Dracula at the Esplanade

Over the weekend my family and I went to Esplanade Theatre in downtown Medicine Hat to see Dracula.  My friend Paul had a role in the production and we were all happy to see him on stage again.  He's always been interested in theatre so he was the really the reason we all decided to go.

The show had its moments, but if I'm honest, it was a bit hit and miss.  I was very impressed with the range of vocal talent in the show, and there were several stand out solos from the female leads that were expertly delivered.  There was a lot of inconsistency however, and some of the performers were either off-key or marginalized by an orchestra that occasionally hit a few sour notes.  

Whenever the ensemble performed together the show was at its best.  These were scenes that were clearly rehearsed the most thoroughly and they didn't disappoint.  I just wished there was more of them.  The problem with Dracula being a dramatic musical is that without more aggressive direction the show falls into familiar stereotypes that have been played to death.  It felt a bit slow and redundant at times and I think a lot of us were hoping for some parody or moments of levity to break up the relatively straightforward plot arch.

The role of Dracula seemed to be cast based on the vocal talents of the gentleman who played him, but he really didn't look the part.  The costumes also seemed like painful knock-offs from the nineties movie of the same title.  I felt the other leads were much more suited to their roles.

Paul did a great job and his scenes were some of the most entertaining.  He was funny, which the audience really seemed to enjoy, and he sounded great. 

In the end, Dracula had some obvious weaknesses, but it wasn't because the production was lacking talent.  It just seems the concept had no new or original ideas to bring to the stage and it's tough to pull off a familiar story when you're trying to make it resemble the ones that were already largely successful.  It's also the problem with local productions being that they just don't have the budget to allow their actors to rehearse as freely as other professional shows do. 

But hey, I don't want to be too harsh, it was a good enough reason for the family to spend time together and get into the spirit of Halloween. I just know this theatre company is capable of better.  

Sofia Coppola's Somewhere

I first heard about Sofia Coppola's latest film, Somewhere after coming across several scathing reviews that touted it as a pointless and pretentious train wreck.  As ridiculous as it might sound, it was actually those reviews that made me fall in love with this film before I even saw it.  The truth is, I knew exactly what kind of movie this would be and why its reception was coming off as polarizing as it was.

Let's be clear, nothing really happens in this movie.

If you want to fault Somewhere, chances are this is what killed (or will kill) it for you.  Fair enough.  If I was going to pitch a movie, this probably isn't how I'd want to describe it.  However, I found the entire presentation eerily hypnotic and fascinating.  This isn't a film driven by plot points, it's a film driven by observation and perspective. 

Somewhere is about an established male celebrity named Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff), the routine of his career, and his relationship with his daughter (Elle Fanning).  The overall arch of the picture is really about balancing the excess with the simple pleasure of a meaningful relationship, like the one Johnny finds with his daughter.

Sofia Coppola has a distinctive style that's made up of long takes, ambient establishing shots, and loose cuts.  Her style has never been more aptly used or tested than it was here.  It's like Coppola always keeps you hanging on a scene longer than you need to see it in an effort to disarm your expectations.  An early scene where a set of twin strippers dance in a private hotel room is a classic example.  After a while it becomes less about the strippers and more about the actual situation.  As the scene plays out it becomes more real, and the private show that Dorff's character, Johnny Marco is enjoying just starts to look lonely and even a bit sad.

The idea of showcasing celebrity life as a routine littered with perks is a captivating approach.  The long takes with deliberate and extended reaction shots start to strip the glamour of celebrity life away.  Yes, it's easier to get laid.  Yes, you have an awesome car.  Yes, you get to travel all over the world.  What really gets you excited if you've come to expect and live with these things for an extended amount of time though?  With fewer people to relate to or sympathize with you for your awesome life, those few meaningful relationships you do have become the most valuable thing in your life.  I can't say that I ever felt sorry for Johnny, but I did empathize with his search for purpose and substance.

Somewhere is a slice of celebrity humdrum and the undetermined, open-ended maze that we all navigate in our own pursuits towards happiness.  I'll admit that you have to be in the right mood to truly appreciate this flick, but when you are it washes over you and you can't help but admire it.  

No matter your personal means, there are some things in life that we all want and some things that we all need.  I couldn't help but consider both as I watched the poetry play out. And maybe that's what really makes Somewhere special.  It's what your view of celebrity is and how you address that culture that really dictates how you'll perceive the message being presented.  Is it too much? Should we even care? What do we really value? And is there ever enough? 

