Don't you feel sad, everything will be alright, I promise.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Fiddler On The Roof
The name Fiddler On the Roof may not ring any bell for some, but many of you are certainly familiar with the following song from this 1964 Broadway musical, and the 1971 film adaptation:
The musical is set in 1905 in Tsarist Russia. Tevye, an Orthodox Jewish milkman, living in the Orthodox Jewish section of the village of Anatevka, is a very poor man despite working hard, and he wants to find nice and wealthy husbands for his five daughters. Traditionally the marriages are arranged through the matchmaker, and Yente makes the first arrangement for his oldest daughter, Tzeitel, with the wealthy butcher of the village, Lazar Wolf. Despite the agreement for marriage between Tevye and Lazar Wolf, the so-called engagement is eventually broken, for Tzeitel and the tailor Motel are in love with each other for a long time; the begging of Tzeitel and the determination of the young lovers soften Tevye's heart and the first marriage is done.
Meanwhile, his daughter, second-in-line, Hodel falls in love with Perchik, a young and passionate Marxist, and accepts his hand in marriage; when he hears that, Tevye first objects this marriage and gets furious, however he softens yet again, for he sees how much they love each other. Perchik leaves Anatevka and goes to Kiev; when he is arrested in a protest against the Tsar, Hodel goes to Kiev to join him, promising her father that they will be married there.
The things would not be that simple when it comes to the third daughter, Chava, for the man she wants to marry happens to be an Orthodox Christian; even though Tevye breaks most walls of traditions for his previous daughters, his faith is not yet to be broken down. Thus, Chava and Fyedma secretly get married in the church.
While the family life goes through ups and downs, the political and religious conflicts arise and the pressure on the Jewish community becomes harder, resulting in the forced migration of the village. In the end a hard journey begins for Tevye, his wife and the remaining two daughters, with a new hope in their hearts.
Fiddler On The Roof is one of the most influential musicals of all time, not for only the beautiful music and the choreography, but also the incredible acting and the impressive story. It mixes the elements of comedy well with drama, and surely sheds a light to an era in the history. The central plot of the story is the time and traditions changing; the young now want to find and choose each other themselves, through love, and love is a new word for the generation of Tevye, the generation of arranged marriages. Although it may not be acceptable for many parents at that time in that community, the love for his daughters help Tevye face the new realities of the new era. This may be an easier wall to break down, but the Orthodox faith is never like so, and however open-minded and soft father he may be, when it comes to religion, Tevye goes as far as disowning his own child; there is still one thing he is not ready, and perhaps he never will be.
I do not know if you like musicals; if you don't, break down a wall yourself and watch Fiddler On The Roof and be ready for 181 minutes of joy; and when you do, pay a special attention to Chaim Topol, he truly does shine as Tevye, with his wonderful acting and his incredible voice.
The musical is set in 1905 in Tsarist Russia. Tevye, an Orthodox Jewish milkman, living in the Orthodox Jewish section of the village of Anatevka, is a very poor man despite working hard, and he wants to find nice and wealthy husbands for his five daughters. Traditionally the marriages are arranged through the matchmaker, and Yente makes the first arrangement for his oldest daughter, Tzeitel, with the wealthy butcher of the village, Lazar Wolf. Despite the agreement for marriage between Tevye and Lazar Wolf, the so-called engagement is eventually broken, for Tzeitel and the tailor Motel are in love with each other for a long time; the begging of Tzeitel and the determination of the young lovers soften Tevye's heart and the first marriage is done.
Meanwhile, his daughter, second-in-line, Hodel falls in love with Perchik, a young and passionate Marxist, and accepts his hand in marriage; when he hears that, Tevye first objects this marriage and gets furious, however he softens yet again, for he sees how much they love each other. Perchik leaves Anatevka and goes to Kiev; when he is arrested in a protest against the Tsar, Hodel goes to Kiev to join him, promising her father that they will be married there.
The things would not be that simple when it comes to the third daughter, Chava, for the man she wants to marry happens to be an Orthodox Christian; even though Tevye breaks most walls of traditions for his previous daughters, his faith is not yet to be broken down. Thus, Chava and Fyedma secretly get married in the church.
While the family life goes through ups and downs, the political and religious conflicts arise and the pressure on the Jewish community becomes harder, resulting in the forced migration of the village. In the end a hard journey begins for Tevye, his wife and the remaining two daughters, with a new hope in their hearts.
Fiddler On The Roof is one of the most influential musicals of all time, not for only the beautiful music and the choreography, but also the incredible acting and the impressive story. It mixes the elements of comedy well with drama, and surely sheds a light to an era in the history. The central plot of the story is the time and traditions changing; the young now want to find and choose each other themselves, through love, and love is a new word for the generation of Tevye, the generation of arranged marriages. Although it may not be acceptable for many parents at that time in that community, the love for his daughters help Tevye face the new realities of the new era. This may be an easier wall to break down, but the Orthodox faith is never like so, and however open-minded and soft father he may be, when it comes to religion, Tevye goes as far as disowning his own child; there is still one thing he is not ready, and perhaps he never will be.
I do not know if you like musicals; if you don't, break down a wall yourself and watch Fiddler On The Roof and be ready for 181 minutes of joy; and when you do, pay a special attention to Chaim Topol, he truly does shine as Tevye, with his wonderful acting and his incredible voice.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mies vailla menneisyyttä a.k.a. The Man Without A Past
To this day in my whole life, I have only known one Finnish; a sweet and intelligent girl who was always ready to give a big smile looking at you with her big blue eyes. That is all I have ever actually seen as an example to that nation, and the other identifications I have faced with are rather abstract to me. And yet, what many people say of the northern people about being reserved showing less emotions may be what is seen in this movie, however, there is much more to that acting.
The Man Without A Past is Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki's 2002 film, which has received several awards and nominations, including Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and a nomination for Academy Award as Best Foreign Language Film. It tells the story of a man who, at the beginning of the movie, is badly beaten in the street, resulting in amnesia, and how he manages to pull his life together as a man even without a name.
The man, whom I will call 'M' such as the final credits did, runs out of the hospital he is brought to, right after the doctor and the nurse is convinced that he is dead and call it. He is found unconscious lying by the river, by two children, whose family lives in a ship container, like many others residing in that area. He finds mercy, a rather casual one, and friendship among those people and starts to build his life all from scratch, with a side effect of difficulties related to amnesia. He gets clothes and a job from the Salvation Army, and starts a relationship with Irma, one of the workers there. A series of unexpected events lead to the unfolding of the mystery of his past finally; but deep inside, is the real him the man with that past or without any past?
