Vimeo’s Videos We Like is quickly becoming my favourite place for film inspiration. Here are a few of my recent favourites:
The Dancer from Kensington on Vimeo.
Preguntas Hermosas from Süperfad on Vimeo.
iPad + Velcro from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.
My Father from Christine Schmitthenner on Vimeo.
I have a bit of a thing for beautifully shot television commercials. One of my weaknesses as a filmmaker is sometimes being more concerned with visuals than storytelling, probably because I come from a Graphic Design, Illustration and Visual Effects background.
I’m also something of a perfectionist, and I think the reason I’m attracted to commercials is that they present a format of film-making where it is more achievable to create a product that is (close to) perfect; where every shot is planned and executed in a precise and beautiful way.
I think that when this happens in feature film-making, it often affects the quality of storytelling. Wes Anderson, for example, is an auteur who is obviously extremely meticulous and precise in the planning and execution of every shot in his films – blocking, lighting, production design etc.
Now, I adore Wes Anderson; I think he is an excellent comedic writer, character writer and production designer (though not credited, I’m going to bet that he is very involved and very particular when it comes to the production design of his films). However, I don’t believe that storytelling, in terms of plot and story arcs, is his strength. It’s almost like all that meticulous set design and those hilarious, intricate characters leave the plot feeling kind of stale – and this is where he gets much of his criticism. I’m just too in love with the characters and visual worlds he creates to care.
I think it takes an extremely talented group of filmmakers to achieve a natural and strong story arc in a film that is so meticulously planned and stylized in the areas production design and cinematography. Jean-Pierre Jeunet with Claudie Ossard (Producer) do it wonderfully in Amelie and Delicatessen, but I can’t think of many other examples.
Anyway, I’ve totally lost my train of thought, but I think what I’m getting at is that advertising allows for gorgeous, meticulously planned shots with little or no sacrifice to storytelling ability.
So here are a few beautiful advertisements:
Thailand produces some great commercials. It’s kind of amusing that this one is so serious and emotional, while advertising something as trivial as Shampoo and Conditioner, but lovely regardless.
Gives me goosebumps every single time. A great example of the importance of sound design, also.
Really gorgeous cinematography and production design (particularly costume) in this one.
And just because Wes is amazing:
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The beading detail on this dress is absolutely stunning, and I love how pale and flawless her skin is. Though, to be honest, I think this dress would look nicer on someone with more curves. It’s looking a little awkward around her hips, in my opinion, but she pulls it off.
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I can’t even express to you how much I love it when I can combine fashion and nerdyness in this blog.
Jobs is at the Oscars supporting Pixar’s ‘Up’ and is looking very smart in a suit I cannot identify. I am glad to see he put away his black turtleneck for the occasion.
Steve Jobs is the co-founder of Apple, previously a CEO at Pixar and currently the largest shareholder in Walt Disney. He is the idol of technology-enthusiasts and entrepreneurs the world over.
And on a slightly un-related note, I still very much want the Steve Jobs doll:
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I don’t go crazy for Oscars fashion. I find layered, casual outfits so much more interesting than straight formal wear. But I do love Haute Couture and there was a nice selection on display from the AW 2010 runways at the Oscars this year.
I also thought Miley Cyrus looked adorable, and Meryl Streep looked very elegant and age appropriate. Who was your favorite?
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Here are some captures from a music video I was working on last month. It was shot on 16mm film.
I did little things like comped out light cords and added the little fireflies, lights and explosions. Due to massive time constraints it does not at all reflect my best work (at all, hahahaha sad) but the actual shots are still quite pretty.
Continue reading…
I love Penelope Cruz. I think she’s just the prettiest lady in the world, especially in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I am looking forward to seeing her in Broken Embraces – it is directed by Pedro Almodóvar, who I think is just brilliant.
x Joelle
Directed by Michel Gondry. So many people hate this film – I happen to be quite madly in love with it. I think it’s a beautiful, surreal, whimsical mess. Of course, it helps that I equally in love Michel Gondry, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Gael Garcia Bernal.
Continue reading…
I needed a break from editing Anonymous this evening, so I decided to cut together this quick little video of my time living in Arequipa, Peru, and volunteering at an NGO called Traveller Not Tourist. It makes me grin like and idiot looking back over this footage (which was shot on my crappy point-and-shoot digital camera, by the way, so excuse the quality). I miss these kids so much!
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I’ve been away the past few days working on the production of a short film called ‘Anonyomus’, directed by a friend of mine. It’s for the festival circuit. We shot over two nights and it all went fairly well. It’s now my job to take home all the footage and edit together a final cut.
“Anonymous” is a short film about broken hearted men who gather to discuss their problems
within a group therapy environment. The film is monologue driven with three characters who
openly express the issues that were heightened in their previous relationship. Written by Daniel Stockwell, Produced by Touché Productions.
Here’s me on the set on day one, filling in as a clapper for a take:
Don’t worry, that’s not normally how I’d be dressed on a production set! It was extremely hot – like 40+ degrees. We had to have all the windows closed for sound quality and there were a lot of heavy-duty lights generating a disgusting amount of heat. Not my most fashionable moment.
I am, however, in love with this men’s singlet (pictured above) that I bought from Cotton On a few days ago. I always end up buying clothes from the boy’s section when i got into that store for some reason. But anyway, it’s so incredibly comfy and breezy; perfect for summer! I’ll post a better pic of it at some point, because the design on front is quite cool. The thing around my neck is a stopwatch, by the way, not a necklace.
I’m also currently working on/ stressing over some visual effects for a beautifully music video shot on 16mm film. I’d love to show you all, but the video contains footage of a film not yet released, so unfortunately, I cant until the screening date. I’ll keep you posted.
Happy Christmas month!
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