As I said at the start, it's not for everyone.  But, at only 97 minutes long it's also not the biggest cinematic risk you'll ever take.  If you're craving something a bit different, this might just hit the spot. 8.5/10

Problems With Avid Studio

While I still stand by my initial review of Avid Studio in saying what a great product it is, I thought it might be worth while to write about a few of the things that I'd like to see improved upon for the next version.  This is probably useful information for any of you considering Avid Studio as one of your editing platforms.

1.  No Archive Feature

In the latest version of Pinnacle 15 an archive restore feature was introduced that oddly wasn't included in the more prosumer and 'upgraded' package of Avid Studio.  Pinnacle 15 lacks the unlimited tracks and technical finesse that Avid does, however it seems like a strange decision not to include this new tool that prosumers or corporate editors like myself would gravitate towards, in a package more costly than the standard Pinnacle software.  

2. Slow Rendering Time

While not the slowest editing software I've ever used, Avid Studio could still use some improvement in this area.  Even with a powerful video card and more memory than I need, Avid doesn't always pack enough punch to render filters or transitions as quickly as you'd hope - especially in the live viewing mode.  

3. Slow Start Up

When I'm moving files around on my computer and I want to pop open Avid Studio to get to work, I'm generally annoyed with how long the program takes to open up.  It loads and refreshes, and generally takes its sweet time.

4. A Few Bugs

This is more of a general complaint as the program hasn't been nearly as buggy as previous Pinnacle studio products I've used, however Avid Studio still isn't perfect.  On occasion the program gets bogged down and the live renders kind of skip and glitch in preview mode.  The renders themselves are fine, but it's frustrating when you can't preview beforehand. 

5. Not 64-Bit (Technically)

Although it's said that Avid Studio is optimized for 64-bit, it's still not a native 64-bit program.  This one actually doesn't bother me personally, but I know others have expressed concern about this.

6. No Multi-Trim Tool

One feature I've enjoyed in other programs is a multi-trim tool that allows you to set your in and out points on a clip without having to cut it into multiple pieces to remove something from the middle of a piece of footage.  At the moment, Avid Studio doesn't have this.

Overall however, Avid Studio is still a very capable and well rounded piece of software.  I've used it numerous times for various styles of editing and I've yet to regret the investment.  There's always room for improvement though, isn't there?

Sony Cybershot DSC-W570 Camera

I shoot photography for a retail website so I use a DSLR on an almost daily basis.  The options are great, the quality is excellent, but outside of the studio an SLR isn't always ideal.  It's a bit too bulky for casual outings, which is why you can't underestimate the value of a decent point and shoot. 

I've had four Sony Cybershots since I went digital back in 2004.  I've consistently upgraded every couple of years when I found a point and shoot camera that offered higher quality images and mega pixels for under $200.  So far Sony hasn't let me down.

The DSC-W570 offers simple and brilliant photography in an ultra compact unit.  It weighs only 4.1 ounces and is the slimmest Cybershot yet at just under an inch thick.  What that means is that this is perfect for throwing in my pocket and heading out the door for some impromptu photography.  Something I tried out just the other evening. 

At 16.1 mega pixels the images I shoot are ideal for web based display and create very crisp looking standard prints.  Manual features are still limited here, so this doesn't replace the versatility of an SLR.  But like I said, the flexibility of having a high-res camera that is smaller and takes better photos than an iPhone is a huge plus in my books.  Not to mention, it's an affordable option for something of its class.

There is a subtle wide angle lens built into the unit, which helps to really open up small spaces. I was really impressed while taking pictures of my cars interior how you could actually see the entire space.  If you're a perfectionist however, this does result in slight distortion around the edges of the frame on occasion.  It's minimal, but is more noticeable if working in extreme close-ups.

Perhaps best of all is the vibrancy of the images this camera takes.  The colors are rich, sharp, and capture the light beautifully.  I've still been playing around with it just to see how far I can push it and then how well the images can stand up to my manipulation in post.  So far so good.

I think it's safe to say that you can expect a lot of new photography this summer. And for a more comprehensive review of this product and its features, check out CNET's review here.  I found it helpful.

Local Restaurant Review - Medicine Hat

My favorite hangout spot in town is Local in downtown Medicine Hat.  From the incredible food to the ambiance, there really isn't any other place quite like it around here. 