Kaurismäki's masterpiece, The Man Without A Past, is a comedy, however, it is Kaurismäki's style of comedy, though not everyone's cup of tea, yet it has received grand applauses from all over the world, from people of many different cultures. It does not direct you to laugh or even smile at the certain funny situations, what Kaurismäki does is only to show the events, hence the audience then has to find the humour in that, if it suits. The same is true for any other emotions, for Kaurismäki's actors show no facial expressions, no emotions, nothing but dry conversation, for the audience to fill in the emotion department themselves. The reserved behaviours and dialogues between the characters may be a reference to those of Finnish nature, however, it certainly does go beyond that in the director's personal inner world.
The Man Without A Past is a movie that tears down all those emotions and reactions that we know of; it makes you want to cry for the most funny and laugh at the most tragic; and it creates its own language and emotional world from scratch, just as M does, for his life. Brilliant story telling, brilliant directing, brilliant acting, by especially Markku Peltola (M) and Kati Outinen (Irma).
The Man Without A Past is Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki's 2002 film, which has received several awards and nominations, including Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and a nomination for Academy Award as Best Foreign Language Film. It tells the story of a man who, at the beginning of the movie, is badly beaten in the street, resulting in amnesia, and how he manages to pull his life together as a man even without a name.
The man, whom I will call 'M' such as the final credits did, runs out of the hospital he is brought to, right after the doctor and the nurse is convinced that he is dead and call it. He is found unconscious lying by the river, by two children, whose family lives in a ship container, like many others residing in that area. He finds mercy, a rather casual one, and friendship among those people and starts to build his life all from scratch, with a side effect of difficulties related to amnesia. He gets clothes and a job from the Salvation Army, and starts a relationship with Irma, one of the workers there. A series of unexpected events lead to the unfolding of the mystery of his past finally; but deep inside, is the real him the man with that past or without any past?
Kaurismäki's masterpiece, The Man Without A Past, is a comedy, however, it is Kaurismäki's style of comedy, though not everyone's cup of tea, yet it has received grand applauses from all over the world, from people of many different cultures. It does not direct you to laugh or even smile at the certain funny situations, what Kaurismäki does is only to show the events, hence the audience then has to find the humour in that, if it suits. The same is true for any other emotions, for Kaurismäki's actors show no facial expressions, no emotions, nothing but dry conversation, for the audience to fill in the emotion department themselves. The reserved behaviours and dialogues between the characters may be a reference to those of Finnish nature, however, it certainly does go beyond that in the director's personal inner world.
The Man Without A Past is a movie that tears down all those emotions and reactions that we know of; it makes you want to cry for the most funny and laugh at the most tragic; and it creates its own language and emotional world from scratch, just as M does, for his life. Brilliant story telling, brilliant directing, brilliant acting, by especially Markku Peltola (M) and Kati Outinen (Irma).
Playlist for today
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Stalag 17
What the name Brad Pitt represents in today's Hollywood, for me, had certainly been the same with William Holden, back in Hollywood of the 50's. Had I been a young girl of that era, I would have had his pictures everywhere. Other than his good looks, I have always admired Brad Pitt for his - yet un-Oscar-ed - acting talent; William Holden had definitely a different style, that suits more to that era, however, in his long career, he did receive one Oscar as best actor in a leading role, Sgt. Sefton, in Stalag 17.
It is the longest night of the year in 1944. In a German prisoner-of-war camp named Stalag 17 (Camp 17), two American prisoners attempt to escape, only to be shot the minute they pass to the other side of the barbed wire, by German soldiers waiting for them. Back in the barrack, the other prisoners, finding about the death of their friends, suspect that there is a spy among them and the first that comes to their minds is Sefton (Holden), who is always cynical, cold and impersonal, trading stuff with German officers and not wanting to get involved in any escape plan, believing that there is no escape from Stalag 17. It gets even worse when during the following days every plan made in the barrack is exposed by the Germans or any equipment the prisoners secretly get are found the next day exactly in where they are hidden. Without any other suspect, the whole prisoners put the whole pressure on Sefton, finally beating him badly. By that moment, all Sefton thinks about becomes finding out who the spy is, and when he finally does and reveals him in a very critical night for one of the prisoners, it is someone extremely unexpected.
I had known about Stalag 17 a little prior to watching it and I hesitated for quite a while since all I knew was that it helped Holden win his only Oscar and that it was a war film. To be honest, I was surprised to find out that it was actually a comedy, mixed well with enough drama. It has a very impressive cast, besides Holden, with Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss, Harvey Lembeck and a very young Peter Graves, all with hilarious acting. Some of the scenes of the Germans were shot in German without subtitles intentionally; yet you do understand what is going on with their incredible talented body languages and actings.
The movie has themes such as solidarity, between the prisoners, and betrayal of their trust; furthermore, it also refers to German officers' state of mind, showing that not all of them were after the so-called kampf of Hitler. This is clearly stated in one scene, where the prisoners all disguise themselves as Adolph Hitler with his famous moustache and hair style, to joke around with their barrack's officer, Stulz, and he replies with a weary expression on his face, as One Mein Furher is enough! Certainly, this does not excuse those officers' existence in the war as Führer's soldiers, however, it does ease those harsh times at least a little for the prisoners.
Stalag 17 makes fun of the war in general, World War II to be exact, in a way that calls in common sense and I wonder how many movies it will take to show the idiocy of wars. Yet, it is an enjoyable movie, that could take my attention from Holden to give myself fully to the story; and if I could, you certainly can, too.
It is the longest night of the year in 1944. In a German prisoner-of-war camp named Stalag 17 (Camp 17), two American prisoners attempt to escape, only to be shot the minute they pass to the other side of the barbed wire, by German soldiers waiting for them. Back in the barrack, the other prisoners, finding about the death of their friends, suspect that there is a spy among them and the first that comes to their minds is Sefton (Holden), who is always cynical, cold and impersonal, trading stuff with German officers and not wanting to get involved in any escape plan, believing that there is no escape from Stalag 17. It gets even worse when during the following days every plan made in the barrack is exposed by the Germans or any equipment the prisoners secretly get are found the next day exactly in where they are hidden. Without any other suspect, the whole prisoners put the whole pressure on Sefton, finally beating him badly. By that moment, all Sefton thinks about becomes finding out who the spy is, and when he finally does and reveals him in a very critical night for one of the prisoners, it is someone extremely unexpected.
