MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL favorite line: “Ni” ME: crazy enough it took me over a week to watch this film. Kept falling asleep. outside temperature: NO IDEA THE FILM: A random film calls for a random post. I’ll be concise. WTF? I think this is definitely in my top three “most random films, EVER” awesome jokes. Random characters and memorable quotes.
View Separately

MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL

favorite line:

“Ni”

ME:

crazy enough it took me over a week to watch this film. Kept falling asleep.

outside temperature: NO IDEA

THE FILM:


A random film calls for a random post.

I’ll be concise. WTF? I think this is definitely in my top three “most random films, EVER”

awesome jokes. Random characters and memorable quotes.

The Artist FAVORITE QUOTE:  ”__________________” ME: Decided to blog about The Artist, I believe it’s a most. I thought about creating the art for the film inspired in one of the main aspect of it; the silent voices. ate; popcorn, of course. Outside temperature: 66°F/19°C THE FILM: I’m sure there are hundreds of reviews and posts. So I want to talk about the experience of watching the film in the theater. Waiting in line for tickets generated two ideas. First, it felt like waiting for a Disney ride, not knowing what to expect; somewhat excited and scared. Second, I was dreading I would hate the film and feel less an “artistic.”  When we sat down there was a collective chatter of expectations and gossip, I heard the old lady next to me tell her friend “I hear the man is a french cutie.” and the other one answered “yes, you keep saying that.”  As soon as the lights dimmed down, utter silence filled the room. It was very interesting. It was like people knew they were in for a big surprise and everything had to be properly documented. I believe a big part of the film is the experience of actually watching it. It was great to hear the uninterrupted collective laughter.Even better was hearing the laughter carry without worrying of missing the next set dialogue. This was priceless. It felt so unique, so sincere.  Comedy now-a-days is a wild beast. We are very demanding with out jokes and it appears the dirtier and the stronger the language is, the better received they will be. Not the artist. I deeply appreciated how innocent the jokes were and how smooth they seemed. And guess what; everyone was laughing. Big time. Of course the music is extremely important. I found myself peeking to the side trying to find a piano playing live in the front of the theater. The music is organic; you have to stop yourself and realize it’s used to accentuate every scene and not only add background noise.  People should pay more attention to these kind of films. It is with them that we learn we don’t need 24 images per second or someone saying f** you every other word to make you laugh and enjoy yourself. I think our society demands too much failing to see how little they need to be fulfilled. 3 INTERESTING FACTS: The film was originally shot in color, then converted to black and white. The film is considered to be the most ever awarded French Film in film history. First completely black-and-white film to win the Best Picture Academy Award since Billy Wilder’s The Apartment. **the old lady next to me was snoring. I would think she’d appreciate the film a bit more. Especially because it seemed closer to her golden ages. Just saying. NEXT FILM: Monty Phyton and the Holy Grail (I know this one was before but had to blog The Artist) Poster design: me
Pop-upView Separately

The Artist

FAVORITE QUOTE: 

”__________________”

ME:

Decided to blog about The Artist, I believe it’s a most. I thought about creating the art for the film inspired in one of the main aspect of it; the silent voices.

ate; popcorn, of course.

Outside temperature: 66°F/19°C

THE FILM:

I’m sure there are hundreds of reviews and posts. So I want to talk about the experience of watching the film in the theater.

Waiting in line for tickets generated two ideas. First, it felt like waiting for a Disney ride, not knowing what to expect; somewhat excited and scared. Second, I was dreading I would hate the film and feel less an “artistic.” 

When we sat down there was a collective chatter of expectations and gossip, I heard the old lady next to me tell her friend “I hear the man is a french cutie.” and the other one answered “yes, you keep saying that.”

 As soon as the lights dimmed down, utter silence filled the room. It was very interesting. It was like people knew they were in for a big surprise and everything had to be properly documented.

I believe a big part of the film is the experience of actually watching it. It was great to hear the uninterrupted collective laughter.Even better was hearing the laughter carry without worrying of missing the next set dialogue. This was priceless. It felt so unique, so sincere. 

Comedy now-a-days is a wild beast. We are very demanding with out jokes and it appears the dirtier and the stronger the language is, the better received they will be. Not the artist. I deeply appreciated how innocent the jokes were and how smooth they seemed. And guess what; everyone was laughing. Big time.

Of course the music is extremely important. I found myself peeking to the side trying to find a piano playing live in the front of the theater. The music is organic; you have to stop yourself and realize it’s used to accentuate every scene and not only add background noise. 

People should pay more attention to these kind of films. It is with them that we learn we don’t need 24 images per second or someone saying f** you every other word to make you laugh and enjoy yourself. I think our society demands too much failing to see how little they need to be fulfilled.

3 INTERESTING FACTS:

The film was originally shot in color, then converted to black and white.