The menu is concise, but well executed, and features pub favorites like, burgers, nachos, sandwiches, wings, etc. - with an upscale twist.  I'd personally recommend any of the burgers as there isn't a bad one in the bunch, but if forced to choose, you can't go wrong with The Classic with cheese and a side of yam fries (pictured below) YUM!  

As far as restaurant burgers go, the presentation here is spot on and the portions are generous.  I'm actually getting hungry just looking at that picture again.  Entrees range from around $10-$16.

Once the food has won you over you'll come to appreciate the location even more.  It's rare to find a patio in this city with much character or surrounding scenery.  With the bulk of the Hat's restaurants clustered along Dunmore road, the traffic hardly flatters those areas.  Local is different. 

The relaxed buzz of downtown foot traffic and the well maintained surroundings remind you that the design is unique to the building and area (it was repurposed from the former DeVine restaurant) and is far from just another prepackaged layout. For a franchise technically owned by Earl's, this actually does feel surprisingly original and local.

I live downtown as it is, but it's also nice to have an excuse to walk around and appreciate the character of the area.  There's plenty of parking along the side streets during the evening - midday is another story.

The interior is just as comfortable and features clever design cues from the location in Medicine Hat - notably, an aerial view of downtown wallpapered to an accent wall.  There's also a large central bar surrounded by raised tables and large booths around the perimeter.  Whether you're out for a meal or to sample a beer from their long list of selections, both imports and on tap, this is a place worth making the trip for.

Downtown has been undergoing a slow but steady transformation over the last few years.  With the revitalization of the Monarch Theatre, an additional floor added to my apartment building last summer, and the development of condos nearby, trendy places like Local are not only a welcome surprise, but are hopefully a sign of things to come.  Visit this place!

The Evil Empire by Steven A. Grasse

If you're interested in an entertaining, tongue and cheek (the way I viewed it anyway) recollection of factoids about the British, you can't go wrong with The Evil Empire: 101 Ways That England Ruined the World.  Written by Steven A. Grasse, he explains that the idea for the book came about from being criticized by Brits who had strong opinions about the USA.  I can't say I blame them, but Grasse makes some good points from the perspective of a citizen of the current world superpower towards the actions of the former.

The book is a great light read as the list of 101 points is divided up into comfortable one or two page summaries of specific criticisms.  From things like 'they hooked the Chinese on Opium' to 'they caused the Great Depression', The Evil Empire is a fascinating read that just goes to show for as critical as we (as in the rest of the World) are of the USA, they're not just paying for their mistakes, but are currently paying the price for a long chain of events that we've all played a part in creating.  However, in true managerial fashion, if you're at the top, you're also the easiest one to blame.

I can see both Americans and Brits getting up in arms about who did what, who's worse, etc.  But frankly, I'm Canadian so historically we've had our issues with both, haha.  If you're easily offended I can see this book striking a nerve, and to be honest, I can't tell if Grasse is taking himself too seriously or not - but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

The Evil Empire is a mixed bag of cultural and historical snippets that create a convenient argument, but essentially just asserts that there's no shortage of guilt to pass around.  Of course, it's easy to make a case for how much the British have also improved the way our modern world operates - English is a great language after all.  But naturally this is more fun.

Samsung SC-D453 Video Camera

It was just after Christmas in 2005 that I decided to spring for a MiniDV camera. I'd been shooting several projects in film school on MiniDV and after collecting a small collection of tapes I thought I would benefit from having a DVcam of my own.

There was nothing complicated about my choice. I picked this little Samsung because it was compact, no bigger than my hand, and it seemed ideal for traveling with. Truthfully, I didn't feel I needed a major quality upgrade so much as I needed a format upgrade to output my video to the new MiniDV standard.  For home video sake and after carrying around my Sony handycam in LA and Vegas, it was nice to have something a lot lighter.

The weaknesses of this camera are a result of it's small size.  There aren't a lot of extra features, although it does have an impressive 900x digital zoom. As a casual camera for Internet vlogs or home video, you really don't need much more.  This was 2005 though, and cameras like the Flip HD (which I now own) have made the market for this type of shooting a lot more competitive. 

The first thing I did with this camera was a project titled, A Chill in the Air in January 2006. It opened a lot of doors for me, and was actually directly involved in my next camera upgrade that spring. To this day I still use this camera for casual shooting and experiments. I took with me to Vegas again, and use it mainly to capture home videos. It's still a sleek, unassuming, and easy to use little piece of equipment.

