Category: Film
About Film
Journey to the Mountain of Light
I'm very lucky to have found myself working with photographer Jon Snape who has embarked on a project to photograph a series of electricity pylons that thread their way through the Hampshire countryside. I'm going to be making some films for Jon's blog, which he is using as a modern sketchbook, to note ideas, show his inspiration and record his artistic process. Jon's pylon images relate to ideas about landscape and modernism, but also enjoy a range of disparate connections from ancient Egyptian history to Naval Aircraft. He's on a Journey to the Mountain of Light, and I'm joining him along the way. I'll update with some more stills and clips, and keep you informed of developments, there are some lovely ideas in the pipeline, and the project seems to have a life of its own, with Jon leading the way.
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SCINTILLATION from Xavier Chassaing on Vimeo.
Just a lovely little experimental film. I'm so sorry, my posts are almost shorter that those on twitter – which is on probation, I still don't know if I like it. I'm a sucker for all kinds of social networking, and I thought this could be fun – but really who cares? Again, the right brainer in me wants it to serve some kind of purpose and the no brainer in me want to turn the internet off and get on my bike. I'm assured my new Conti's are in the post and on their way – come on, let's all track it together – oh, if only we could.
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic Movie from Semiconductor on Vimeo.
An amazing film from a group that call themselves Semicondutor. In their wonderful films, they tap into science and visualise the incredible shapes, patterns, sounds and images that sometimes can be seen, but more often is invisible to the naked eye. The films have a lovely feel about them, the one above sparkles with magnetic fields, bouncing and shimmering across the screen like tiny mischievous creatures.
one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever seen
Norman McLaren
I’ve been looking for a few early animations to keep the troops interested and came across Norman McLaren, who I seem to have missed – he was well known for his work with the National Film Board of Canada.
I suppose I’m rather partial to some dots and spaces…
Walk it off
I like this little video that's appeared on The Breeders website – here's the deal – you click the different views (1-4) and you sort of cut your own version. This is the first time I've seen this sort of idea and it is very clever. In fact it's just another example of some new video forms that are floating around the web. At the moment there seems to be some subtle evolutions to the ways we watch moving image on the web. I'm enjoying long photos on flickr – there are some amazing pieces. If you see something you like, tell me about it. (comments are open)
Noir
We had a great time at SFA, a stripped down version of their usual crazy set. Gruff explained that the horn section, percussionist and backing singers had been kidnapped en route. Fair enough, it meant new versions of old favourites, the opportunity for a little refresh and the chance to see how beautiful these tunes can be.
I have to say it was a particular thrill to see Jim Noir in the support slot, presenting some new songs with a new band. I’ve heard a few negative comments about his old one, that they didn’t particularly give him the chance to front up and display his own light and breezy personality. This set up seems to give him a bit more freedom and you can see it reflected in the new songs such as "Alright", which you can listen to on Jim’s myspace page.
I’ve had a fondness for le noir for a while now since my friend Steve directed his "A Quiet Man" video. By the way, please check out Steve’s site, full of the wonderful movies he’s been making since film school. A talented man I’m sure you’ll agree, with many good things in the pipeline. Be sure to check out "A Heap of Trouble" my personal favourite.
Cinema No.6
Cinema no.6 is the ideal place to get your fix of foreign films, american and british indies and the stuff that scares the multiplex. Its present home is in portsmouth’s historic dockyard, at action stations. Since our move to Fareham, our usual haunt, Chichester’s New Park Cinema is a bit far away, and we’ve yet to visit harbour lights in southampton.
So No.6 is where we go. Lately we’ve seen some amazing movies, Almodovar’s Volver, the french film – The Beat that my heart skipped and also american movies Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (which was just about ok) and Little Miss Sunshine, which was fun and frothy. We keep hearing rumours that no.6 is in difficulty, but there are new monthly programmes and now a website where you can sign up to a weekly listings newsletter.
Cinema’s like this exist not just as an alternative, which is a bit patronising, but should be regularly supported and should enjoy the same publicity as the multiplex down the road. So go on – enjoy your saturday night at the pictures.
Dogs looking up.. Part 3
ok, just a recap – the first post about dogs included a picture of floyd’s looking up, and now this one – which I’ve finally after months/years have posted – this looks like conclusive proof, although I know many of you will respond that he isn’t looking directly up (can humans do this then?) etc, etc, but now I think we might be onto something. But it took photographic evidence…shame on you all.
Many thanks to Ace for the photo, let the comments begin…again.