The film is considered to be the most ever awarded French Film in film history.

First completely black-and-white film to win the Best Picture Academy Award since Billy Wilder’s The Apartment.

**the old lady next to me was snoring. I would think she’d appreciate the film a bit more. Especially because it seemed closer to her golden ages. Just saying.

NEXT FILM: Monty Phyton and the Holy Grail (I know this one was before but had to blog The Artist)

Poster design: me

Cronos FAVORITE QUOTE: “That fucker does nothing but shit and piss all day, and he wants to live forever?” ME First watched the film 19 years after its original theatrical release.  dinner: none, wasn’t hungry.  outside temp: 17°C/63°F Wanted to create something inspired from the movie so I made this minimalist poster for it. THE FILM: GDT’s debut directing a feature completely marks his style and establishes himself as a gory, thriller aficionado.  Is very impressive what style can do. If I had not known Guillermo Del Toro directed this film I think I would’ve guessed with the first opening shot. I thought of Cronos as an early treatment of Laberinto Del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth). Of course the plot is very different but the subtext is there; a dysfunctional family member, and the desire to turn back time and make different decisions. The shot design was remarkably similar to that one of Pan’s. The use of intricate crane movements is found throughout both film. I find facinating how GDT tries to confuse his audience by not knowing what’s up and what’s down. Literally. He really have a keen sense to make you feel as confused and disoriented as his character. I also found the use of the little girl very interesting as well. Even though the girl in Cronos has one single line throughout the entire film she still represents so much in it, while Pan’s main character is the girl, I felt both characters brought so much to the plot and the character archs around them. It’s the conventional birth of a vampire. I think we are used to seeing a strong, witty vampire who can glamour his victims, have outstanding sex and enjoy immortality. Cronos’ character Jesus Gris is completely the opposite. First time I feel pity for a vampire, it’s the true image of a fallen angel. GDT makes a great point with this when we see our vampire so desperate for blood that he (SPOILER ALERT!) licks a blob of blood from the floor of a public bathroom.  3 INTERESTING FACTS: Ron Perlman’s agent urged him to leave mid-shooting because of GDT’s failure of payment. Perlman of course, trusting GDT’s word stayed behind. Eventually was fully paid. GDT has a cameo in the opening shot. He’s walking a dog with his wife.  One of GDT’s trademark - clockwork mechanisms. Seen in many shots and the mechanical “roach” ___________ Hope you liked this!  Next Film: Monty Python and the Holy Grail poster design: Me ;)
Pop-upView Separately

Cronos

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“That fucker does nothing but shit and piss all day, and he wants to live forever?”

ME

First watched the film 19 years after its original theatrical release. 

dinner: none, wasn’t hungry. 

outside temp: 17°C/63°F

Wanted to create something inspired from the movie so I made this minimalist poster for it.

THE FILM:

GDT’s debut directing a feature completely marks his style and establishes himself as a gory, thriller aficionado. 

Is very impressive what style can do. If I had not known Guillermo Del Toro directed this film I think I would’ve guessed with the first opening shot. I thought of Cronos as an early treatment of Laberinto Del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth). Of course the plot is very different but the subtext is there; a dysfunctional family member, and the desire to turn back time and make different decisions. The shot design was remarkably similar to that one of Pan’s. The use of intricate crane movements is found throughout both film. I find facinating how GDT tries to confuse his audience by not knowing what’s up and what’s down. Literally. He really have a keen sense to make you feel as confused and disoriented as his character. I also found the use of the little girl very interesting as well. Even though the girl in Cronos has one single line throughout the entire film she still represents so much in it, while Pan’s main character is the girl, I felt both characters brought so much to the plot and the character archs around them.

It’s the conventional birth of a vampire. I think we are used to seeing a strong, witty vampire who can glamour his victims, have outstanding sex and enjoy immortality. Cronos’ character Jesus Gris is completely the opposite. First time I feel pity for a vampire, it’s the true image of a fallen angel. GDT makes a great point with this when we see our vampire so desperate for blood that he (SPOILER ALERT!) licks a blob of blood from the floor of a public bathroom. 

3 INTERESTING FACTS:

Ron Perlman’s agent urged him to leave mid-shooting because of GDT’s failure of payment. Perlman of course, trusting GDT’s word stayed behind. Eventually was fully paid.

GDT has a cameo in the opening shot. He’s walking a dog with his wife.

 One of GDT’s trademark - clockwork mechanisms. Seen in many shots and the mechanical “roach”

___________

Hope you liked this! 