I had known about Stalag 17 a little prior to watching it and I hesitated for quite a while since all I knew was that it helped Holden win his only Oscar and that it was a war film. To be honest, I was surprised to find out that it was actually a comedy, mixed well with enough drama. It has a very impressive cast, besides Holden, with Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss, Harvey Lembeck and a very young Peter Graves, all with hilarious acting. Some of the scenes of the Germans were shot in German without subtitles intentionally; yet you do understand what is going on with their incredible talented body languages and actings.
The movie has themes such as solidarity, between the prisoners, and betrayal of their trust; furthermore, it also refers to German officers' state of mind, showing that not all of them were after the so-called kampf of Hitler. This is clearly stated in one scene, where the prisoners all disguise themselves as Adolph Hitler with his famous moustache and hair style, to joke around with their barrack's officer, Stulz, and he replies with a weary expression on his face, as One Mein Furher is enough! Certainly, this does not excuse those officers' existence in the war as Führer's soldiers, however, it does ease those harsh times at least a little for the prisoners.
Stalag 17 makes fun of the war in general, World War II to be exact, in a way that calls in common sense and I wonder how many movies it will take to show the idiocy of wars. Yet, it is an enjoyable movie, that could take my attention from Holden to give myself fully to the story; and if I could, you certainly can, too.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Music from the 80s: Falco, Nena, Sandra....
Back in the 80's, the video clips were promising a new era for the bands' global launch. They were mostly experimental story tellers, or taken from live performances. Surely the idea of a visual clip for a song did not first show up in 80's, however, as the spreading of the television all over the world picked up the pace, so did the importance and variety of the clips.
Last night after I suddenly remembered all about Guns'n'Roses and others, I went back in time even more, to my childhood in the 80's, and those bands whose songs I had memorized flawlessly, at the age of 7-8, without even knowing what the lyrics were about.
Here's 15 bands from that era; most of them you might remember, some of those were not easy for me to find for even though I had known the band's name and the lyrics etc, I could not remember the name of the song, hence I had to watch every little clip I came across. In most of those clips, you can see that the elements of synthpop, the heavy use of synthesizers, are perfectly in accordance with the visual style of the time, the hair, make-up, fashion, even the environment.
Falco
The Austrian musician Falco is surely one of the most eccentric characters of that time, and you can get this from the video clip I chose, below. His most famous songs are Rock Me Amadeus and Jeanny, and he is the first and so far only artist to score a #1 Hit in the U.S. with a German language song (wikipedia). He died in 1998, at the age of 41, in an accident, while he was preparing for a comeback into the music world.
Nena
Mostly remembered by her 1984 hit 99 Luftballons, Nena had been one of the most famous German musicians all over the world, even before the Berlin wall was pulled down. Her glamour days came back when her career re-emerged in 2002, but personally, I always remember her with her hair and wristbands, and skintight clothes, all symbols of the 80's.
Kim Wilde
This English lady was rather my brother's favourite blonde, but I remember her with a cat-woman look of hers. Throughout her career, she has been an inspiration for many artists, such as Sandra Kim and Iranian cartoonist Marjane Satrapi, she covered many artists, such as The Supremes and The Yardbirds, and has been covered by many more, such as Atomic Kitten, Bloodhound Gang and The Muffs.
Spandau Ballet
I had not taken this British band seriously when I was a child, but I rediscovered them years later when I was in university. They were very popular in the 80's, split in 1990 and announced reunion in 2009. Somehow, they are the closest I feel to my musical taste of today, besides Falco.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
The English band from Liverpool had been especially famous for their all-time favourite hit Relax, which was banned by BBC for its overtly sexual album cover, video clip and lyrics, however this did not prevent the track from topping the charts immediately the following week; it may even have contributed to the result! Relax stayed at #1 for five weeks, during which time the BBC could not feature the nation's best-selling single on their flagship TV chart show.
Opus
During the mid-80's, on the only TV channel of Turkey TRT-1, in the interlude of the football games, they used to show live performances of those pop bands, such as the Austrian band Opus, and their one and only hit, Life is Live. And yet, it is such an unforgettable popularity which this song had, that the moment you write opus on google video, it suggests 'opus life is life' - and yes, many people still believe today that the song was actually called life is life.
A-ha
For the past few years, I have been very much into the Nordic music, and yet, I had been a big fan of a Nordic band years ago too, the Norwegian a-ha. They have released 9 albums totally, starting from the 80's until today, and have had continuous success with many hits. Their video clips have also been always very impressive, especially the almost-groundbreaking-for-that-time Take On Me.
Limahl
I seriously do not remember anything but hair, about this guy. And all I know now is that he is English, and that he had once been the lead singer of Kajagoogoo. So, here is his solo career's soundtrack hit, NeverEnding Story. A few months ago I saw a recent photo of him, and thought, oh my, where has all that hair gone?
Modern Talking
They HAVE TO be mentioned, they just have to. How can we ever forget the Jacqueline Bisset-like hair and make-up of Thomas Anders and his ever swinging while playing guitar blonde partner, Dieter Bohlen? The make-up of Anders on the national TV channel was bizarre to many parents in Turkey at the time, but hey, Zeki Muren had been going on stage with a mini-skirt even before that, right?
Tears For Fears
When I had heard that group on the radio, I would usually mistake them for Depeche Mode; well, shame on me.
Sandra
She is the mysterious voice in Michael Cretu's project Enigma. But there is more to that in this pretty German, who had plenty of hits in the 80's, such as Maria Magdalena and In The Heat of The Night.
Wham
Today many young people know a solo George Michael, but there has once been an Andrew Ridgeley along with him, making the band Wham! Today Ridgeley is an environmentalist and a surfing equipment manufacturer.
ZZ Top
The long bearded, red-ish haired guys with always sun glasses on, ZZ Top, had in fact been formed back in 1969, however, they reached the peak of their career in 1980's, with hits such as Gimme All Your Lovin' and Legs. The group's members have been the source of inspiration for many artists in popular culture, and made appearances in many tv shows and movies, such as Back to The Future Part III and King of the Hills.
Laura Branigan
I do not know if the American singer - actress of Irish ancestry, Laura Branigan, had had any other hit other Self Control, but this one hit is clearly one of the biggest icons of the 80's. She died in 2004, due a to previously undiagnosed brain aneurysm.
Duran Duran
The best I saved for the last. Duran Duran is an inspiration to many contemporary artists from all genres of music, is admired by millions of people ever and today still and its members have been the first crush of many young women and heros of many men. They officially released 13 albums and there are hits from every one of each. A whole generation grew up with Duran Duran, and it is fantastic to see that they are still around as successful as ever. And yes, I had my first crush in life on John Taylor, but since my teenager years, Simon Le Bon is my ultimate choice.