New Blogger Dynamic Views

Blogger, along with Google, has just recently introduced 5 new dynamic views that make sharing and viewing content through Blogger even more enjoyable!  Imagine being able to fully visualize your blogs history, instantly scroll through a complete timeline of your posts, or view interactive collages that allow you to explore the posts you want to read right there and then.  Now it's possible, and Blogger's dynamic views do all the work.

These new views are like more elaborate RSS feed pages, where it just takes the regular content that you've already posted on your blog and then creates these interactive and alternative ways to see and share it.  The dynamic views refresh and update as you post to your blog, and even better, the pages load content as you scroll - this means you don't have to search through pages of posts to view your entire blog history. For the first time you can get a visual representation of what all of your posts look like (if you've been using images in them that is).

The new views are Flipcard, Mosaic, Sidebar, Snapshot, and Timeslide.  You can see my blog, Editing Luke in each of the new Blogger dynamic views below.

Here I've used the Flipcard dynamic view to chronicle my posts by the month they debuted.

This view displays all of your blog posts as thumbnail boxes.  You can also clearly view the thumbnails based on their date, label, or author. Click here to view this page.

This view generates a random collage of your posts in a loose chronological order.  This is perhaps my favorite view as it really emphasizes the variety of content, especially for very visual blogs. Click here to view this page.

This view lists all of your posts along the left side of the screen, making it easier to scroll and instantly interact with all of your content.  Click here to view this page.

This view takes all of the images from your blog posts and puts them in a chronological photo album.  Like all dynamic views, just clicking on the image will open up the full blog post.  Click here to view this page.

This view creates columns that showcase select posts as you scroll through your blogs history.  This is a great example of how the new views help to highlight your content and explore it in new ways.  Click here to view this page.

Sony DCR-TRV110 Video Camera

When I turned 16 I had been working for a little less than a year, but had managed to save enough money to purchase a new camera. I suppose most kids my age were saving for a car, but my priorities were clear.

I was hired to shoot a seminar in the summer of 2000 and was asked to help select a camera to buy for the shoot. After it was complete, I was asked if I wanted to purchase the camera and I agreed - shelling out around $1200 for it (a slight discount, but still a big chunk of change for me at the time).

What made the camera worth emptying my bank account for, was that it was digital. This was the beginning of editing on the computer, higher resolution and most importantly, more options. Having a digital camera and a decent family computer meant that for the first time I could add music, titles, and transitions to my work. I could actually edit with some accuracy! It's something that now seems so easy, but at the time it was a rush - and truthfully, my evolution in using the computer was slow going.

Through most of high school and into my first few years of university this was my camera of choice. I opted to use it on my productions in early film school courses because it seemed just as good as what they'd let us use. The digital quality of this camera was at the top of the spectrum for what was available in the consumer market at the time, and to be honest, it's still a great little camera!

I've made a lot of videos with this Sony - including Keys to Existence which has screened at several international festivals and venues. The DCR-TRV110 proved to be versatile enough to allow me to experiment and learn a lot of the basics of media production when I was really hungry to learn.  For more just check My Videography for projects between 2000-2005.

In late 2005 I knew it was time for an upgrade mainly because of how much I was using MiniDV in my production classes. Without a doubt, I got my money's worth from this camera though. These days, my D8 is used mainly to access old footage, but on occasion I've still used it for home video shooting. Given my personal history, this is one camera I'll never get rid of.

Sony HDR-FX1 Video Camera

When I was on the verge of nearly winning the National Film Board of Canada Citizenshift contest with A Chill in the Air, I got into a conversation with my parents about my camera. In university at the time, I had sent them an email about how I dropped and broke my (photo) camera, which they read as me breaking my video camera.

When I discovered on the day of my 22nd birthday that I'd lost the NFB contest and a trip to France in the final round of voting, my parents surprised me by saying that they'd been looking at cameras for me as an early university graduation present. After several weeks of back and forth the order was placed for a Sony HDR-FX1.  

When I got home from university that spring it came in the mail - and I can't explain how awesome it was. It felt like a real step up, that all my early experience compounded to say, 'you've finally earned this' - that staying determined really does payoff.   I'd purchased three cheaper video cameras since the age of 12, and this fourth one is the one my parents footed the bill for.

No question my parents have always believed in me, but this was a huge show of support from my folks who seemed just as proud and confident that not only did I know what I wanted to do as a career, but that I had the chops to succeed.