Next Film: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

poster design: Me ;)

Dog Day Afternoon My favorite dialogue/line: -“Is there any special country you wanna go to?” -“Wyoming” ME:  First watched the film 37 years after its theatrical release. I ate shrimp stuffed chile poblanos. (new recipe) need to improve it. Outside temperature 12°C/54°F THE FILM: When I first watch a film I try to not research or “hear about it.” I honestly didn’t know what was I getting myself into for this one. It was awesome. just awesome. I’ve always thought that having few locations is an amazing story device because it really shows you time progression and character development. This film does exactly that. Since the beginning of the film you know something is bound to go terribly wrong and you’re just praying for all of them to get out of the situation as fast as they should. Frank Pierson (screenwriter) and Sidney Lumet (director) accomplish the excellent first “srike” when (SPOILER ALERT!) the young robber decides to bail on Pacino and Cazale’s characters.  In film school you’re always told you need a motive. I was very surprised that having so little time and really just two main characters, the motive was always clear. However when the real motive behind the bank robbery is revealed it unleashed a whole new beast. Pacino, being a method actor (complete emotional identification with his/her character, even when cameras are not rolling) had to be hospitalized after the shoot ended for being emotionally exhausted. His acting is absolutely exhuberating and you feel his non-stop energy throughout the piece. When it came to Oscars he was nominated of course but lost to also great performance by Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest. Same situation for Director Sidney Lumet losing to Milos Forman for One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest as well.  Again, having one-three locations is a great device that now a days you don’t see often. Filmmakers seem to be scared to bored their audience. Personally I believe that if you have a strong story you could tell it in a dark room for all I care (“Buried” with Ryan Reynolds for example) Dog Day Afternoon became an instant classic. Hope to see more! 3 INTERESTING FACTS: Outdoor scenes were shot in cold weather conditions. So to prevent “cold breath” to show, actors would put ice in their mouths before each take.  Sidney Lumet’s fast way of working made the film to be concluded 3 weeks before schedule. Other than fake blood, there was no use of make up in the film.  _____ Hope you enjoyed this!  Next Film: Cronos I borrowed this awesome poster from James Martin Art check out his work by clicking on the poster!
Pop-upView Separately

Dog Day Afternoon

My favorite dialogue/line:

-“Is there any special country you wanna go to?”

-“Wyoming”

ME: 

First watched the film 37 years after its theatrical release.

I ate shrimp stuffed chile poblanos. (new recipe) need to improve it.

Outside temperature 12°C/54°F

THE FILM:

When I first watch a film I try to not research or “hear about it.” I honestly didn’t know what was I getting myself into for this one. It was awesome. just awesome. I’ve always thought that having few locations is an amazing story device because it really shows you time progression and character development. This film does exactly that. Since the beginning of the film you know something is bound to go terribly wrong and you’re just praying for all of them to get out of the situation as fast as they should. Frank Pierson (screenwriter) and Sidney Lumet (director) accomplish the excellent first “srike” when (SPOILER ALERT!) the young robber decides to bail on Pacino and Cazale’s characters. 

In film school you’re always told you need a motive. I was very surprised that having so little time and really just two main characters, the motive was always clear. However when the real motive behind the bank robbery is revealed it unleashed a whole new beast.

Pacino, being a method actor (complete emotional identification with his/her character, even when cameras are not rolling) had to be hospitalized after the shoot ended for being emotionally exhausted. His acting is absolutely exhuberating and you feel his non-stop energy throughout the piece. When it came to Oscars he was nominated of course but lost to also great performance by Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest. Same situation for Director Sidney Lumet losing to Milos Forman for One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest as well. 

Again, having one-three locations is a great device that now a days you don’t see often. Filmmakers seem to be scared to bored their audience. Personally I believe that if you have a strong story you could tell it in a dark room for all I care (“Buried” with Ryan Reynolds for example) Dog Day Afternoon became an instant classic. Hope to see more!

3 INTERESTING FACTS:

Outdoor scenes were shot in cold weather conditions. So to prevent “cold breath” to show, actors would put ice in their mouths before each take. 

Sidney Lumet’s fast way of working made the film to be concluded 3 weeks before schedule.

Other than fake blood, there was no use of make up in the film. 

_____

Hope you enjoyed this! 

Next Film: Cronos

I borrowed this awesome poster from James Martin Art check out his work by clicking on the poster!