Last night after I suddenly remembered all about Guns'n'Roses and others, I went back in time even more, to my childhood in the 80's, and those bands whose songs I had memorized flawlessly, at the age of 7-8, without even knowing what the lyrics were about.
Here's 15 bands from that era; most of them you might remember, some of those were not easy for me to find for even though I had known the band's name and the lyrics etc, I could not remember the name of the song, hence I had to watch every little clip I came across. In most of those clips, you can see that the elements of synthpop, the heavy use of synthesizers, are perfectly in accordance with the visual style of the time, the hair, make-up, fashion, even the environment.
Falco
The Austrian musician Falco is surely one of the most eccentric characters of that time, and you can get this from the video clip I chose, below. His most famous songs are Rock Me Amadeus and Jeanny, and he is the first and so far only artist to score a #1 Hit in the U.S. with a German language song (wikipedia). He died in 1998, at the age of 41, in an accident, while he was preparing for a comeback into the music world.
Nena
Mostly remembered by her 1984 hit 99 Luftballons, Nena had been one of the most famous German musicians all over the world, even before the Berlin wall was pulled down. Her glamour days came back when her career re-emerged in 2002, but personally, I always remember her with her hair and wristbands, and skintight clothes, all symbols of the 80's.
Kim Wilde
This English lady was rather my brother's favourite blonde, but I remember her with a cat-woman look of hers. Throughout her career, she has been an inspiration for many artists, such as Sandra Kim and Iranian cartoonist Marjane Satrapi, she covered many artists, such as The Supremes and The Yardbirds, and has been covered by many more, such as Atomic Kitten, Bloodhound Gang and The Muffs.
Spandau Ballet
I had not taken this British band seriously when I was a child, but I rediscovered them years later when I was in university. They were very popular in the 80's, split in 1990 and announced reunion in 2009. Somehow, they are the closest I feel to my musical taste of today, besides Falco.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
The English band from Liverpool had been especially famous for their all-time favourite hit Relax, which was banned by BBC for its overtly sexual album cover, video clip and lyrics, however this did not prevent the track from topping the charts immediately the following week; it may even have contributed to the result! Relax stayed at #1 for five weeks, during which time the BBC could not feature the nation's best-selling single on their flagship TV chart show.
Opus
During the mid-80's, on the only TV channel of Turkey TRT-1, in the interlude of the football games, they used to show live performances of those pop bands, such as the Austrian band Opus, and their one and only hit, Life is Live. And yet, it is such an unforgettable popularity which this song had, that the moment you write opus on google video, it suggests 'opus life is life' - and yes, many people still believe today that the song was actually called life is life.
- 74 -
A-ha
For the past few years, I have been very much into the Nordic music, and yet, I had been a big fan of a Nordic band years ago too, the Norwegian a-ha. They have released 9 albums totally, starting from the 80's until today, and have had continuous success with many hits. Their video clips have also been always very impressive, especially the almost-groundbreaking-for-that-time Take On Me.
Limahl
I seriously do not remember anything but hair, about this guy. And all I know now is that he is English, and that he had once been the lead singer of Kajagoogoo. So, here is his solo career's soundtrack hit, NeverEnding Story. A few months ago I saw a recent photo of him, and thought, oh my, where has all that hair gone?
Modern Talking
They HAVE TO be mentioned, they just have to. How can we ever forget the Jacqueline Bisset-like hair and make-up of Thomas Anders and his ever swinging while playing guitar blonde partner, Dieter Bohlen? The make-up of Anders on the national TV channel was bizarre to many parents in Turkey at the time, but hey, Zeki Muren had been going on stage with a mini-skirt even before that, right?
Tears For Fears
When I had heard that group on the radio, I would usually mistake them for Depeche Mode; well, shame on me.
Sandra
She is the mysterious voice in Michael Cretu's project Enigma. But there is more to that in this pretty German, who had plenty of hits in the 80's, such as Maria Magdalena and In The Heat of The Night.
Wham
Today many young people know a solo George Michael, but there has once been an Andrew Ridgeley along with him, making the band Wham! Today Ridgeley is an environmentalist and a surfing equipment manufacturer.
ZZ Top
The long bearded, red-ish haired guys with always sun glasses on, ZZ Top, had in fact been formed back in 1969, however, they reached the peak of their career in 1980's, with hits such as Gimme All Your Lovin' and Legs. The group's members have been the source of inspiration for many artists in popular culture, and made appearances in many tv shows and movies, such as Back to The Future Part III and King of the Hills.
Laura Branigan
I do not know if the American singer - actress of Irish ancestry, Laura Branigan, had had any other hit other Self Control, but this one hit is clearly one of the biggest icons of the 80's. She died in 2004, due a to previously undiagnosed brain aneurysm.
Duran Duran
The best I saved for the last. Duran Duran is an inspiration to many contemporary artists from all genres of music, is admired by millions of people ever and today still and its members have been the first crush of many young women and heros of many men. They officially released 13 albums and there are hits from every one of each. A whole generation grew up with Duran Duran, and it is fantastic to see that they are still around as successful as ever. And yes, I had my first crush in life on John Taylor, but since my teenager years, Simon Le Bon is my ultimate choice.
Patience, Easy, Alone; Is This Love?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Etz Limon
Have you ever wondered how it would be like had the world been governed by women, instead of men?
***
Salma Zidane is a widow living on a small estate on the West Bank border between Israel and Palestine. She has a beautiful lemon grove that she inherited from her father and the grove had been there for almost 60 years. Salma leads a rather lonely and yet peaceful life, with the grove occupying almost all her time, making it both her hobby and where she earns her living. This peaceful and quiet life is completely destroyed when her new neighbours, the new Israeli Defense Minister and his wife move in the other side of the border. Fearing that the lemon trees can be a threat to the minister family's life for they are convenient for terrorists to hide among and attack the minister, Israeli secret service decides that the trees should be uprooted. However, Salma, as a very courageous woman, does not simply obey and leave; she fights for her memories, for her life, for something that the cold hand of the states never can and will be able to understand, and in this struggle, she finds support in a completely unexpected person: the minister's wife, Mira.
Etz Limon is a 2008 film by Israeli director Eran Riklis. It is a highly acclaimed movie which has received several awards and nominations throughout various festivals in the world.
