Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
5 Signs You're Watching A Wes Anderson Movie
5- Bill Murray Being Serious
If you're seeing this comic king in a movie that was made in the past ten years it's probably a Wes Anderson movie. Of the last fifteen film projects Murray has done four have been with Anderson. It was his role in "Rushmore" that made him an indie-film darling with such directors as Jim Jarmusch and Sofia Coppola. Murray has a strong commitment to Anderson, backing up the director by pulling out of his own pocket to help shoot a scene and also working for free in "The Royal Tenenbaums". Their film relationship has produced some interesting film experiences as well as a partnership of respect and comradeship.
4- Slow Motion Endings
In all but one of his films, Anderson has ended with the slow motion shot. We saw Dignan leaving for prison in "Bottle Rocket", Max's Dance with Miss Cross in "Rushmore", Royal Tenenbaums's funeral, and Steve Zissou walk the red carpet all in slow motion into the end credits. It's a signature style that Anderson has replicated in most of his films. Also notice the credits, first name in lower and uppercase but the last name is always uppercase. The only movie that broke the slow motion ending tradition? "The Darjeeling Limited," which began with a slow motion shot of Peter Whitman barely making the namesake train.
3- Mise en Scene
It's all about the details. If you're watching a movie and you feel slightly distorted by a wide angle shots and balanced symmetry of props, then you're in Anderson heaven. Each frame of an Anderson film is packed with props, and a balanced symmetry of the frame, causing slight distortion. This effect can feel almost dream-like, creating a vision that blurs reality with enhanced color palettes as well as elaborate production design. Several of his films use actual sets such as Steve Zissou's boat to contribute an elaborate environment to the story. When there is way too much stuff on the walls in 2.35: 1 aspect ratio you're probably watching a Wes Anderson production.
2- Deteriorating Family
Every Anderson film has a family struggling throughout the narrative. Bob's abuse from his brother Futureman, Mr. Blume's redheaded asshole children, The Tenenbaums, Steve Zissou connecting with his son, and the brothers on board the Darjeeling Limited. Anderson has often stated that J. D. Salinger has been an influence on his writing style balancing the comedy with tragedy at a moment's notice. But Anderson's reflection of families is used as a springboard to address issues such as grief, failure, and regret that have a universal appeal.
1- A Soundtrack You Never Could Have Created
If there's one thing for certain, it's that Anderson can create an amazing soundtrack. His use of sound over the image especially using rock musical compositions has been a trademark since his first film. From the British invasion rock songs of "Rushmore" to the Portuguese David Bowie covers of "Steve Zissou" Anderson's soundtracks have been stellar. With collaboration with Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh for original compositions, Anderson's films are ripe with stand out musical tracks. I bet the mix tapes he makes for his friends are the shit.
(from omglists) (also thanks to Greg for the link)
If you're seeing this comic king in a movie that was made in the past ten years it's probably a Wes Anderson movie. Of the last fifteen film projects Murray has done four have been with Anderson. It was his role in "Rushmore" that made him an indie-film darling with such directors as Jim Jarmusch and Sofia Coppola. Murray has a strong commitment to Anderson, backing up the director by pulling out of his own pocket to help shoot a scene and also working for free in "The Royal Tenenbaums". Their film relationship has produced some interesting film experiences as well as a partnership of respect and comradeship.
4- Slow Motion Endings
In all but one of his films, Anderson has ended with the slow motion shot. We saw Dignan leaving for prison in "Bottle Rocket", Max's Dance with Miss Cross in "Rushmore", Royal Tenenbaums's funeral, and Steve Zissou walk the red carpet all in slow motion into the end credits. It's a signature style that Anderson has replicated in most of his films. Also notice the credits, first name in lower and uppercase but the last name is always uppercase. The only movie that broke the slow motion ending tradition? "The Darjeeling Limited," which began with a slow motion shot of Peter Whitman barely making the namesake train.
3- Mise en Scene
It's all about the details. If you're watching a movie and you feel slightly distorted by a wide angle shots and balanced symmetry of props, then you're in Anderson heaven. Each frame of an Anderson film is packed with props, and a balanced symmetry of the frame, causing slight distortion. This effect can feel almost dream-like, creating a vision that blurs reality with enhanced color palettes as well as elaborate production design. Several of his films use actual sets such as Steve Zissou's boat to contribute an elaborate environment to the story. When there is way too much stuff on the walls in 2.35: 1 aspect ratio you're probably watching a Wes Anderson production.
2- Deteriorating Family
Every Anderson film has a family struggling throughout the narrative. Bob's abuse from his brother Futureman, Mr. Blume's redheaded asshole children, The Tenenbaums, Steve Zissou connecting with his son, and the brothers on board the Darjeeling Limited. Anderson has often stated that J. D. Salinger has been an influence on his writing style balancing the comedy with tragedy at a moment's notice. But Anderson's reflection of families is used as a springboard to address issues such as grief, failure, and regret that have a universal appeal.
1- A Soundtrack You Never Could Have Created
If there's one thing for certain, it's that Anderson can create an amazing soundtrack. His use of sound over the image especially using rock musical compositions has been a trademark since his first film. From the British invasion rock songs of "Rushmore" to the Portuguese David Bowie covers of "Steve Zissou" Anderson's soundtracks have been stellar. With collaboration with Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh for original compositions, Anderson's films are ripe with stand out musical tracks. I bet the mix tapes he makes for his friends are the shit.
