and much of the story was just so messy and blase.

Firstly, there was a lot of talk about Javier Bardem as the villain but lo, he did not meet my expectation AT all. It was a classic, rookie mishap of 'telling' and not 'showing' vis a vis 'baddie' Silva. Because sorry, as a viewer, I didn't find him scary at all. We are only told that he is frightening - first rather convincingly by Severine, played by what's her name, who had NO role whatsoever, other than to fill the 'damaged, sexy girl Bond gets off with'.  Side note - apart from Dame Dench, no other woman on the screen was a three dimensional character - I know, I know, I should expect that, right? But I did expect a wee bit more from Naomi Harris - for all she was a bantering device for Bond - I know, I know! Back on track *SPOILERS ALERT* - when we arrive at the weird abandoned island Silva has as a base, we're only told that he was able to clear the place out by spreading some rumour and the people fled as if Diablo had come among them (might have added that bit in myself) Ok. He's badass.

Only when we meet him, we realise he's a dude with serious mummy issues with an agenda to get at M because, wah, he was screwed over on a mission. Poor show. The closest to badass was when he blew a hole in subterranean London and a tube crashed through - oh, but thank god, there were no people in it! (Sorry not that I'm a sicko who wants to see people dying en masse or whatever...)

So it comes down the old phrase, 'a film is only as good as its villain'. And the baddie was poor for me - not that it was Bardem but rather the writing of him. The only positive that came out of it was the conflict it created within M, so that we witness the crumbling pillar-like resolve of this stalwart figure. And the unwavering loyalty of Bond. That then led the best and commendable scene where Bond races through the streets of Westminster to save M, while she delivers a speech quoting Tennyson. Good show.

And also, what was a grave disappointment was the whole 'Skyfall' idea itself - in the trailers and film we're made to believe that something traumatising happened to Bond because he can't even get through word association when the name comes up. Oooh, dark intensity. Only we find out it's the old family mansion and he hid in the secret passage under the house for two days when he was orphaned. Are we shown that? Does Bond get uneasy flashbacks/feelings on his return to the mansion, or when he escapes through the passage? No. Instead, this back story, this psychological pivotal moment is neatly explained by the old Scot dude when he shows said passage to M. Hmm. Took all the drama out of that, Mendes. All potential psychological intensity was barely explored, indicative through one liners that are left hanging and lazy: "Orphans always make the best recruits." Ok...

Highlights were the scene in that tower in Shanghai with all those lights, projections and reflections; the opening chase scene through Istanbul, the fiery climax at the Scottish mansion, Daniel Craig delivering flawlessly and most of it being set in London and/or Britain.

VERDICT: 6/10.

Annexe Mag's recent event - Et Al

A big thanks to Annexe Magazine for having me at their literary event the other week and kindly asking me to take a few snaps. Some results are here, otherwise head to Annexe's FB page to get the full snappage.

It was the first time I witnessed Charlie Dupre and I was completely blown away. He performed an imaginary slam battle between Marlowe and 'Shakey P' :D Nice! And then his dynamic, 'urban' version of Othello was pretty sublime as well - if you happen to get a chance to see him, I highly recommend it!

Sites of Alternative Publishing - 1st piece of work exhibited!

I owe a lot to Annexe Mag once again for giving me one of my 'firsts' (*snicker*) - this time, my first piece to be properly showcased at an exhibit, in a very random but funky space in Hackney.

Nick Murray, the editor of Annexe, went beyond just plastering words up - he printed them on paper reels that were run through a tape played on a bespoke tape-player/reader thing. It's better in person  - I do no justice here at all. Perhaps a rather unbecoming photo of my goofy self, goofily happy at seeing my own personal tape will help to emit how awesome it all was. You can also see a demo of it here.

So naturally, you want to go check it out for yourself, non? There is other wonderful work on display courtesy of Pigeon Magazine and Very Small Kitchen's - all put together by Ladies of the Press. 

The exhibition is Sites of Alternative Publishing and is running until March 4th at the Five Years Gallery. So if you happen to be around, drop in and have a peruse.