At first glance, it is one of those commonly-known movies: there is a global subject, the war between Israel and Palestine in this case, and instead of using images of brutal violence, the message is given through a modest but more real story of the lonesome individual, Salma and her emotional bond with her trees now under threat, which then attracts the attention of many people around the world, becoming an example. The story to be taken from real life does not spoil the repetitiveness of such a common way to handle the issues in the global movie scene. Yet, this time, maybe because the story is of a conflict that has been around somehow all my life or because in the center, it is a woman's story, I feel that the film does not become a cliche, rather, it becomes a classic.
The movie deals with so many issues at once; first of all it shows who is really damaged in such a conflict - the people that those governments are supposedly fighting in the name of, to protect their freedom and rights. Yet, while the states are now doing nothing but building walls and walls and walls, the people in every and each one of them suffer the consequences of such violence and closure. While not all the Israelis despise the Palestinians, not all the latter are terrorists. The defense minister is a symbol of orthodox point of view, however his wife is the hope, the hope that one day people will start thinking and put an end to this, saying to each other, we are sorry. The center of the two neighbours' conflict to be a living thing, a beautiful tree is rather ironic, in a way that shows that the states care about nothing but huge chunks of concrete, in the name of protection, which will sweep over the delicate beings of those trees with its bulk existence; such as the governments over the little people.
Another grand issue that the movie deals with is the women's place in the societies where the male dominancy is the real thing in every level and in every corner. While Salma is left alone in her struggle by her own people, those that should support her put an even heavier pressure on her instead, in the name of so-called chastity and honour. On the other side, Mira is under the pressure of what is expected from her, a woman in her status, by her husband, and her people. Both women should shut up and obey, and this is more or less what they do, with Salma's eyes screaming and Mira's tears revolting. Where is the freedom that people are dying for?
Etz Limon is hard to write about, for those it reminds of are the subjects not so easy to talk about, for in reality many of those seem unsolvable. But even the highest concrete walls can be pulled down one day, with the people finally joining each other in peace. Well, there is always hope.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
A classic is always a life-saver. Whenever you desperately want to find a movie but can not choose which, there is always one, hidden in your archive waiting for the moment it will come out, again, as it had been for years and years; and Cat On A Hot Thin Roof is certainly one of those.
I have known the story of the movie for a long time; I had read the play by Tennessee Williams when I was 15 and seen the film version the first time about 7 years ago. The play had won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1955 and the movie adaptation had been nominated for various academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Newman), Best Actress (Taylor), and Best Director (Brooks). It tells the story of a family in crisis, the wealthy Pollitts. While in the center, there is the unhappy couple Brick and Maggie 'the cat' Pollitt and their struggle with each other due to some issues revealed little by little as the play proceeds, around them is the whole family fighting over the conflict of each other's interests.
The play revolves around several themes; mendacity, a word that is often used by the younger son Brick to describe his feeling of disgust for the life he has been living in; lies running through the whole family, except for Brick, about Big Daddy's deteriorating health; and a hidden presence of homosexuality, between Brick and his friend Skipper, which is more dominant in the original play rather than the movie version in which it is more like an expression of mixed feelings, and a strong admiration. There is a continuous fight between and within the characters, as the inevitable death of the authoritarian head of the family, Big Daddy, is soon to happen and the long unspoken and waiting family issues can no longer be hidden for there is not much time left.
As an admirer of the classics, I must say that I did find the whole setting and the actings by the characters incredible, although they are quite theatrical; however, if you look at the movies of that era, you will find all of the movies are like so, different than today's characterizations that we find successful; rather than a complete correspondence to reality, a more or less exaggerated style that makes each a sculpturesque icon. And yet, this exaggeration does not take away the credibility, it even makes it stronger.
If you still have not watched Cat On A Hot Thin Roof, I would definitely suggest you do. Even if you do not like the classics, at least watch it in memory of a young and shining-faced Paul Newman, and for an admiration of beautiful 26 years old Elizabeth Taylor.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Catch and Release
I do not like Jennifer Garner. I had seen Erin Brokovich but I had not found it very special, so I do not have some strong feelings for Susannah Grant. I do not recall Timothy Olyphant from any of the movies he has been in. I like watching lighthearted romantic comedies from time to time just to spend some easy time however I never think of writing anything about them, nor discussing about them with friends. I do know Kevin Smith and I like him just a little, again, no special admiration for him. And yet, there is something about Catch and Release that I can not describe, which attracts me to it, and every now and then makes me want to see it again and again, and even makes me want to write about it, to share.
Catch and Release is a 2006 movie about a young woman, Gray (Jennifer Garner), trying to reconcile with the death of her fiance right before the wedding, and how her life and even herself changes when she finds out the truth about him, which has been long unknown to her. While Gray picks up the happy pieces in her 6 years relationship with Grady and starts to move on, she finds out that Grady had been having an affair with another woman in L.A. and there is even a child involved. This is extremely unexpected news, for Gray and Grady had been the perfect couple for years, and he had been a hero, the man, in most of his friends' and aquaintances' lives. As she learns the reality bit by bit from Grady's best friend, Fritz, and from the other woman (Juliette Lewis) herself when she suddenly shows up with her kid, she finds out the real Grady, and her real self, and falls for Fritz, who is definitely not her style.
The movie received absolutely negative reviews from almost all the official critics and from the audience, however, there is something promising in it. One of the best things about the movie is to have Kevin Smith in the cast, who is very famous and successful in the Indie movie scene, and his presence turns the movie's style a little bit indie-ish at some point. Other than Smith and Juliette Lewis, the performances of the remaining cast is not remarkable at all, and yet, this is not all that discouraging or disturbing. The character developments are extremely weak for some, however, it is pleasant to see how one thinks she knows her beloved deeply when in reality there is a whole different him, which, for sure, may happen in real life; in most of the romantic comedies there is one quite exaggerated bad guy and other people are usually cute and funny and nice, however, Catch and Release's characters are true people with their own flaws or search for perfections.
There is one other remarkable feature of the film, the soundtrack. Although usually I do not like listening to that genre, the music suits the movie perfect. The list of the musicians include Death Cab For Cutie, Foo Fighters (and I seriously can not stand that band normally), Joshua Radin, The Lemonheads and many more. They are certainly the best choices for the movie and the music surely adds a more indie feeling to it.
Therefore, Catch and Release is totally catchy and it gives a certain feeling of peace in the end. A good choice of 124 minutes I assure you, for a, let's say, calm, week day's evening. Oh, and Timothy Olyphant, as Fritz, who looks like a 20-something guy, is 41 years old, an impressive detail.