(from omglists) (also thanks to Greg for the link)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He's Back?
Any Zombie Jesus sightings today? And if so, any idea if he saw his shadow?
update: Tony has informed me that old people are offended by the idea of Zombie Jesus. In case there are any old people who visit my blog I must say, "Who let you on the Internet?"
Saturday, March 22, 2008
My Most Offensive Post Yet
I'm not sure what it says about me but I was cracking up through this entire thing. It's sorta like a really raunchy "Kids in the Hall" bit mixed with a healthy dose of "Coffee Talk". Be forwarned if you are the sensitive type, this does contain very explicit language.
(thanks to Jeremy for the link)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Exciting New Feature!
I've added a polling section to the side of the page. Exciting indeed! Expect a new poll twice a week. They won't be anything brilliant or profound, but if you frequent this site you already know that. I keeps my blog how I keeps my women: quick, dirty, and random.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Best Thing I've Seen All Week
What could possibly happen to this Canadian news reporter doing a broadcast from the bottom of a sledding hill?
Reporter Owned By Sled - Watch more free videos
And he still follows through with the sign-off! Canadians may not be the brightest bulbs in the chandelier, but they are resilient.
Reporter Owned By Sled - Watch more free videos
And he still follows through with the sign-off! Canadians may not be the brightest bulbs in the chandelier, but they are resilient.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
And We Have What To Show For This, Exactly?
If you're looking for something to get fired up about on your Tuesday, try this on for size:
(from Yahoo News)
In its sixth year, the Iraq war is costing the US about $12 billion a month.
(from Yahoo News)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Confession Of A Former Guitar Hero Advocate
You know that line, "Anything you can do, I can do better"? That should be Rock Band's motto because it is absolutely the one true king of peripheral-based musical rhythm games. My allegiances to Guitar Hero have been severed. I have seen the light.Wednesday, March 05, 2008
GameDaily's Top 10 Greatest Gaming Consoles
10) Nintendo Gamecube
09) Sega Genesis
08) Nintendo 64
07) Nintendo Entertainment System
06) Sony PlayStation
05) Super Nintendo Entertainment System
04) Nintendo DS
03) Sony PlayStation 2
02) Sega Dreamcast
01) Microsoft Xbox 360
Blogger's Note: No arguments here!
(info from gamedaily.com)
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
6 Terrible Cameos That Just About Ruined The Movie
6) Ted Danson in Saving Private Ryan
5) Christopher Lloyd in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
4) M. Night Shyamalan in Signs
3) Matt Damon in Finding Forrester
2) Scott Baio, Red Buttons, Sammy Davis, Jr., Sherman Hemsley, Telly Savalas, Ringo Starr, Ernest Borgnine, Beau Bridges, Lloyd Bridges, Patrick Duffy, Merv Griffin, Karl Malden, Pat Morita, John Stamos, Sally Struthers, Jonathan Winters and many many more in Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass
1) Bruce Willis in Ocean's 12
(from cracked.com)
5) Christopher Lloyd in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
4) M. Night Shyamalan in Signs
3) Matt Damon in Finding Forrester
2) Scott Baio, Red Buttons, Sammy Davis, Jr., Sherman Hemsley, Telly Savalas, Ringo Starr, Ernest Borgnine, Beau Bridges, Lloyd Bridges, Patrick Duffy, Merv Griffin, Karl Malden, Pat Morita, John Stamos, Sally Struthers, Jonathan Winters and many many more in Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass
1) Bruce Willis in Ocean's 12
(from cracked.com)
Available Nights & Weekends
Someone put together a highly scientific test to determine what a person's worth would be as a personal escort. I'm quite pleased with my results and will be turning in my two-weeks notice immediately. To think that I've been doing it for free all this time! If you would like to find out your own value in the sack, simply click on the image.
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Powered By TheirToys
Monday, March 03, 2008
Aged To Perfection
At long last, a huge injustice in the world of old television show libraries made available for consumer purchase has been corrected. Warner Bros. has finally began releasing Perfect Strangers on DVD. I credit this show for helping to shape me into the hilarious human being I am today and it's about damn time it became immortalized in a handy disc form. If you haven't heard already, Perfect Strangers Seasons 1 & 2 are now available for purchase in one attractive package. What's even better is the measly asking price for these 28 episodes is only $24.99! (I was able to score a set for $19.99 at my local Bullmoose Music store. Truth be told, I would have easily paid eight or ten times that price.)
Now you may be thinking to yourself, "Sure, Perfect Strangers was hilarious and fresh when I was a kid but what about now? Could it possibly hold up?" Well I am here to tell you, "Of course it does, don't be ridiculous!" The show has aged extremely well. The interaction between characters is as enjoyable as ever and the jokes still hold up some 20 years later. There was some genuine comedic talent involved in this show and I'm discovering a lot of things about now it that I didn't fully appreciate when I was younger.
But enough rambling; run out and buy it already! We need to band together to ensure they keep releasing future seasons of one of the best sitcoms the 80s had to offer!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Frackin' Sweet
Just because I'm really feeling the Battlestar fever right now...
(You'll definitely want to click on this for a larger view)
He Does Impressions Too
Yes, I realize it's another Matt Damon post but dammit, the guy just keeps being fantastic.
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