Film References

Today I will be enlisting ten references from the University of Sacred Heart’s Virtual Library. I have chosen the topic of film and some music:

1. Hunter, I. Q. (2016). Cult Film As a Guide to Life: Fandom, Adaption, and Identity. New York, NY. Bloomsbury Academic.
   • “Investigates the world and experience of cult films, from well-loved classics to the worst movies ever made.”
2. Perkins, C. and Verevis, C. (2015). US Independent Film After 1989: Possible Films. Edinburgh. Edinburgh University Press.
   • “In 20 close analyses, a diverse range of leading film scholars and commentators allow the contours of the indie sensibility to emerge in and through their individual experiences of a single film that has not received the sustained critical acclaim of more popular titles.”
3. Brown, S. (2016). Queer Sexualities in Early Film: Cinema and Male-Male Intimacy.  Location unknown. I.B. Tauris
   • “Brown offers his readers a unique insight into a little known area of early cinema, queer studies and social history.”
4. Ruti, M. (2016). Feminist Film Theory and Pretty Woman. New York, NY. Bloomsbury Academic.
   • “Mari Ruti traces the development of feminist film theory from its foundational concepts such as the male gaze, female spectatorship, and the masquerade of femininity to 21st-century analyses of neoliberal capitalism, consumerism, postfeminism, and the revival of “girly” femininity as a cultural ideal.”
5. Bailey, P.J. (2016). The Reluctant Film of Woody Allen. Lexington, KY. The University Press of Kentucky.
   • “Peter J. Bailey extends his classic study to consider Woody Allen’s work during the twenty-first century.”
6. Dangelo, M. (2012). Encyclopedia of Film Genres. Dehli, IN. The English Press
   • Explore the many different genres of the film industry.
7. Saltzman, S. (2015). Music Editing for Film and Television: The Art and the Process. New York, NY. Focal Press.
   • “Making music for the movies is a complicated, involved, and challenging process. Music Editing for Film and Television covers the practical skills needed to successfully hone your craft.”
8. Spadoni, R. (2014). A Pocket Guide to Analyzing Films. Berkeley, CA. University of California Press.
   • “The perfect concise guide to the formal analysis of film. Designed to be used by readers at many levels of knowledge, this book moves systematically through the elements that make up most films, focusing on aspects of the art of cinema that are common across history and national cinemas.”
9. Newman, M.Z. (2011). Indie: An American Film Culture. New York, NY. Columbia University Press.
   • “Michael Z. Newman considers indie cinema as an alternative American film culture. His work isolates patterns of character and realism, formal play, and opposition in these films and the function of festivals, art houses, and critical media in promoting them. He accounts for the power of audiences to distinguish indie films from mainstream Hollywood and to seek socially emblematic characters and playful form in their narratives.”
10. Gil-Curiel, G. (2016). Film Music in ‘Minor’ National Cinemas. New York, NY. Bloomsbury Academic.
    • “This collection explores the multifarious ways that music has been used in the cinemas of various countries in Australasia, Africa, Latin America and even in Europe that have hitherto received little attention.”

Plus, five references via Web:

1. Alvarado, L. (2015). A Filmmaker’s Guide to Music Licensing. Film Independent.
   • http://www.filmindependent.org/blog/the-filmmakers-guide-to-music-licensing/
   • Guide for the difficult task of licensing music for films.
2. Jones, D. (2015). The Greatest Indie Movie Soundtracks of All Time. Dazed and Confused Digital.
   • http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/26737/1/ten-greatest-indie-movie-soundtracks-of-all-time
   • Article enlisting different popular Independent film soundtracks.
3. Rogers, J., Bromwich, K., Brown, R. (2015) Sound, style or spirit – what does indie mean today?. Guardian News.
   • https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/27/sound-style-spirit-what-does-indie-mean-today-music-for-misfits-story-buzzcocks-rough-trade
   • Explore the weird history and rise of independent music.
4. Indie Wire Writers. (2016). Indie Wire.
   • http://www.indiewire.com/
   • Online publication covering Independent film, TV and news.
5. Pollis, D. (2015). Top 13 Sites For Independent Filmmakers. Raindance.
   • http://www.raindance.org/top-13-sites-for-independent-filmmakers/
   • Different websites and resources for indie filmmakers.

Meet the Suárez Berrocal Twins

The past week I visited Sacred Heart University‘s Art Gallery to admire the “Petrofósil” exhibition of twins Jaime and Javier Suárez.