Catch and Release is a 2006 movie about a young woman, Gray (Jennifer Garner), trying to reconcile with the death of her fiance right before the wedding, and how her life and even herself changes when she finds out the truth about him, which has been long unknown to her. While Gray picks up the happy pieces in her 6 years relationship with Grady and starts to move on, she finds out that Grady had been having an affair with another woman in L.A. and there is even a child involved. This is extremely unexpected news, for Gray and Grady had been the perfect couple for years, and he had been a hero, the man, in most of his friends' and aquaintances' lives. As she learns the reality bit by bit from Grady's best friend, Fritz, and from the other woman (Juliette Lewis) herself when she suddenly shows up with her kid, she finds out the real Grady, and her real self, and falls for Fritz, who is definitely not her style.
The movie received absolutely negative reviews from almost all the official critics and from the audience, however, there is something promising in it. One of the best things about the movie is to have Kevin Smith in the cast, who is very famous and successful in the Indie movie scene, and his presence turns the movie's style a little bit indie-ish at some point. Other than Smith and Juliette Lewis, the performances of the remaining cast is not remarkable at all, and yet, this is not all that discouraging or disturbing. The character developments are extremely weak for some, however, it is pleasant to see how one thinks she knows her beloved deeply when in reality there is a whole different him, which, for sure, may happen in real life; in most of the romantic comedies there is one quite exaggerated bad guy and other people are usually cute and funny and nice, however, Catch and Release's characters are true people with their own flaws or search for perfections.
There is one other remarkable feature of the film, the soundtrack. Although usually I do not like listening to that genre, the music suits the movie perfect. The list of the musicians include Death Cab For Cutie, Foo Fighters (and I seriously can not stand that band normally), Joshua Radin, The Lemonheads and many more. They are certainly the best choices for the movie and the music surely adds a more indie feeling to it.
Therefore, Catch and Release is totally catchy and it gives a certain feeling of peace in the end. A good choice of 124 minutes I assure you, for a, let's say, calm, week day's evening. Oh, and Timothy Olyphant, as Fritz, who looks like a 20-something guy, is 41 years old, an impressive detail.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A Jihad for Love
Trailer: A JIHAD FOR LOVE
First of all, a glory to the filmmaker, Parvez Sharma, for he has bravely opened this extremely problematic - and nonetheless dangerous for some - issue of homosexuals in Muslim community into discussion. Yes, it is a brave act, for those people are facing various forms of death penalties or brutal punishments under the extremist laws of the sharia, thus being forced to lead secret lives or denials.
The documentary opens with Muhsin Hendricks, a gay imam in South Africa, who has been forced to resign from his work in two muslim theological schools when his homosexual identity has been revealed. Following this, he confronts a mufti, A.K. Hoosen, who seems to be ready for a discussion, however, the only answer he can get from Hoosen is that male sex is strictly forbidden in Islam, and the only interpretation can be given for the means of punishment. What is interesting here is that, while a rather rational and analytic interpretation of what is written in the Qur'an about Sodom and Gomorrah results not in male to male sexuality but in male rape, the mufti is insistent in the orthodox belief that the sura in the Qur'an is not open to discussion at all and one can not reinterpret the content of it according to his/her own desires. This, I believe, is also the biggest glitch in any monotheist religion, especially Islam; to bluntly accept the literal meaning of the content without any further reasoning. The film then moves on to other examples of homosexuals from various Muslim countries, such as Egypt or Iran; the countries where people escape from, in order to save their lives, leaving their loved ones, families, friends, and memories, thus, a part of their hearts, behind. Yet, wherever they run off to, the guilt inside in most of them continue to pursue them, for they constantly seek for an acceptance by their religion lo be able to love both the one for each, and God.
It is inconceivable both to believe that God loves and forgives all, and he has created everyone equal, and to punish those who are different from the average normal. The absurdity of not allowing any logical reasoning is simply the desire to have an absolute power over the crowds and is also an easier - and lazier - way to rule out the extraordinary. Therefore, in the most brutal way, the people on the edge are basically tortured and punished in the name of Allah, or, if lucky enough, are told that they have disease which they must get rid of. One of the most incredible solution these people are advised to get cured is to get married. This is all to erase a problem from the surface of the society, by creating a fake reality, leaving the ever-suffering individual on his own with his/her deepest self-guilt.
Gays, lesbians, women etc., who are under suppression in those countries of limited freedom for limited number - and kind - of people will try to get their freedom by running away, committing suicide or denying their identities, and the question is, until when ? Do those in power think that one day those that are the lowest for them will all kill themselves or get lost forever in their depressions and therefore the society will be saved - or cleaned - from them ? Will it suddenly go away after some time ? How many lives will it take to realize that it is only natural and usual, to be unusual ? The ever homophobic societies, specifically Muslim world in this case, will continue to use physical and psychological violence against homosexuals as long as dogma is the ruler, and the humanity will never get higher to a more peaceful and more enlightened level.
As Muhsin explains, a jihad does not necessarily mean a holy war, but is a general word struggle, hence, it is a true jihad for the suppressed to fight for their rights to one of the basic needs of humanity, love. After all, as far as this life on earth is concerned, we are still humans.
First of all, a glory to the filmmaker, Parvez Sharma, for he has bravely opened this extremely problematic - and nonetheless dangerous for some - issue of homosexuals in Muslim community into discussion. Yes, it is a brave act, for those people are facing various forms of death penalties or brutal punishments under the extremist laws of the sharia, thus being forced to lead secret lives or denials.
The documentary opens with Muhsin Hendricks, a gay imam in South Africa, who has been forced to resign from his work in two muslim theological schools when his homosexual identity has been revealed. Following this, he confronts a mufti, A.K. Hoosen, who seems to be ready for a discussion, however, the only answer he can get from Hoosen is that male sex is strictly forbidden in Islam, and the only interpretation can be given for the means of punishment. What is interesting here is that, while a rather rational and analytic interpretation of what is written in the Qur'an about Sodom and Gomorrah results not in male to male sexuality but in male rape, the mufti is insistent in the orthodox belief that the sura in the Qur'an is not open to discussion at all and one can not reinterpret the content of it according to his/her own desires. This, I believe, is also the biggest glitch in any monotheist religion, especially Islam; to bluntly accept the literal meaning of the content without any further reasoning. The film then moves on to other examples of homosexuals from various Muslim countries, such as Egypt or Iran; the countries where people escape from, in order to save their lives, leaving their loved ones, families, friends, and memories, thus, a part of their hearts, behind. Yet, wherever they run off to, the guilt inside in most of them continue to pursue them, for they constantly seek for an acceptance by their religion lo be able to love both the one for each, and God.
