A wonderfully executed and poetic film by Claire Denis called 35 Shots of Rum made me an instant fan of Claire Denis although I'm still exploring more of her work. 35 Shots of Rum beautifully photographed by Agnes Godard (making me an instant cinematographic admirer) and directed by Claire Denis focuses on the deep relationship of a father and daughter similar to The Ballad of Jack and Rose without the incestuous undertones. Alex Descas who performs as Lionel and Mati Diop who is Josephine share a dependent love for each other as father and daughter. The film follows the lives of the two in an atmospheric and subtle way in which there are many quiet moments letting the narrative breathe without any sharp dramatic interruptions. The film is reminiscent of Japanese cinema master, Yasujiro Ozu's familial dramas. Everything in the film happens in a seemingly natural pace exposing the normal lives of Lionel and Josephine in magnificent cinematic compositions.
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
A smile at cinematic beauty: 35 Shots of Rum
A wonderfully executed and poetic film by Claire Denis called 35 Shots of Rum made me an instant fan of Claire Denis although I'm still exploring more of her work. 35 Shots of Rum beautifully photographed by Agnes Godard (making me an instant cinematographic admirer) and directed by Claire Denis focuses on the deep relationship of a father and daughter similar to The Ballad of Jack and Rose without the incestuous undertones. Alex Descas who performs as Lionel and Mati Diop who is Josephine share a dependent love for each other as father and daughter. The film follows the lives of the two in an atmospheric and subtle way in which there are many quiet moments letting the narrative breathe without any sharp dramatic interruptions. The film is reminiscent of Japanese cinema master, Yasujiro Ozu's familial dramas. Everything in the film happens in a seemingly natural pace exposing the normal lives of Lionel and Josephine in magnificent cinematic compositions.
Exploring the photography of James Van Der Zee
I've been exploring the amazing photography of James Van Der Zee which are haunting as much as they are beautiful. I hope to encompass this sort of grace and duality in my photographic work, be it still or moving.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Listening to Orange Juice's "Tides Keep Changing" - A personal review
Upon listening to the music of the band of some musician friends, I felt compelled enough to review their new independent album below:
Orange Juice's album, Tides Keep Changing
The independent release of the Floridian based band, Orange Juice's Tides Keep Changing can be described in many ways. There are many feelings and styles which this album provokes, ranging from Reggae, Funk, Alternative Rock and Soul. Orange Juice's influence from Red Hot Chili Peppers is also strikingly apparent but not to be confused with a cheap or simple imitation of the latter. They may be likened unto the reggae-rock band, 311 as well. Regardless of their influence or similarities to other bands, they are distinct. One word to describe this album within the context of each individual song is harmony. The band lacks dissonance with reinforcement of harmonic and melodic sounds from Kyle Roeser's rhythmic drumming, Alex Casement's guitar chords and Hunter Robinson's light yet soulful voice along with his subtle guitar bass lines. The band's back up vocals and secondary vocals by Kyle Roeser in particular, are subtle interjections that are treatises when they arrive. Although at first listen, the band may seem as nothing more than a jam band with pleasing or complimentary tunes but after repeated visits, the album reveals deeper content and complexity, particularly within its lyrics. Songs like "New Road" or "Somedays" carry lyric content to which everyone or most people can relate to, basically a universal quality. Even songs such as "Broke Local Foolish Goon," despite the song's title, resonates with simple yet notable lyrics which emit soulful honesty. "Don't Waste Your Worries" and "Fly" are conscious and reflective tracks which can be taken as subtly soothing and uplifting. "151" and "Music Makes You Move" are songs that set the tone for the band's jam style along the lines of reggae-rock. Then songs such as "Killing Time," "What Keeps the Love Alive," "Rewind" and "Confusion" let the harmonious guitar chords, melodies and bass lines dictate the song as the vocals and drums follow. In the song, "Somedays," the band's vocal mutuality is expressed with a resonating chorus line. You sense the band's continual growth with a consistent sound especially if their mixtape, The Feeling is given a listen. Also knowing the short period of time (over a span of about 3 months) and conditions (in-house studio) in which these tracks were made, their talent is exemplary to say the least. I personally think the band's potential is clear with their current material and they are definitely on the right track to highly reputable works.
Orange Juice's album, Tides Keep Changing
The independent release of the Floridian based band, Orange Juice's Tides Keep Changing can be described in many ways. There are many feelings and styles which this album provokes, ranging from Reggae, Funk, Alternative Rock and Soul. Orange Juice's influence from Red Hot Chili Peppers is also strikingly apparent but not to be confused with a cheap or simple imitation of the latter. They may be likened unto the reggae-rock band, 311 as well. Regardless of their influence or similarities to other bands, they are distinct. One word to describe this album within the context of each individual song is harmony. The band lacks dissonance with reinforcement of harmonic and melodic sounds from Kyle Roeser's rhythmic drumming, Alex Casement's guitar chords and Hunter Robinson's light yet soulful voice along with his subtle guitar bass lines. The band's back up vocals and secondary vocals by Kyle Roeser in particular, are subtle interjections that are treatises when they arrive. Although at first listen, the band may seem as nothing more than a jam band with pleasing or complimentary tunes but after repeated visits, the album reveals deeper content and complexity, particularly within its lyrics. Songs like "New Road" or "Somedays" carry lyric content to which everyone or most people can relate to, basically a universal quality. Even songs such as "Broke Local Foolish Goon," despite the song's title, resonates with simple yet notable lyrics which emit soulful honesty. "Don't Waste Your Worries" and "Fly" are conscious and reflective tracks which can be taken as subtly soothing and uplifting. "151" and "Music Makes You Move" are songs that set the tone for the band's jam style along the lines of reggae-rock. Then songs such as "Killing Time," "What Keeps the Love Alive," "Rewind" and "Confusion" let the harmonious guitar chords, melodies and bass lines dictate the song as the vocals and drums follow. In the song, "Somedays," the band's vocal mutuality is expressed with a resonating chorus line. You sense the band's continual growth with a consistent sound especially if their mixtape, The Feeling is given a listen. Also knowing the short period of time (over a span of about 3 months) and conditions (in-house studio) in which these tracks were made, their talent is exemplary to say the least. I personally think the band's potential is clear with their current material and they are definitely on the right track to highly reputable works.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Films on "Your Indie Film"
My films, L'artiste: Un Portrait and For the Love of Movies are currently on yourindiefilm.com, as an online film festival submission.
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