This camera has really marked my transition from student to independent and corporate filmmaker. From Educated Detours, to my Rushmore travelog, to Elliot, the Buick Series, Give it Time, Gizmo Tree and beyond, this camera has allowed me the means to truly play - and get paid for it.

I think it feels twice as good to have this camera after all these years because it feels like I've really worked my way up to it. Receiving it as a gift from my folks felt like I'd proved something to them and to myself - that my approach was more than just a part-time hobby, that this was an investment in the beginning of my career.

It's still an amazing and very flexible piece of equipment. I've used it when hired as an independent videographer, for festival submissions, for personal experiments, and most anything else I possibly can.  The production company I work for has even rented it from me on numerous occasions.

What I love most about the camera is the rich cinematic look it delivers.  Of some of the other high end digital video cameras that I've used, I often feel like their captures are too crisp or overly harsh, sometimes robbing the subject matter of subtleties in light and color.  The Sony HDR-FX1 strikes a nice balance, and despite room for improvement, in general I'd say there's a strong base and range of features for the avid videographer to build on. 

Equipment is all about options after all, and at this point I feel able to achieve the majority of what I want to do within my own personal studio. It's been a long road to feel this sufficient regarding my productions, but lots of small steps have resulted in quite a journey. 

My appetite for new equipment and software will no doubt continue to grow as my projects do, but after 5 years of using this camera I think I've learned some important lessons.  Perhaps the most important of which being that it's not the fanciest equipment that makes the most interesting projects, it's the filmmaker who is willing to push himself to create them that does.  

Avid Studio Review: Editing Software

As part of my continually progressing edit studio upgrade, this week I purchased the newly released Avid Studio.  For years I've done the bulk of my editing work on Pinnacle, this is also an Avid product, and although both Pinnacle and Avid Studio are based in the consumer to prosumer series of editing products they're both able to produce professional level results.  I consider this to be the best of both worlds. 

Pinnacle, and now the new Avid Studio, continue on with a tradition of user friendly functions and a wide range of custom options for the more advanced editor.  The long and short of it is that if you've enjoyed Pinnacle, you'll enjoy the refined features (and more ambitious layout) that Avid Studio provides. 
The basic rundown of features looks like this: 

• Sophisticated movie editing tools, including markers and keyframes
• Powerful media management library to organize videos, photos, and audio
• Media editor to apply corrections or effects to videos, photos, and audio
• Unlimited timeline tracks for advanced editing and compositing
• Professional add-ons and plug-ins (valued at over $2,000):
  • Red Giant Plug-in package
  • Complete Avid content package
  • 100 additional HD video transitions
• Comprehensive collection of how-to videos from Class on Demand™
• Motion Titler for adding animated graphics and text
• Audio tools for professional sound quality
• 5.1 surround sound import/export functionality
• AVCHD burning; DVD and Blu-ray disc authoring and burning tools 

The editing I do is largely promotional, largely web-based in HD, and the software I use needs to provide an ample amount of flexibility and user-friendliness to ensure that I can meet the varied requirements of both corporate clients and myself.  The biggest upgrade in jumping from Pinnacle 15 to Avid Studio is being able to carry over the filter features from Pinnacle into the unlimited timeline tracks of Avid Studio.  For more advanced edits, the 3 video and 3 audio tracks in Pinnacle simply aren't enough.  That was a big limitation, and Avid Studio's unlimited tracks are by far the most noticeable and welcome addition.

Avid Studio comes with an ambitious collection of new transitions and filter options, however at least half of them you'll never use because they look like they came from community TV in the mid-90's. I guess this is always the case if you're looking to work off of presets. There are some great effects though, that when tweaked, allow for some very unique looks and titles that you can preview on your clips in real-time.

Capturing video is also made easier as the software will catalogue your individual shots as it imports instead of just showing one lump sum of video.  This makes scrolling your library a breeze, and makes picking and choosing the clips you want simple.

In general, Avid Studio adds a bit more polish to where Pinnacle leaves off.  A more structured (and in some ways, technical) timeline is helpful for larger, more intensive edits, where coordinating specific shots requires the space and markers to do so.  All this is achieved while still maintaining a clean and efficient layout, that even a novice editor could pick up without too much effort. 

As someone who edits on a day to day basis, the strength of this software is in its obvious interface that takes the pompousness out of other programs.  I found it easy to organize and layout numerous tracks of footage, cut between them, and make precision edits.         

