My Favourites from 2011

2011 has certainly produced some cracking films (and also some awful ones!) but I will note down my top 5 they are not necessarily the best but they are my favourites and deserve a watch:::::

5----> Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Having been a long time fan of Harry Potter, it was sad to witness the end of what have been not necessarily the best movies but entertaining for fans of the book. I felt the final part created a fitting ending, with a good mix of action and narrative, and although the ending was somewhat cheesy, it did get a great deal of laughs!. One niggle was that they did not really focus on those who had died, losing some of the emotion which is clearly present in the book. Now its all over I feel a bit sad, as there will be no more Harry Potter, to get excited about, so we will just have to settle for the DVD's. Also if you are one of the minority who has not read the books, I highly urge you to do so.


4----> Source code
This film came out earlier in the year, and was the second outing from Duncan Jones. His first film Moon was stunning and was certainly one of my favourites of 2009. Source code was also an engaging watch, a clever film, which many have compared to Inception, a comparison which overshadows it I believe. I was gripped throughout the film with the interesting concept and never guessed who the terrorist actually was. **SPOILER** You may disagree, but I felt that the film could have done without the happy conventional ending, and could have ended on more of a grim note, which would I would have found a bit more realistic. But it still makes the top 5 as it was a well-directed and clever picture.

3----> Hugo
Recently reviewed Hugo, manages to get into my top 5. This is mainly due to Scorsese's ability to create a child's U certificate film which manages to engage both children and adults alike. It is also visually stunning and introduces a new audience to the earliest form of cinema.

2----> Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy
The 1970's looked very grim, and everything in the film emphasised the grey tension and fear that surrounded the time period, and between the characters themselves. It was a film you had to concentrate on, which I personally like. I admit, I was lost at various points but when we get the big reveal at the end it all seems to be clear. Some have commented on it being boring, but I found it a thoughtful adaptation, well worth the recognition that many have given it, and Gary Oldman, well deserves an award for his portrayal of Smiley.

1----> Drive
I didn't think I would enjoy Drive, I envisaged it being something comparable to the Fast and Furious franchise, but it was so much better. Ryan Gosling portrays the central role extremely well, and although there is violence, which at some times was shocking, in the film I believe it works well in the context. Also the soundtrack was just amazing and every musical interlude was well placed fitting the scenes extremely well. It isn't for the faint hearted, but would highly recommenced as you like me will probably be surprised.


2012 definetly looks like an exciting year, especially with the release of the recent trailers...., so HAPPY NEW YEAR, dear readers!!!!

Hugo Review

Children's films really vary in quality, I know I'm not the target audience!!! But I think children much deserve a genuine story than a constant string of fart and sick jokes. Hugo is a very intelligent film and directed by Martin Scorsese we didn't really expect anything else. It manages to tell a heartfelt tale of loss, alongside the birth of modern cinema, and all in the beautiful backdrop of Paris.
The characters are all well developed, and the acting is well executed. Sacha Baron Cohen as the the station guard does seem somewhat of a caricature, but this does harm the story in any way. Personally I have not read the original source material so cannot comment on its accuracy, but it was a film full of emotion and made me check out the films of  Georges Méliès,  which I must say are also well worth a watch. Although I am not the biggest fan of 3D I would have liked to see this in 3D as you could clearly see it was designed to be in this format.

check out the trailer--> Hugo Trailer
★★★★★

Best Christmas Movie Ever

I find it hard to resist the annual charm of such movies as Its a Wonderful Life and a Christmas Carol. Or the cheesy goodness of Love Actually or the Holiday. But i think the best chritmas movie has to be DIE HARD!!! This is mainly because of the bromance between Hans Gruber and John Mclane (aka Rickman and Willis) and its just a good film.


          """"""""Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho"""""""""

Twitter

Another quick update, BIG NEWS we have now launched on twitter, please follow and you will get in return snippets of culture and other important news, that will obviously complete your life. Name @TonicArt1
or follow the link

-->  https://twitter.com/#!/TonicArt1

Hobbit again

Just a quick one the new production video for The Hobbit has hit our computer screens........Check it out now---->>

http://www.thehobbitblog.com/?p=4443

The best of the BBC

Currently on the iplayer are a selection of programmes that are well worth a watch concerning the subject of art.