Kina Grannis - Youtube sensation and sensational live performer

American singer-songwriter Kina Grannis is as cute as a button and seeing her live at The Union Chapel this week was a real treat. The acoustics and settings were a perfect match for her music, (her guitar work accompanied by an excellent cello accompaniment) and her stunning voice, one that sounds more sweet and strong live than recorded - not to say there's anything lacking in her album, 'Stairwells' vocally, but rather it's such a rare thing to experience - and all props go to Kina, who started out her career jamming to a YouTube audience.

Her songs were pitted with banter, all of which kept coming back to how 'insane' or 'crazy' it was that she was performing to real, live people - her humble remarks and the awe she held for having an opportunity to come before us and play was all the more endearing - can you tell I'm now a huge fan? ('Let's be bezzies!)

Personal highlights for me were 'In Your Arms' and 'Strong Enough', a track that isn't included in the European deluxe album (why, oh why??!), so figures - and then there was the unplugged 'Message from Your Heart', where we all sang along. Fun times, we had fun times. 

 

Sci Fi London - Earth 2.0 Initialisation

Yesterday, I went along with Arctic Bunny to Sci Fi London Film Festival at the Apollo Cinema to see the Earth 2.0 Initialisation. For all of you who don;t know what Earth 2.0 is, please visit this site. It's a really fascinating concept that these people are trying to form, and thereby give a platform and mouthpiece to the idea that we need to move into a new sphere of being - that we have to be accountable for our lives here on Earth - upgrade from the broken and self involved Earth 1.0 to the new, symbiotic Earth 2.0. It's currently a multimedia vehicle to drive these issues forward.

*DISCLAIMER* This post is very environmental, Gaia esque. If that doesn't interest you, fair does. If the fate of humanity on Earth does though - go for it! 

I was drawn to this idea because I believe in this fundamental law - that we are part of the Earth, part of the biosphere, not differentiated or disassociated and that science and technology needs to understand this. I am not a scientist at all but the new spheres of science and development into eco-friendly and eco-conscious systems is of great interest to me.

The event started off with an intro talk, then a short film, then a panel talk and discussion (which wasn't nearly long enough). The film had six people speaking about the idea and/or cause that is Earth 2.0. It was a taster, a teaser even and I think a lot of people who were there, were expecting more - I myself, as well. Yet, it was clear to see that this project is very much embryonic - this is the genesis, just the touchstone and the speakers wanted to be open to participation from everyone.

Some of the points raised are worth noting - and my thoughts on them:

1. Earth 1.0 is unsustainable. 'If everyone lived the life of an average American, we would need 5 planets.' This was one of the first quotes in the short film. It really hits home the scale of our impact, our incessant devouring. 'Business as usual cannot go on', was another point made and Dr Rachel Armstrong, one of the speakers there added 'Doing less of what we do now, is not the way to go.'  I completely agree on this point - less traveling in cars, less trips on an airplane is not the solution. What no one likes to admit, particularly the current system of science, is that there are some systems and ways of being that will need to go - go, go. Perusing the planet for that other miracle batch of oil is only going to stave our problem off longer - 'Hey - more oil! We can consume like maniacs for another 50 years!' Routine, rigid minds and thinking are only going to entrap us and keep us in the current form and paradigm, even when our surroundings our urging us to think otherwise.

Sketchbook TV @ The Design Museum

So I am excited about Sketchbook TV's latest video episode. We've had a dry spell somewhat with problems with editors not coming up with the goods for some stuff that we shot over summer - such a real shame (quite literally have not heard from them).

So I took the plunge and bought my own Canon 7D and took it out to 'officially' video my first gig at Sketchbook Mag's event at The Design Museum. I couldn't stay for long and there was a lot going on and no real chance to get a proper sit down interview with Fred Butler or any of the other amazing designers or illustrators there. Not a prob though because I had a lot of fun filming it and had a good bash at editing. It took ages to find a good tune, having scoured lots of sites that offer royalty free music and all that jazz. Finally settled for this awesome tune 'Inside the Light' by Musician Toy which totally worked in the fact that Sketchbook's event was called 'Sparkle the Dark Up'. So I went with that, with lots of shots of silhouette and light etc.