Jaime and Javier Suárez Berrocal were born in Columbus, Ohio, on September 12, 1982. On 2007-2008, they received a bachelor’s degree in Plastic Arts at the Mayagüez campus of the University of Puerto Rico. On 2010, they obtained a master’s degree in Artistic Production, specialized in Public Art, at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. During their stay at Spain, they start to learn and experiments with ways and concepts to develop art in the environment. Today, they both work on a production manifesto called Vientre Compartido, where they propose to maximize the use of natural resources to make their installations.

The exhibition is based on the timeless concept, a fossil. The brothers wanted to demonstrate the grief of the now extinct knowledge, which is the progress of human development.

I found the exhibition extremely fascinating. The use of different art forms to capture the essence of the mainly unknown prehistoric age really captures one’s eye. The mostly dark colors used in the pieces gave it a sense of nostalgia and seriousness that activates our curiosities. The Suárez twins picked an interesting and unforgettable subject that gives a twist to the beautiful art.

-Cain

Marie Antoinette: Music Review

Photo: Marie Antoinette by Angela Thomas

Marie Antoinette (2006) is an Independent historical drama film written, produced, and directed by Sofia Coppola. The film is based on the life of Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. It is a modern vision of such an iconic reign. Majestic scenes with contemporary music.

Trailer: Marie Antoinette (2006) by Movie Trailer Locker

Starring Kristen Dunst as Marie Antoinette, Jason Schwartzman as Louis XVI, also Judy Davis, Rose Byrne, Rip Torn and Jamie Dornan.

This film has a very memorable soundtrack, like most of Sofia Coppola’s movies, the music becomes a key element of the film.

It starts off with the song “Natural’s Not In It” by Gang of Four, which gives it an cheerful beginning. Then follows a series of iconic instrumental songs which fit perfectly with the gorgeous landscapes and visuals. Songs like Opus 17, Opus 23 and Opus 36 by Dustin O’Halloran, Avril 14 by Aphex Twin, and Concerto in G by Antonio Vivaldi.

Video: Marie Antoinette – Waking Up/Dressing by Marie Antoinette

The movie also contains a bunch of upbeat songs, like Aphrodisiac, I Want Candy and Fools Rush In by Bow Wow Wow, and Hong Kong Garden by Siouxsie and The Banshees. These songs compliment the bright colors and details of the sceneries, wardrobe and makeup. This also led to the triumph of Milena Canonero, winning the Oscar for Best Achievement in Costume Design in 2007.

Video: Marie-Antoinette : I want Candy, Bow Wow Wow by Tasha Lemon

Marie Antoinette was always known as a scandalous and rebellious Queen, from breaking Versailles protocols to cheating on King Louis XVI. To project this side of the Queen, Coppola uses a certain calm rock vibe in the melodies. Songs like What Ever Happened by The Strokes, Pulling Our Weight by The Radio Dept., Plainsong and All Cats Are Grey by The Cure, and Ceremony by New Order.

Video: The Strokes – What Ever Happened? (Marie Antoinette) by Suinobellico

The film also includes a more moving style of rock to portray the rush of ruling a country. Songs like “Kings of the Wind Frontier” by Adam Ant or “Natural’s Not In It” by Gang of Four.

Throughout the film, Kristen Dunst’s portrayal of Marie Antoinette was truly memorable. She interprets the Queen in a way many people never thought of her as. She personifies the scandal and carelessness that always surrounded her, but also the struggle and sadness that came along with it.

Coppola’s Marie Antoinette has the perfect combination of such a classic story with the twist of modern music and visuals to compliment the extravagant era. This movie is by far one of my favorite films. It is truly memorable and a unique taste of modern cinematography.

Video: State of Dreaming | Marie Antoinette (2006) by Eleanor

-Cain

The Bling Ring: Music Review

The Bling Ring (2013) is an Independent biographical crime film written, produced, and directed by Oscar winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola. Starring Emma Watson, Israel Broussard, Katie Chang, Leslie Mann, and Taissa Farmiga.

The movie follows the true story of five rebellious teenagers in Los Angeles, California known as the Hollywood Hills Burglars.

In 2008, a group of teenagers robbed the homes of several celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Audrina Patridge, Orlando Bloom, Miranda Kerr, Megan Fox, and Lindsay Lohan. Their burglaries resulted in about $3 million in cash and belongings. Victims varied by the liking and obsessions of the members towards the celebrities.

