The day started as 9 people set off to the great greens of Pickering.
The drive was short, but the weather pleasant.
Allergies were high, but so was morale!
Lights, camera, and fake action scattered over a few quick hours.
The Adventure of Film has begun...
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Pay It Forward, real life edition.
Kind souls cross your paths every so often and make you very much appreciative of the goodness of humanity.
Examples:
- Losing your wallet, picking it up at a Police Station to find that someone had returned it, all items in tact (including credit cards, loose change, bus tickets and ttc tokens)
- Bathroom words of wisdom
- Sandwich hugs you when you're upset
There are loads more I can add to this list, but my point being is that the pay it forward philosophy should be never ending.
Karma exists, at least for personal(/spiritual) retribution.
Live high, live mighty, live righteously.
- A.
Examples:
- Losing your wallet, picking it up at a Police Station to find that someone had returned it, all items in tact (including credit cards, loose change, bus tickets and ttc tokens)
- Bathroom words of wisdom
- Sandwich hugs you when you're upset
There are loads more I can add to this list, but my point being is that the pay it forward philosophy should be never ending.
Karma exists, at least for personal(/spiritual) retribution.
Live high, live mighty, live righteously.
- A.
Monday, September 21, 2009
TIFF 2009
Three Short Reviews, by Astrid.
Life During Wartime - 7/10
The most recent film by Todd Solondz, was less an original piece but rather a continuation of his 1998 critically acclaimed Happiness. The story follows the same characters Joy, Trish and Helen (although played by different actresses) in their life many years later. It follows Solondz's dark, questionable humour as Trish's husband is released from jail, Joy spirals into mental insanity, and Helen (a much smaller role than in Happiness) distances herself completely from her family in hopes of holding onto her current success. It carries much of Solondz's very abrupt and uncomfortable charm, constantly rebirthing the theme "forgiving & forgetting" or moreso "forgiving vs forgetting". Carefully planned shots are intertwined with great acting - definitely a suggestion to anyone partially amused by Solondz's work.
*sidenote = great track written by Todd Solondz and performed by Devendra Banhart and Beck during ending credits
The Invention of Lying - 7.5/10
The Invention of Lying is an adorable film about a dreadful world full of truth, corrupted by one existing human that discovers the ability to lie. I find it really funny to come out of films at TIFF because everyone is so argumentative as to what is wrong with the movie, that they tend to ignore the fact that the theatre was roaring with laughter through the entire screening. I thought the movie was very sweet, funny and delicately sad. The cliche roles of Rob Lowe (asshole egotistical "talent", as my friend Jen referred to as the same character he played in Wayne's World), and Louis C.K. (typical best friend) are overshadowed by cameos and obvious thematic ties to Christianity/Catholicism. I found it refreshing to poke fun at the relation between "lying" and the creation of the bible. Without saying too much further, I also thought it was a great way to also refer to the harshness of superficiality. Overall I really enjoyed it, came in not expecting too much and came out very satisfied.
Up In The Air - 7.5/10
Jason Reitman's newest film about a downsizing expert at risk of losing his job was a depressing hit in my opinion. In this film, Clooney never fails to have great chemistry with all on screen. This film delves into the not so pleasant view of corporate downsizing, the harsh affects it has on those who lose their jobs. It deals a lot with coming to terms with your own wants and needs in life, and how it becomes a talent to help someone make the most out of a terrible situation. There is also a bitter debate between marriage and single life, which reinforces the idea that marriage/relationships are more fulfilling but being single gives you the freedom will to pick up and go as you please, no "baggage" attached. I found the movie to be more personal than I expected, funny and bits of sadness in between. In relation to his other movies, I would say that Up In The Air is so far my favourite of his works.
Life During Wartime - 7/10
The most recent film by Todd Solondz, was less an original piece but rather a continuation of his 1998 critically acclaimed Happiness. The story follows the same characters Joy, Trish and Helen (although played by different actresses) in their life many years later. It follows Solondz's dark, questionable humour as Trish's husband is released from jail, Joy spirals into mental insanity, and Helen (a much smaller role than in Happiness) distances herself completely from her family in hopes of holding onto her current success. It carries much of Solondz's very abrupt and uncomfortable charm, constantly rebirthing the theme "forgiving & forgetting" or moreso "forgiving vs forgetting". Carefully planned shots are intertwined with great acting - definitely a suggestion to anyone partially amused by Solondz's work.
*sidenote = great track written by Todd Solondz and performed by Devendra Banhart and Beck during ending credits
The Invention of Lying - 7.5/10
The Invention of Lying is an adorable film about a dreadful world full of truth, corrupted by one existing human that discovers the ability to lie. I find it really funny to come out of films at TIFF because everyone is so argumentative as to what is wrong with the movie, that they tend to ignore the fact that the theatre was roaring with laughter through the entire screening. I thought the movie was very sweet, funny and delicately sad. The cliche roles of Rob Lowe (asshole egotistical "talent", as my friend Jen referred to as the same character he played in Wayne's World), and Louis C.K. (typical best friend) are overshadowed by cameos and obvious thematic ties to Christianity/Catholicism. I found it refreshing to poke fun at the relation between "lying" and the creation of the bible. Without saying too much further, I also thought it was a great way to also refer to the harshness of superficiality. Overall I really enjoyed it, came in not expecting too much and came out very satisfied.