Have a gander, I am proud :D

Video I shot using my Canon 7D.



Sketchbook Magazine's event at the Design Museum - Sparkle the Dark Up - which featured talks by fashion designer Richard Nicoll and props stylist and accessories designer Fred Butler, as well as workshops with Gabriela Mot.



Music:

Inside the Light - Musician Toy

Yours truly has another bash at interviewing

And might I say I am getting better at it. What am I talking about? Being thrust in to interviewing George Lamb at The Clothes Show of course, thanks to my camera-man who is ever aware, ever observant and very action-man; the kind of push I need really, so thank you awesome Matthieu Ferreira!!

So please check out Sketchbook TV at the Clothes Show Live where we asked George Lamb about London and the 1960s...any guesses to what his answer might be? Oh and he was wearing really cool red espadrilles but we didn't get a shot of that, sorry! And he is very good looking in the flesh, so of course I was super geekish when interviewing him. But we got him to give out the first shout for Sketchbook TV ever :D

Highlight of that weekend? Hell, yeah!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuERXYoBHEU

Short Animation - The Little Stonemason

I am very pleased and proud to be posting about the short animation courtesy of the PgDip Character Animation at Central St. Martin's. I was there earlier this week to see this graduates showcasing their work, each at their own station and it's understatement to say it was impressive.


Please check out 'The Little Stonemason' by Arctic Bunny Animations. This one is an example of simple and poignant storytelling, beautiful imagery and soundtrack and the hint of a bigger story surrounding this otherwise personal portrait of two characters. I had the pleasure of seeing this animation develop but even then, the final piece is wonderfully executed. This is only a taste of the diverse range of animations on offer thanks to the graduate animators at CSM. I wish them all good luck in their future work, in the meantie, enjoy!


The Little Stonemason from Arctic_Bunny on Vimeo.

Sketchbook TV - interview with Susie Bubble!

Hi guys, I haven't had chance to update as much as I want, as I want to post a review on 'Kick Ass' and 'Into the Wild' but have had precious little time to myself over the last 2 weeks. One thing that has kept me mucho occupied has been Sketchbook's Pop Up Shop.

Please check out my latest attempt at editing the interview with Susie Bubble, who is Wafa's (editor in chief of Sketchbook Mag) huge inspiration for getting into fashion journalism etc.

Sketchbook Magazine's Pop Up Shop

Ok so I haven't had a chance to update my blog even though I have had oodles to say and comment on but have failed to write them down so will no doubt forget. *sigh* The major thing that has been keeping my occupied outside of paid work has been Sketchbook Magazine's 1st Pop Up Shop which is looking awesome and starts on Wed 31st March 2010. I went over on the weekend and squeezed in among the various volunteers painting and arranging etc and managed to shoot a little bit and string it together in a promo. So if you find yourself around Carnaby Street in London Town over the next three weeks, pop on down, it's sure to amaze!

Review on 'An Education'

The other weekend I watched 'An Education' which I was excited about viewing. I had read the screenplay a few weeks back and simply fell in love with it. You could tell it would draw upon the performances and would have no need for too much cinematic flair that seems to saturate a lot of productions these days. This would be honest, straight forward film.

And it was. The production design team and costume did a superb job of recreating early 60s London with a slightly washed out colour palette whenever Jenny was inhabiting her 'boring world' sans David, no doubt a good nod to the bleached out life she believes she is living at that point. The scene where Jenny is taken to a jazz bar is splendid, it definitely had me yearning for an experience like that, the place was so lush and extraordinary; it's no wonder you feel the wonder that Jenny experiences on being in such environments. Carey Mulligan gives a strong performance, particularly alongside Alfred Molina as her father Jack. She has one of those faces that can long older than her years and then transform to that of a naive girl, which is precisely the point to a lot of the narrative, so hats off to the casting director in that regard. Dominic Cooper and Rosamund Pike were adequate in the supporting roles, in fact I found Cooper not in the least bit annoying and rather credible.