It is inconceivable both to believe that God loves and forgives all, and he has created everyone equal, and to punish those who are different from the average normal. The absurdity of not allowing any logical reasoning is simply the desire to have an absolute power over the crowds and is also an easier - and lazier - way to rule out the extraordinary. Therefore, in the most brutal way, the people on the edge are basically tortured and punished in the name of Allah, or, if lucky enough, are told that they have disease which they must get rid of. One of the most incredible solution these people are advised to get cured is to get married. This is all to erase a problem from the surface of the society, by creating a fake reality, leaving the ever-suffering individual on his own with his/her deepest self-guilt.
Gays, lesbians, women etc., who are under suppression in those countries of limited freedom for limited number - and kind - of people will try to get their freedom by running away, committing suicide or denying their identities, and the question is, until when ? Do those in power think that one day those that are the lowest for them will all kill themselves or get lost forever in their depressions and therefore the society will be saved - or cleaned - from them ? Will it suddenly go away after some time ? How many lives will it take to realize that it is only natural and usual, to be unusual ? The ever homophobic societies, specifically Muslim world in this case, will continue to use physical and psychological violence against homosexuals as long as dogma is the ruler, and the humanity will never get higher to a more peaceful and more enlightened level.
As Muhsin explains, a jihad does not necessarily mean a holy war, but is a general word struggle, hence, it is a true jihad for the suppressed to fight for their rights to one of the basic needs of humanity, love. After all, as far as this life on earth is concerned, we are still humans.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Naked World: America Undercover
Contemporary art has taken various forms over the last few decades; installations, performances, photography, ready-made objects, documents, they are all examples of elements of art in today's art scene, which is commonly referred to as conceptual art. The metamorphosis of the art object and the artist has transformed the art making to a holistic, interactive process, thus, turning the product to a timeline consisting of making, presenting, comprehending and reinterpreting.
Spencer Tunick is an American artist who has been documenting live nude in public since 1992, by video and photography. He has made large scale installations in various cities in the world, such as Montreal, Barcelona, Melbourne and London and he has been to every continent, from Europe to Antarctica, photographing nude individuals, all in public spaces. Naked World: America Undercover is an HBO documentary presenting the artistic voyage of Tunick in his intercontinental project. It is the second documentary in the series, following Naked States (2000), about Tunick's journey, photographing, throughout United States.
Spencer Tunick has chosen an extremely controversial subject. Nudity may be a very natural concept, however, today, it is considered as a very private matter, not to be shared by public, and this is not an idea of innate closure in only some part of the world, but also in diverse cultures. Therefore, if one dares to challenge one of the biggest notions that had shaped the world throughout centuries, he should have something more to say, other than it is a natural beauty. Unfortunately, Naked World falls behind to expose Tunick's manifestation on the matter. When you see the documentary, you get the idea of the artist doing this only to make something - anything - different, and it is the people who pose for him that add a meaning to this anything, with their own reasons to contribute and their comments. The discussion may go further, as the concept of art production allows the process explained in the previous sentence to be interpreted as contemporary art. However, luckily, the artist himself has more significant declarations than those in the documentary, such as the following, taken from another interview:
Instead of the idea that lies behind this work, what Naked World successfully shows, however, is the reaction of people in the cities Tunick has been to, depending on the cultures and traditions, and there are quite surprising results. For instance, many people may think that France would have been very tolerant to such a stimulating idea, but their reply is a total no, leaving the artist with barely two people accepting to pose, and even in very hard reactions from local authorities. While the uneasiness in cities such as Paris or Tokyo is interesting to see, Tunick's reactions and comments are no more than a complete ignorance, unaware of the cultures he faces with. I would expect him to have made a deeper research about those countries and their traditions, instead of simply packing and going, without a prior comprehension. I believe, had he done that, he would not have accused people of being rude, when they did not even want to listen or speak to him.
Therefore, I seriously suggest you to see this documentary, however, to also make a further research about the artist, since there is so much more to him than that 6-continents voyage images rushed within 1 hour. Only then, you may realize that what he has been trying to do and what he has achieved so far, is so further than the clip of 1993 song Sweet Harmony by The Beloved:
And yes, I may pose for him if I ever bump into him - with my own reasons.
Spencer Tunick is an American artist who has been documenting live nude in public since 1992, by video and photography. He has made large scale installations in various cities in the world, such as Montreal, Barcelona, Melbourne and London and he has been to every continent, from Europe to Antarctica, photographing nude individuals, all in public spaces. Naked World: America Undercover is an HBO documentary presenting the artistic voyage of Tunick in his intercontinental project. It is the second documentary in the series, following Naked States (2000), about Tunick's journey, photographing, throughout United States.
Spencer Tunick has chosen an extremely controversial subject. Nudity may be a very natural concept, however, today, it is considered as a very private matter, not to be shared by public, and this is not an idea of innate closure in only some part of the world, but also in diverse cultures. Therefore, if one dares to challenge one of the biggest notions that had shaped the world throughout centuries, he should have something more to say, other than it is a natural beauty. Unfortunately, Naked World falls behind to expose Tunick's manifestation on the matter. When you see the documentary, you get the idea of the artist doing this only to make something - anything - different, and it is the people who pose for him that add a meaning to this anything, with their own reasons to contribute and their comments. The discussion may go further, as the concept of art production allows the process explained in the previous sentence to be interpreted as contemporary art. However, luckily, the artist himself has more significant declarations than those in the documentary, such as the following, taken from another interview:
Instead of the idea that lies behind this work, what Naked World successfully shows, however, is the reaction of people in the cities Tunick has been to, depending on the cultures and traditions, and there are quite surprising results. For instance, many people may think that France would have been very tolerant to such a stimulating idea, but their reply is a total no, leaving the artist with barely two people accepting to pose, and even in very hard reactions from local authorities. While the uneasiness in cities such as Paris or Tokyo is interesting to see, Tunick's reactions and comments are no more than a complete ignorance, unaware of the cultures he faces with. I would expect him to have made a deeper research about those countries and their traditions, instead of simply packing and going, without a prior comprehension. I believe, had he done that, he would not have accused people of being rude, when they did not even want to listen or speak to him.
Therefore, I seriously suggest you to see this documentary, however, to also make a further research about the artist, since there is so much more to him than that 6-continents voyage images rushed within 1 hour. Only then, you may realize that what he has been trying to do and what he has achieved so far, is so further than the clip of 1993 song Sweet Harmony by The Beloved:
And yes, I may pose for him if I ever bump into him - with my own reasons.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Les Invisibles
Plus d'infos sur ce film
- Bruno for Lisa. Bruno pour Lisa.