“FRANKLY, MY DEAR, I DON’T GIVE A DAMN!” —One of the most famous lines in history of film. Gone With the Wind is the first film in the blog and so we start. I thought it appropriate because I live in Atlanta and the movie takes place, largely, in Atlanta. Found it funny that the film mentions Savannah, where I lived for five years and Mexico, where I’m from.  ME: Watched the film for the first time 73 years later of its theatrical release. (Ooops!) while I watched it I ate a chicken burrito (if you must know) and the next day, pork chops. (it took me 2 evenings to watch the 3 hour film) yeah! THE FILM: Wow, definitely not expecting that. I honestly thought it was going to be an old chick flick with big dresses and thousands of extras. Although it was that a little, the depth in which the human emotions and level of production are interlaced really amazes I think whoever watches it. (won’t give too many details in case you haven’t seen it) The use of dollies and cranes is absolutely remarkable, the shots were long and well accomplished. I believe one of the most famous crane movements happens in a scene when Scarlet (Vivien Leigh) arrives at the railroad station. The camera discovers hundreds of wounded soldiers as it cranes up and away from her, in a very extensive shot almost a min long. title card reads: “Selznick International in association with Metro-Goldwyn Mayer has the honor to present its Technicolor production of Margaret Mitchell’s story of the Old South ‘Gone With the Wind” mouthful? not only is a long name but they are honored to present it. Wish filmmakers would do that more often.  INTERESTING FACTS: First nomination and win for an African American actress; Hattie McDaniel First color film to win the Best Picture Oscar When the film premiered in Atlanta the Governor at the time declared a state holiday. Dec 15th 1939. (hmm if I remember correctly I was working that day last year)  Selznick was fined $5000 for using the word “damn” in Gable’s famous line. (above) The first rough cut of the film was 4.5 hours 48 minutes longer than the final release.  Oh what the contracts do; the lead actress (Vivien Leigh) worked 125 days receiving $25,000 and Clark Gable playing the lead role worked 71 days receiving 120,000 dollars. Hope you enjoyed reading this!  Next film: Dog Day Afternoon
View Separately

“FRANKLY, MY DEAR, I DON’T GIVE A DAMN!” —One of the most famous lines in history of film.

Gone With the Wind is the first film in the blog and so we start. I thought it appropriate because I live in Atlanta and the movie takes place, largely, in Atlanta. Found it funny that the film mentions Savannah, where I lived for five years and Mexico, where I’m from. 

ME:

Watched the film for the first time 73 years later of its theatrical release. (Ooops!)

while I watched it I ate a chicken burrito (if you must know) and the next day, pork chops. (it took me 2 evenings to watch the 3 hour film) yeah!

THE FILM:

Wow, definitely not expecting that. I honestly thought it was going to be an old chick flick with big dresses and thousands of extras. Although it was that a little, the depth in which the human emotions and level of production are interlaced really amazes I think whoever watches it. (won’t give too many details in case you haven’t seen it)

The use of dollies and cranes is absolutely remarkable, the shots were long and well accomplished. I believe one of the most famous crane movements happens in a scene when Scarlet (Vivien Leigh) arrives at the railroad station. The camera discovers hundreds of wounded soldiers as it cranes up and away from her, in a very extensive shot almost a min long.

title card reads: “Selznick International in association with Metro-Goldwyn Mayer has the honor to present its Technicolor production of Margaret Mitchell’s story of the Old South ‘Gone With the Wind”

mouthful? not only is a long name but they are honored to present it. Wish filmmakers would do that more often. 

INTERESTING FACTS:

First nomination and win for an African American actress; Hattie McDaniel

First color film to win the Best Picture Oscar

When the film premiered in Atlanta the Governor at the time declared a state holiday. Dec 15th 1939. (hmm if I remember correctly I was working that day last year) 

Selznick was fined $5000 for using the word “damn” in Gable’s famous line. (above)

The first rough cut of the film was 4.5 hours 48 minutes longer than the final release. 

Oh what the contracts do; the lead actress (Vivien Leigh) worked 125 days receiving $25,000 and Clark Gable playing the lead role worked 71 days receiving 120,000 dollars.

Hope you enjoyed reading this! 

Next film: Dog Day Afternoon

So this year I decided to change it up a bit. I’m starting this blog because of it but not solely for it.  Here’s the deal. 2012 has 53 weeks (leap year) so I promised myself I would watch 1 film every week that I’ve never seen and I should (on my book). I’m a filmmaker so you’ll see a wide range of films. Also, with each film I’ll try to give some interesting facts about the film and about myself. Also, there’s so many amazing things out there. So whenever I find something I like I’ll post it as well. Inspiration, jokes, autocorrect typos what not. But obviously it’ll mostly be film aaand design.  Let the screening being!  (this is me in the pic. Screaming at you ;) 
Pop-upView Separately

So this year I decided to change it up a bit. I’m starting this blog because of it but not solely for it. 

Here’s the deal. 2012 has 53 weeks (leap year) so I promised myself I would watch 1 film every week that I’ve never seen and I should (on my book). I’m a filmmaker so you’ll see a wide range of films. Also, with each film I’ll try to give some interesting facts about the film and about myself.

Also, there’s so many amazing things out there. So whenever I find something I like I’ll post it as well. Inspiration, jokes, autocorrect typos what not. But obviously it’ll mostly be film aaand design. 

Let the screening being! 

(this is me in the pic. Screaming at you ;)