The film was based on the Vanity Fair article “The Suspect Wore Louboutins” by Nancy Jo Sales.

Trailer: The Bling Ring Official Trailer #2 by Movieclips Trailers

The movie starts with the song “Crown on the Ground” by Sleigh Bells, with the five teenage protagonist breaking into one of the houses of the victims. The song goes well with the exhilaration and thrill of the scenario of theft.

Video: Bling Ring Opening by Jordan Agbor

Throughout the film, there’s a variety of rap or hip hop songs that mark the modern time of the story. These include “9 Piece” by Lil’ Wayne, “Live from the Underground” by Big K.R.I.T., “212” by Azelia Banks, “Hell of the Night” by SchoolBoy Q, “Bad Girls” by M.I.A., “All of the Lights“and “Power” by Kanye West, and “Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean. The rap and hip hop music give it the vibe of the scenery in California.

Video: The Bling Ring Rap Scene by BreakTv

The film also includes a selection of electronic music, like “FML” by deadmau5, “Levels” by Avicii, and “Sunshine” by Rye Rye. It compliments the ongoing partying of the main characters and the overall youthful energy and liveliness portrayed throughout the movie.

Video: The Bling Ring (“FML” Deadmau5 scene) by Robert Martinez

Video: Bling Ring – Levels (Music Video) by William Cordeiro

Like most Sofia Coppola films, it also has three original songs composed for the picture by Brian Reitzell, these include “Cotton Candy“, “Dans Beat” and “The Bling Ring Suite“.

One very iconic aspect of this movie is the performance of Emma Watson. Not only because she’s a well known British actress playing an extremely American character but because of how she incredibly slayed the role. Watson plays the character of the famed Alexis Neiers, who after her involvement in the Hollywood Hills Burglars became a television personality in the show Pretty Wild. The show chronicles the lives of Alexis and her family during and after the Bling Ring trial. Emma Watson’s portrayal of Alexis becomes very memorable after watching the film. It’s an underrated role that should not be kept in the shadows.

Video: The Bling Ring Featurette #1 – Emma Watson by Movieclips Trailers

The film interprets the scandalous story that flooded the tabloids, from the point of view of the naive and ignorant teenagers. Sofia Coppola once again creates an unforgettable picture that leaves you wanting more.

-Cain

Assignment: A Day in the Matrix

In the 21st century, internet is found almost everywhere. From televisions to class rooms to even the nearest McDonald’s. The internet has become key to social interaction, communication, learning, entertainment, among other numerous uses we encounter everyday.

Photo: Video Infographic by Matej Njiri

In my daily routine, I use the internet since I start my day till I finish it. The first and last thing I do everyday is check the internet on my phone, it can be either social media, blogging, or listening to music online. Almost every app on my phone uses internet.

Not only do I use it on my iPhone, but also on my computer and BluRay. With the computer I usually browse the web, Google Chrome in my case. From research to Netflix to late-night YouTube browsing. Most aspects of my day are filled with internet or web use.

Could I live without the internet? Absolutely, although the internet is the base of most of my interest, it has aspects that have in some way affected the social environment. Like the lack of face to face interaction, and the brainwashing techniques used by major companies, institutions or even our government. In a way, I would prefer for the social setting to be as it was before the commercialization of the internet and web.

-Cain

Inside Sofia Coppola

For today’s Informatics class, I will add a tweet and slideshow from the great screenwriter, director, and producer, Sofia Coppola.

Sofia Coppola director from Er1n0reilly

Story board from Christy Phillips

Sofia Coppola became the third woman (and first American woman) to be nominated for an Academy Award for directing. pic.twitter.com/j8LnGMX5s7

— Larry Meyer (@LMeyer19) September 2, 2016

Below is a tweet that includes a playlist of music from Coppola’s most famous films:

A #SofiaCoppola playlist to brighten up your Wednesday lunchtime: https://t.co/SHz7LvEyf5 pic.twitter.com/fwBuJDXyR7

— AnOtherMagazine (@AnOtherMagazine) August 31, 2016

-Cain

September of Sofia Coppola

In the month of September, I will be writing and posting about the amazing film director and writer, Sofia Coppola, daughter of famous screenwriter, director, and producer, Francis Ford Coppola. Sofia is known for being the director of well-known movies like The Virgin Suicides (1999), Lost in Translation (2003), Marie Antoinette (2006), Somewhere (2010), and The Bling Ring (2013).