I look forward to experimenting and using Avid Studio in combination with my other editing software as I move forward.  I think it's yet another amazing example of just how affordable it's becoming to produce diverse and high-end video on a smaller (and often) individual scale.  If you're passionate and educated about editing, I think you'll find that no one will notice you're using a relatively affordable piece of software - in fact, you'll have others who screen your work asking how you did that and what you were using.  

With so many options, it's a good time to be an editor.


For more info, check out the follow up post I wrote that highlights some of the problems I've come across with Avid Studio and where it could use improvement - CLICK HERE.

Overnight: Documentary #5

Thrillingly entertaining, bold, harsh, and a remarkable character study, Overnight is a documentary about ego and success in Hollywood.  The film chronicles the overnight success of Troy Duffy, a young musician and screenwriter at the time, who destroyed a golden deal with Miramax resulting from his own arrogance, attitude, and self-destructive behaviour.

As the tagline of the film reads 'there's more than one way to shoot yourself'.

I've seen numerous documentaries about Hollywood and celebrities, but I've never seen one that captured the rise and fall of an individual so intimately.  We're treated to home video after home video of Duffy celebrating with his friends, taking conference calls, having heated debates about his script, reacting to feedback, and so on.  As an outsider your perspective shifts from viewing a talented guy who just happens to be cocky about his success, to viewing a talented guy who really has no clue about how out of touch he is with those around him.

Duffy's persona is that of a spoiled film student who got an easy A, and that's because the deal he was offered was a dream come true.  Miramax bought his script for The Boondock Saints for $300,000, gave him the opportunity to direct the picture with a $15 million dollar budget, allowed his band to release the soundtrack for the film, and Harvey Weinstein even said he'd buy the bar that Duffy worked at.  Troy Duffy essentially won the filmmaker lottery. 

It's the classic tale of money changing the man (or at least revealling more of who he really is) but Duffy does start off with profound ambitions to simply make great movies.  He's passionate, talented, driven, and he wants to take his friends along for the ride.  He's entitled to some celebratory gloating, and really, who wouldn't be pumped? 

It's when the euphoria starts to fade that he doesn't seem to realize how alienating his arrogance becomes.  Here's a guy who bought entirely into the hype of himself and figured it was enough to build a career on.  He starts burning his bridges, but still talks as though he has everyone by the balls. If you watch his friends throughout the film you can just read the levels of disbelief on their faces.

The politics and maze of Hollywood production is fascinating to me, and it's incredible to see such extreme sides of the spectrum.  Duffy deserves what he has coming to him and there's an element of joy in seeing him get his comeuppance - although he has no shortage of people to blame when things start to go sour.  

Overnight combines the candid and blunt conversations that put you right at the source of the chaos, while also having broad enough coverage of the experience to contextualize the arch of the story.  There's no doubt about Troy Duffy when the camera's pointed in his direction, and although the realities that come to light about his personality are unfortunate, they're also responsible for turning a deal gone wrong into a classic slice of documentary filmmaking.

This doc was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it. 9/10
 

2011 Oscar Flicks

With 10 Best Pictures to watch I was cutting it close this year, but did manage to cross the bulk of nominees off my list.  I love the challenge and like it even more when I'm surprised by movies that I might not have watched otherwise.  Here's my two cents about the 2011 Best Picture nominees.

The King's Speech

This felt the most like an Oscar movie.  A period biopic, with a handicap to overcome that's based on a true story, starring a prolific and experienced actor in the leading role.  I'm a sucker for British history, and technically speaking this flick checked all the boxes.

The Kids Are All Right

Modern, fresh, and compelling, it was cool to see a movie that featured a same-sex couple without the plot being dictated by social causes.  It just goes to show how complicated 'normal' is for everyone. Big thumbs up!

Inception

I only wish that more studios would push for the originality showcased in Inception.  I'm still in need of a second viewing to fully appreciate it I think, but this was a fun surprise with some incredible imagery and effects to boot.

The Fighter

Another sports biopic about an underdog may not be reinventing the wheel, but I thought this was brilliant.  I seem to be attracted to anything with Amy Adams in it to be honest, but the picture features some really compelling performances throughout. 

Black Swan

If more thrillers were like this I wouldn't despise so many of them.  Portman is incredible and the story is fused with the perfect amount of mystery and suspense.  Who knew ballerinas were so dark?