Up In The Air - 7.5/10
Jason Reitman's newest film about a downsizing expert at risk of losing his job was a depressing hit in my opinion. In this film, Clooney never fails to have great chemistry with all on screen. This film delves into the not so pleasant view of corporate downsizing, the harsh affects it has on those who lose their jobs. It deals a lot with coming to terms with your own wants and needs in life, and how it becomes a talent to help someone make the most out of a terrible situation. There is also a bitter debate between marriage and single life, which reinforces the idea that marriage/relationships are more fulfilling but being single gives you the freedom will to pick up and go as you please, no "baggage" attached. I found the movie to be more personal than I expected, funny and bits of sadness in between. In relation to his other movies, I would say that Up In The Air is so far my favourite of his works.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Way Back Playback: 2005
doesn't seem like very long ago I know. But I recently wiped my laptop free of all music to make some room, and am re-loading some music that I backed up from my hard drive.
Apostle of Hustle's Folkloric Feel came on and brought me back 4 years. It doesn't seem like a long time, but quite a bit of music has come and gone since then, including this album. I'm glad it's back in the mix, it always reminds me of a really fun summer.
I haven't followed up with Apostle Hustle post-Folkloric, but I still enjoy this one.
Anyway, happy late September!
- A.
Apostle of Hustle's Folkloric Feel came on and brought me back 4 years. It doesn't seem like a long time, but quite a bit of music has come and gone since then, including this album. I'm glad it's back in the mix, it always reminds me of a really fun summer.
I haven't followed up with Apostle Hustle post-Folkloric, but I still enjoy this one.
Anyway, happy late September!
- A.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
It begins.
Year 3 (first of the final two semesters) official started today.
Advanced Visual Effects, Post Picture, and Advanced Cinematography are what drives me for the next 8 months.
Dreamers at work, make way.
Advanced Visual Effects, Post Picture, and Advanced Cinematography are what drives me for the next 8 months.
Dreamers at work, make way.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Disconnected.
I deactivated my facebook account temporarily. I enjoy being outside. Today was a particularly good day.
Bye Facebook, see you whenever I'm back!
Bye Facebook, see you whenever I'm back!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Let's go out to the movies!
It's the time again! Toronto International Film Festival is back and I am one happy film-goer.
The TIFF ticket site had some major issues this morning, probably due to high volume control, but I got tickets for a few movies nonetheless.
Great summer is looking to turn into an equally pleasant fall.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Narration Station!
I just got a whack in the face of nostalgia today with PARKER LEWIS CAN'T LOSE.
This is a show I remember watching with my sisters and cousin Aimee, when we were pre-teens with heavy crushes. The show is heavily influenced by Ferris Bueller's Day Off, as Parker Lewis is not only a TV version of Ferris but also self-narrates the show.
Anyway, first season was released this summer on DVD. You really "can't lose"! ...you know?
This is a show I remember watching with my sisters and cousin Aimee, when we were pre-teens with heavy crushes. The show is heavily influenced by Ferris Bueller's Day Off, as Parker Lewis is not only a TV version of Ferris but also self-narrates the show.
Anyway, first season was released this summer on DVD. You really "can't lose"! ...you know?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Unsent =W= Fanmail.
Dear Rivers, Pat, Brian and Scott,
For over a decade I've watched you as a band. I've listened to your music, gone to your concerts, and worn your t-shirts on February 14th just as all your fans have.
I've heard your progression in sound, and all the criticisms that have come along with it. But your music has always brought me back to a place in my life I remember the most. I guess you hear that from a lot of teens, or from a lot of adults talking about their pubescent existence. It's a been decade since then and nothing has changed.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have and will continue to love(d) you. "I Want You To" - as much as I can foresee potential overplay - might be one of the best new releases you've put out post-Pinkerton.
Anyway, thank you for your music, your silliness, for continuing to write songs for people like me.
Sincerely,
A fan named Astrid.
For over a decade I've watched you as a band. I've listened to your music, gone to your concerts, and worn your t-shirts on February 14th just as all your fans have.
I've heard your progression in sound, and all the criticisms that have come along with it. But your music has always brought me back to a place in my life I remember the most. I guess you hear that from a lot of teens, or from a lot of adults talking about their pubescent existence. It's a been decade since then and nothing has changed.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have and will continue to love(d) you. "I Want You To" - as much as I can foresee potential overplay - might be one of the best new releases you've put out post-Pinkerton.
Anyway, thank you for your music, your silliness, for continuing to write songs for people like me.
Sincerely,
A fan named Astrid.
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