Video: [the films of] Sofia Coppola by Kees van Dijkhuizen Jr.

Coppola’s films are known for their broad and fitting music which brings them to life. They are filled with emotion and reality, which is an aspect that will stay with you long after watching the movies.

By the end of this first week of September, I will post a music review for her most recent film, The Bling Ring.

Trailer: The Bling Ring Official Trailer #2 by Movieclips Trailers

The Art of Getting By: Music Review

Today I will be doing a music review for one of my favorite Independent movies, The Art of Getting By.

Trailer: The Art of Getting By Movie Trailer Official by ClevverTV.

The film tells the story of George (Freddie Highmore), a lonely senior at an exclusive Manhattan prep school, who lives by one quote “We live alone, we die alone. Everything else is just an illusion.” This causes George to lose interest in his everyday activities, including chores, school assignments, and even his passion of art; due to the fact that he thinks it’s all simply meaningless. Why waste time doing homework when you’re eventually going to die. He’d rather spend his time drawing doodles, reading philosophy, and listening t0 music.

Like anything, life isn’t all fun and games. Reality hits when he is put under academic probation due to his lack of interest in his studies. Soon after, he mets Sally (Emma Roberts), who awakens a more sociable and outgoing side to George. But Sally’s timing wasn’t the best. He quickly starts to fall for her even though she doesn’t seem to share the same feelings. George’s misadventures to try and impress her distract him from the bigger picture. Time goes by and his academic probation keeps getting worse while graduation gets closer.

Can George balance the peak of his social life while finishing a year’s worth of homework? Watch the movie to find out.

The film has a broad soundtrack, including original music composed by Alec Puro and other independent music to compliment. The movie starts with a well known indie band, The Shins, who introduces the opening credits with their song “We Will Become Silhouettes“. It’s a good way to start off the story since it captures the mood of New York City and the ambience of it. It then moves on to show George’s lack of interest in his school work, with the song “We Drink On The Job”  by Earlimart, which fits perfectly with the scene and the storyline.

Video: The Art of Getting By: “Which Novel?” by FoxSearchlight

Soon after, George starts to spend more time with Sally, they both start to learn the ways of one another. Both of them learn from the other, for the first time they had a true best friend. At this point they use the song “Sleep The Clock Around” by Mates of States, it gives a sensation of joy and fun through friendship.

Video: The Art of Getting By #3 Movie Clip – Rules of Cutting School by Movieclips

As George and Sally start to really know each other, they start realizing how different their lives are. This turns out to be an advantage for George but a disadvantage for Sally.

Video: The Art of Getting By: “With the Good Ones It’s Not Right by FoxSearchlight

As George realizes Sally doesn’t share the same feelings, she starts a bond of her own with George’s best friend, Dustin (Michael Angarano). When George finds out about this, he stops talking to them both. He ignores his surroundings entirely, including his friends, family, school and art. All he does is listen to “Winter Lady” by Leonard Cohen. He fills his emotions with this song on repeat. Times goes by and the school year is almost over.

Video: The Art of Getting By Movie Clip “A Year’s Worth of Homework” by ClevverTV

After George realizes what he’s facing and puts Sally aside, he gives all his effort and time into his work. In this scene, they use the song “Spitting Fire” by The Boxer Rebellion. Which, in my opinion, brilliantly captures George’s motivation and willingness to achieve something he thought to be impossible. It’s such an emotional and powerful moment in the film.

Close to graduation, George meets with Sally who tells him she’s going to Europe with Dustin. They say their goodbyes and George continues to close a huge chapter in his life. He goes to his graduation and tells Sally’s friends about her plans and about her absence at the ceremony. George’s achievement is felt with “Here” by Pavement. The movie ends with the song “The Trail of the Century” by French Kicks, which is an amazing band and a incredible song to finish off such a great soundtrack.

The music on this film captures such a brilliant story perfectly. It makes you feel the plot as if you were the protagonist, which essentially is what music and movies should do. This is by far one of the greatest Independent movie soundtracks.

-Cain

Media Testing

Today for the Informatics course, I will search for images that can be copied, reused, and posted legally. I will do so through search.creativecommons.org.

Photo: GamePak @ Exchange Dublin 28th January 2017 by Sebastian Dooris. Licensed by CC.

Here’s the movie trailer of an upcoming movie-music review I will be posting soon.

Video: The Art of Getting By Movie Trailer Official by ClevverTV.