127 Hours

One of my favorite nominees, Danny Boyles film is an editing smorgasbord of jump cut flashbacks and daydreaming.  I loved the structure of the movie and the euphoria created by merging memories and digital clips with the reality of willing yourself to survive.

The Social Network

It's a powerful story considering the context that it has defined about how we communicate, but I found it hard to care about anyone in this movie.  To be honest, I think I would've been more compelled to watch a documentary feature about the reality of 'the social network' instead of seeing it be so overly dramatized. Still, check it out.

Toy Story 3

This is about as close to a universally heart-warming and dare I say 'perfect' movie as you can probably get.  

True Grit

Do yourself a favor and watch the 1969 original with John Wayne and then ask yourself why this needed to be remade.  The Coen brothers are great, but this certainly isn't their best.

Winter's Bone

Of all the nominees this was the only one that I actually strongly disliked.  It was so dry and country-bumpkin infused that it seemed like a joke to say this was the modern day.  I have trouble watching flicks that don't seem very redeeming, and after it was over all I thought was I could've done without it.  To each their own.

If I was going to call it I'd say the winner is going to be either The King's Speech or the Social Network, but I personally would love it if Toy Story 3 or 127 Hours had chance.

Angry Charlie Reviews

For well over a year my friend Tyler Cyrenne has been trying his hand at writing movie reviews.  Like myself, Tyler went to film school and has always had a certain knack for recommendations (eye roll here).  He once suggested Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and I have yet to let him forget it.  

In all seriousness though, Tyler's site Angry Charlie Reviews is quickly growing an impressive library of reviews covering a variety of genres and styles.  I've found it entertaining getting to see Tyler express himself in an online project that he clearly has a passion for, and it's exciting watching his writing style and focus evolve as he gains more traction with readers.

I generally have difficultly with movie review sites simply because there are so many of them.  What makes Angry Charlie Reviews different is the framework that it's built on.  With reviews of some of the latest releases, several shots at video reviews, and support from his personal blog Don't Make Charlie Angry, Tyler is branding himself and the determination is starting to pay off.

He's been featured on the popular site Ain't It Cool News and has also had a pull quote taken for a movie poster that one of our friends was a part of.  I'd say that's a pretty good start.

While Tyler continues to refine and find his voice there's no question that his site will only continue to get better.  I thought I'd throw my two cents into the ring to try and help you out Angry Charlie.  Check out his site and latest reviews here.

Departures on OLN

It's one of my favorite shows on TV.  Departures on OLN (the Outdoor Life Network) is not just another travel show - it's a dramatic, poetic, and visual exploration of incredible landscapes, textures, and experiences. 

We follow Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach, along with the very talented cameraman/DP Andre Dupuis as the three end up in some of the most remote, epic, and profound locations on the planet.  What I love about these three guys is that they find the right balance of making you feel like you're there experiencing the destination with them for the first time, while still providing a context for why the area is significant.  It's personal without being cryptic and broad without being stereotypical.  

The videography and subsequent editing is amazing.  A modern blend of stylized slow-motion and sweeping steady-cam shots are a noticeable trademark of the show.  Departures does exactly what the title suggests.  For a half hour it's one of the easiest escapes you can get.

Flip Ultra HD Review

Small, pocket-sized HD cameras are becoming increasingly common and affordable.  For less than $200 the options are surprising as the market for web-based video expands.  Vloggers, first-time movie makers, and anyone who wants to capture everyday life and share it in HD need only find a camera that suits their tastes - for me, this was the Flip Ultra HD.

As the 4th video camera in my current collection, what drew me to the Flip in the first place was that I was eager to shoot home videos.  You might expect that with three other cameras this wouldn't be such an issue, but the truth is that it's tough to be spontaneous when carrying a full-sized camera around actually requires some pre-planned dedication.  Portability is everything in this case.

Flip Ultra HD - Front View

The video quality here is impressive given the size and price of the unit, although the Flip Ultra HD shoots 720p at 30fps (1280x720 widescreen) as opposed to the full 1080p.  It comes with a rechargeable battery pack that can also be switched out with two AA batteries, and is otherwise charged through the USB port that pops out of the side of the camera.

Shooting is kept simple and straightforward.  The red button on the back starts and stops recording, and your videos are automatically kept track of given the time and date.  There is a small zoom function, and basic navigation that lets you scroll your videos on the camera.  You can also preview your recordings as you go on the 2 inch screen, which I actually found quite comfortable.