- Bruno for Lisa. Bruno pour Lisa.
- Bruno looks for Lisa. Bruno cherche Lisa.
- Lisa ?
This is an obsessive world of a musician. It is claustrophobic and he is completely withdrawn from everything around him, except for the sounds, noises and murmurs. One day, his whole world turns upside down with a woman, who turns out to be another obsession. After all, when one starts to obsess, anything can be forced to the extreme.
He is Bruno. All his world is shaped by the sounds around him. He spends all his time with listening and recording, and then turning it all into an experimental piece of music. He also has an electronic music project with a friend, Noël; a project which is about to become labeled. While he is all surrounded by this closed world, he opens up a new passage to another world, symbolized, physically, by a woman named Lisa. She is intriguing, for she has this voice Bruno falls in love with, and she is by all means enigmatic, for the few actual encounters they have is in a hotel room, completely in the dark, making love hours upon hours, without ever seeing each other. All of a sudden, as odd as the beginning, she vanishes. And a search begins, within a delusional mixture of physical world and the noises surrounding it.
Les invisibles, by Thierry Jousse, is an impressive experimental movie, perhaps as experimental as the Bruno's work itself. It lacks a detailed insight to the character, but this is how Bruno wants to be perceived and how he perceives the world himself, thus, it would be a false expectation to get more into him, as he is withdrawn so far. The sub-plots, such as the recording sessions seem a little weak and the connections are quite loose, however, the level of the obsession surpasses them all.
All in all, it is a quite stimulating 85 minutes, and Laurent Lucas is very convincing as the numb faced Bruno who seems a bit dull from outside, however, is as complex as the mixture of noises he collects, from inside.
- Bruno for Lisa. Bruno pour Lisa.
- Bruno for Lisa. Bruno pour Lisa.
- Bruno looks for Lisa. Bruno cherche Lisa.
- Lisa ?
This is an obsessive world of a musician. It is claustrophobic and he is completely withdrawn from everything around him, except for the sounds, noises and murmurs. One day, his whole world turns upside down with a woman, who turns out to be another obsession. After all, when one starts to obsess, anything can be forced to the extreme.
He is Bruno. All his world is shaped by the sounds around him. He spends all his time with listening and recording, and then turning it all into an experimental piece of music. He also has an electronic music project with a friend, Noël; a project which is about to become labeled. While he is all surrounded by this closed world, he opens up a new passage to another world, symbolized, physically, by a woman named Lisa. She is intriguing, for she has this voice Bruno falls in love with, and she is by all means enigmatic, for the few actual encounters they have is in a hotel room, completely in the dark, making love hours upon hours, without ever seeing each other. All of a sudden, as odd as the beginning, she vanishes. And a search begins, within a delusional mixture of physical world and the noises surrounding it.
Les invisibles, by Thierry Jousse, is an impressive experimental movie, perhaps as experimental as the Bruno's work itself. It lacks a detailed insight to the character, but this is how Bruno wants to be perceived and how he perceives the world himself, thus, it would be a false expectation to get more into him, as he is withdrawn so far. The sub-plots, such as the recording sessions seem a little weak and the connections are quite loose, however, the level of the obsession surpasses them all.
All in all, it is a quite stimulating 85 minutes, and Laurent Lucas is very convincing as the numb faced Bruno who seems a bit dull from outside, however, is as complex as the mixture of noises he collects, from inside.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
My Architect: A Son's Journey
My architect - Bande annonce Vost FR
Uploaded by _Caprice_ - Check out other Film & TV videos.
“When I went to high school, I had a teacher in the arts, who was head of the department of Central High, William Grey, and he gave me a course in Architecture, the only course in the high school I am sure, in Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Egyptian, and Gothic Architecture, and at that point two of my colleagues and I realized that only Architecture was to be my life, and how accidental our existences really are, and how influenced by circumstance.”
Louis I. Kahn
I did not know much about Louis Kahn before I had seen this documentary; and I must admit that I still have kind of a vague idea after that. It is quite comprehensible, for the documentary is fundamentally Kahn's illegitimate son Nathaniel Kahn's personal search for the realities of his father who had remained quite unknown and mysterious to him since the architect's death in 1974, when Nathaniel was 12. And yet, I do not think that this search had helped Nathaniel much either - at least within the extent of this documentary - to redefine his father, as a father, rather than an architect.
Louis I. Kahn (1902 - 1974) was a world-renowned architect. His works are not many in number, however, that does not prevent him from being identified as "a philosopher among architects", for I. M. Pei explains that it is not quantity that counts, but quality. His buildings are often monumental, with heavy weights, showing the exact characteristics of the materials he used. I believe that the most impressive feature of Kahn's style are the clearly seen influence by ancient ruins and the lighting inside. The huge mass of his buildings, when compared to human scale, appears to look cold for many people, nonetheless, I believe that one has to be inside them to perceive the impact he was trying to create. The world recognizes the man with his works and his passion for architecture, hence, Nathaniel is rightfully following the same path to get closer to his father, going through Kahn's works and interviewing his colleagues and contemporaries.
The story of the documentary is a very intimate one indeed, for the searching son's existence is unknown to many people that he interviewed and is quite a shock to learn about, after almost 30 years passed after Kahn's death. The interviews, especially those with colleagues, often start with a talk about how a grand architect Louis Kahn had been, following the revelation of the intimate fact by Nathaniel. It is as if the son had been desperately trying to create memories which could have been lived years ago had Kahn took him to work or to all the journeys to India or Bangladesh, showing him the wonders of architecture, hence shared his life. However, when Louis Kahn is examined in details, it is clearly seen that, illegitimate or not, those memories may never have been created, for the man was a big piece of solitude in nature.
The idea of the documentary may be intriguing, but the result is not so significant. It ends with an indication by Nathaniel that he may finally let his father go, however, it is not convincing. Furthermore, i do believe that one would be filled with even more questions after all that. The whole 135 minutes is like the first stage for Nathaniel, the introduction part, for now he has revealed the fact that preyed on his mind for years, the truth about the bastard, in his own words, but now there is even more to be done and to search for. It almost feels like, despite the few actual memories he had with Lou, and despite the surname, he always had the sense of Lou as a ghost, rather than a father. And yet, I think, Louis Kahn still continues to be the world-renowned architect for his son, and it is possible that Nathaniel Kahn will never completely recover the ancient ruins of a long-lost father.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
