This past weekend I sat down with my latest Netflix arrival, "The Rape of Europa." This film was based on a book by Lynn Nicholas in 1995. In addition, this had been a repeat viewing. The first time I saw the movie was last spring at the local Landmark Theater. The music hooked me instantly, and I was on iTunes the minutes I got home from the theater. I also loved seeing a different side of history that normally isn't explored in our regular courses offered at the high school.
Even in the opening scene, chills were sent down my back becuase of the music. Intense disonance is used to create uncomfortable chords. If you've seen the movie you know what I mean. If you haven't, here's a link to the trailer, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK55VI23uXs
Rape of Europa does a very good job of supporting its ideas. Included in the film are interviews with Polish historians, French art historians, and residences of Florence at the time of the destruction of the city by Nazi Germany before the end of the war.
One quote, also noted in the trailer, is made by a former "Monument Man," art historians that traveled with troops on the frontline to help with the preservation of masterpieces and historically significant art. He asks, "Which is more important, a work of art, or a human life?"
If you choose to respond to this post, I'd like to hear your opinion on this question. Would you risk your life for a work of art?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Halloween: NOT so Demonish!
On Halloween night, I thought i was getting a treat! A scary treat at that. Poised to receive the scare of my life, my friends suggest we watch "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (Tim Burton, 2007). I was horrified by two things; the singing, and the "special"-effects.
Casting led to a weak and unskilled set of lungs to support this boisterous score. Sadly, I think some personal favors got in the way. The seemingly common law "marriage" (they aren't actually married) between Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett) seems to be the first culprit. As a musical person myself, i was disappointed with how terrible the singing was, this being a musical movie. In addition, the constant annoying singing led to my strong dislike for Sweeney Todd.
In the first scene, I was greeted with the worst CGI i have ever witnessed. I mean, this movie put out worse graphics than my N64 when I was, like, 12 years old! I thought to myself, "Why the heck is a multi-million dollar budget movie doing using crappy CGI for what should be the realest looking blood I've ever seen in my life?" If anything it inspired me to be unafraid of what was to come.
Even worse? Oh yes, I was about to FALL ASLEEP the plot was so dis-compelling.
Sorry, Tim. I guess you'll have to try again some other time :(
Casting led to a weak and unskilled set of lungs to support this boisterous score. Sadly, I think some personal favors got in the way. The seemingly common law "marriage" (they aren't actually married) between Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett) seems to be the first culprit. As a musical person myself, i was disappointed with how terrible the singing was, this being a musical movie. In addition, the constant annoying singing led to my strong dislike for Sweeney Todd.
In the first scene, I was greeted with the worst CGI i have ever witnessed. I mean, this movie put out worse graphics than my N64 when I was, like, 12 years old! I thought to myself, "Why the heck is a multi-million dollar budget movie doing using crappy CGI for what should be the realest looking blood I've ever seen in my life?" If anything it inspired me to be unafraid of what was to come.
Even worse? Oh yes, I was about to FALL ASLEEP the plot was so dis-compelling.
Sorry, Tim. I guess you'll have to try again some other time :(
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