Smile!

So I found this really amazing camera shop called "Camera Doctor" where they collect and service old cameras, still develop film, have classes, and rent out their darkrooms! While I was there, I saw the most adorable aqua blue Brownie camera, and after a conversation with the owner, discovered that he had bought it from Randy of www.hawkeyemods.com.

I contacted Randy, and he was really great; you can customize your camera in many ways, and he personally puts it together for you. I absolutely had to order the same aqua color, which apparently is an extinct Krylon spraypaint that was commonly used to repair old Fender guitars! Randy bought the last few bottles in existence (he scoured eBay and even called Krylon), so there are only a few more left. And it's sad—this color is amazing! I am so excited to start taking pictures with this little guy!

This is a neat camera, but doesn't have all that much control. It is mainly intended for outdoor use, and has a single shutter speed. You view what the picture is going to look like by looking down from the top into the glass window (picture below). But if you wanted to take pictures at night, you can set it up on a tripod and hold the shutter open for as long as necessary (there are recommended times in the manual). So yeah, I am so excited!! Who needs instagram when you can have the real deal? lol :P

 

 

The Artist Left Me Speechless

If you haven't heard of it, "The Artist" is a movie about an actor of the silent film era dealing with the loss of his fame due to the "talkies" or motion pictures with sound.

The film itself is shot, staged, and acted as if it were truly the 1930's and completely immerses the viewer in that world—with a few key exceptions.

I am a huge fan of classic movies, and am known for being particular and overly judgmental when it comes to period pieces, so it means a lot when I say that this movie is so accurate, reverent, and mindful of the style from which it draws its inspiration, that for once in my life, I am left with practically no complaints.

From the facial expressions, to the theatrical drama, to the interactions and differences of the sexes, and even the texture and accuracy of the set, this film is spot on.

It references the long-lost and underrated feel-good movies of Frank Capra with a concept and twist which gives it even deeper significance. In today's world, we can still sympathize with these characters because of their genuine and passionate nature and experience a happy ending in the midst of such modern cynicism.

The story takes the greatest possible advantage of being a homage created with modern technology. The concept is what sets this film apart and makes it truly brilliant. But so as not to give away too much, I will leave it at this: I cannot imagine another silent film being made that could be justified in modern times. Sure, it would be entertaining and refreshing, but no other movie of a similar style could live up to the bar that this one has set. I encourage you to see it if it's in a theater near you. I think you too will be left speechless.

The Woman in Black and White

I've just started watching an excellent old series of Sherlock Holmes movies from the 1940s that my Grandma told me about. She'd seen them when she was younger and I agree with her that Basil Rathbone makes an amazing Mr. Holmes. Not that I have anything against Robert Downey Jr in particular, but that adaptation of the story—in my opinion—was practically a mockery to Sir Authur Conan Doyle's brilliant work. In this version, I love the interactions between the characters and the quietness of some scenes as Holmes is deep in thought or plays his violin as Watson smokes his pipe. I guess what bothers me about many modern period movies is that they basically dress up a modern man in old clothing. They don't capture the character and atmosphere of it all. Today's movies can't spend more than two seconds of quiet...perhaps because they fear the audience will be bored? But that was such an integral part of their lives back then. The pace of life was so much slower. Holmes should be an extremely intellectual and clever man, more concerned about a difficult mental challenge than looking suave in a ten minute gunfight. But I digress...

We saw "Dressed to Kill" the other day (about a trio of music boxes that are hardly worth money but mysteriously worth a life), and just now finished "The Woman in Green" (where a serial killer's trademark is to keep a severed finger from his victims).

The best part is that if you have Netflix instant, you can watch many of them for free! I definitely recommend it. They're really well done, extremely entertaining, and capture the true brilliance of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

Here are some stills from "The Woman in Green" :

Everyone's A Critic

Hello again everyone! I know I've posted a lot today, but being a graphic designer, I do spend a lot of my time on the computer 0:) I have been improving on the website I created for my fiance, who is venturing into the field of film. I would love it if anyone reading this post could visit the site and tell me if they run into any problems. I only have a mac, and am unsure how it will appear on different browsers and systems, so I would really appreciate the help. Any comments about the overall design are welcome too! Thank you!