Uploading is equally easy.  Pre-loaded software helps catalogue your footage into folders by the month it was shot in, where you can then organize and export your footage as you please from your computer.  Existing footage on the camera is then removed after capture to free up space for your next outing.

Flip Ultra HD - Back View

Things to keep in mind during shooting is that given the small size of the camera, you'll experience a lot of shaking if you're moving around too much.  Even with an image stabilizer, this is unavoidable with a small unit and you might want to consider using a tripod - there is a mount on the bottom of the camera.  

The Flip Ultra HD should be looked at as an entry level camera (and not an alternative to the full-sized cameras) as there really isn't any way to upgrade it.  There's no mic jack (although it does record audio), no additional space for a memory card, and shooting features are at a bare minimum.  

Still, it's an agile and fun little video camera that makes shooting simple and spontaneous.  Not to mention, it's still a huge step up from what most cell phones are capable of.  You'll find yourself more willing to take it out because you can hide it in your back pocket, and for the sake of sharing more with friends and family this is a definite plus. 

This concise unit is sure to make you rethink the way you shoot video or maybe even give you the courage to start doing it more often.  Throw the Flip HD in your pocket and have fun capturing your everyday adventures!

Below is a Flip cam test that I shot while experimenting with how I could mount the small camera to various points on my Jaguar.  The border around the video was added in post - more on this Flip HD test here. 
 

Tarnation: Documentary #4

The amazing thing about film is that it can literally play with your emotions. Specifically in the case of documentary, someones version of the truth can irritate and annoy you, their perspective can conflict with your own, and even their style can be challenging to grasp and understand. I felt a mixture of all these things in trying to appreciate Jonathan Caouette's very personal film, Tarnation (2003).

Based on the premise alone I felt Caouette's documentary was intriguing. With a tagline like 'your greatest creation is the life you lead' and a documentary assembled from two decades of home video, answering machine messages, photographs, personal confessions, and scraps of pop culture, the setup is made to be epic. Our subject is Caouette himself and his relationship with his schizophrenic mother.

Right off the bat we're treated to intense and challenging cuts, filters, and mashups. It felt like something I might have put together when I was 13 and just discovering editing software - I wanted to use every filter available, not caring if they conflicted. This styling is bold in the case of Tarnation, and it set the tone of what was to come.

Caouette loves to see himself on camera, and this quickly became another obstacle for me when trying to understand the message of the film. We're treated to long staring sessions, which add to the avant-garde nature of the documentary. The mental condition of his mother, and the complicated nature of their relationship can be argued as the reasoning for this approach, but even at its weakest it's constantly bordering on masturbational cinema. I was always questioning why do you want me to know this?

I'm still not entirely sure of what Caouette wants us to take away from his experience (outside of admiration for his situation) and how that meshes with my interpretation of it. Jonathan Caouette is so dramatic and even in his early home video clips he's so eager to play to the camera that it sabotages his live efforts to be sincere when the moment itself seems genuine. His sexuality as a gay man and his troubled childhood begin to feel more and more focused on clamouring for some intangible acceptance than it does about revealing a deeper meaning regarding the state of his mother.

Let there be no mistake, the film is about Caouette. And this wouldn't have bothered me if the story wasn't sidelined by attention seeking gimmicks.

The story, as patched and ambitious as it is, ultimately fails to give us a broad enough context to actually appreciate and empathize with the subjects for very long. The entire project ends up feeling like a film school experiment where pieces were just thrown in to see how someone else might interpret them. And yet despite all these things, Tarnation was a documentary that I found myself thinking about a lot.

Only because of it's challenging nature and because of my film school background did I feel the need to try and confront the elements of the film that bothered me, but in the light of the mainstream I can see a lot of people simply turning it off because of how different and uncomfortable it is. The essence of great film making is not about how enigmatic it can be or how many meanings can be pulled from the final product, but instead about how effective its construction is in getting the viewer to appreciate, understand, and hopefully inherit the emotions and information you're trying to convey.

Tarnation is simply too overproduced and glorified to leave you feeling that you're witnessing a reality. The narrative is played out too abstractly to let the viewer settle with a clear thought, and after the first half an hour I felt I could have used a break already.  As troubling as Caouette's childhood and upbringing are painted - the momentum of the project is lost on self-indulgence and a significance that never feels completely justified - however, bonus points are awarded for being unlike anything else I've seen recently. 5.5/10