Firstly Leonardo --The Secret Life of the Mona Lisa which gives an interesting insight into one of the worlds  most famous paintings and artists

 The Secret Life of the Mona Lisa

The Art of the Night presented by charismatic Waldemar Januszczak, who trys to bring to life the various paintings that focus on the subject of the night, from Van Gogh's Starry Night, to Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, showing the various interpretation of this time of day.

The Art of the Night

and well worth the watch is The Culture Show: 2011which gives an interesting overview of the cultural highlights of the year

Culture Show 2011 best of the year

If you have any time try and check out any of this shows...

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN...................

This is going to be a regular feature, you should have seen. It will pick a piece of artwork old or new that i think is worthy of a wider audience, it may already be wellknown, but it may have a very small viewship. So sit back relax and let me know you thoughts on the art....

 Velazquez, Las Hilanderas an ambiguous piece with underlying links to Ovids tale of Arachne and Athena, or a simple depiction of a tapestry workshop...

The Hobbit--> An Unexpected Journey

I know have done quite a few posts about films lately, but there is too much exciting news at the moment, especially the latest trailer to be released; The Hobbit; An unexpected Journey!!!
Although with a realise date of around a year away, director Peter Jackson for the past few months has been teasing us with pictures, videos etc and now ultimate treat: the trailer for next years epic. Jackson opens with the recognisable theme drawing us back into the Tolkien empire and the scenes that play out wet our appetite. From the short snippet, Martin Freeman, appears to play a very convincing and also very cute Bilbo Baggins, and we get a brief introduction to all the dwarfs some of whom I must say look slightly dodgy in there full costume, almost a caricature of there descriptions from the novel. But this is only a minor gripe, and I just hope that the film will live up to its predecessors as a stunning piece of cinema.

Check it out now, and be warned if your like me a massive fan of LOTR's you also will not be able to control your excitement!!!-->
HOBBIT TRAILER

I am now off to go and dress up as a hobbit which hopefully go someway as expressing my excitement!! FOR THE SHIRE, I will stop now.

Dark Knight Rises--> New Trailer

 It is been long in anticipation, but it is finally here the trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, the film to finish off what is set to a highly successfully trilogy. In his film's Nolan has managed to reinvent a concept in a clever way, making Batman not a gimmicky hero, but a character that the audience can truly believe in. His films are dark and brewding with a genuine sense of threat, which is played out with the amazing soundtrack by musical master Hans Zimmer.
This film certainly has a lot to live up to and from the trailer we can see what could potentially be an exciting film. It opens with haunting tones of a choir boy, leading on to a tragic speech by Alfred. Drama is created by the character of Bane, whose imposing form marches forcefully creating a genuine threat especially when we see the collapsing football stadium. We also get the introduction of the new characters, with Anne Hathaway's cat woman, Joseph Gordon Levitt's Police Officer and Marian Coutald's Wayne Employee and probably most exciting Thomas Hardy's Bane. The trailer has given an interesting insight into next years film and it will be good to see whether it manages to live up to the Dark Knight and create a fitting end to what has been a successful series, one which has shown that Blockbusters do not have to be stupid, but can, with the help of Nolan be clever and Thought Provoking.



What do you think?? Check out the new trailer below:::>

Dark Knight Rises Trailer

Whats been on the Box --> Misfits

 

 We come to end of another series of Misfits, when it started there was a certain sense of trepidation due to the departure of audience favourite Nathan, with many left asking whether the show will live up to its previous high standards.  But the addition of Rudy was highly complimentary to the original four and provided many of the laughs throughout the series.

Particular stand out episodes include the zombie outing where Curtis gained the power to bring people back to life, but it sadly resulted in a zombie outbreak, as the resurrected were just walking corpses, leaving only the gang to save the world from infestation. It was well created  and had the right combination of gore and humour, and the zombie cheerleaders were particularly shocking especially when we find out Rudy has an irrational fear of cheerleaders! There was then episode 4 where the Nazi's won the war and managed to take over Britain, and once again it was the five "asbo youths" that had to return the country to its normal, democratic state. It had a certain amount of tension and threat, creating an alter reality that still contain the humour and wit that has come to define Misfits.

SPOILER- Attention must be drawn to the concluding episode, and the unexpected death of Alisha; actual shock!!! and this news was made more final with the announcement on the Twitter page of actress Antonia Thomas(Alisha) that she will not be returning for the 4th series and this likely means that Simon also will not be returning, so this is both sad news due to the exit of potentially two of the main characters, but also quite curious as there is a certain sense of anticipation as to who the new cast members will be....

Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1

Well its finally here the film that many young girls have long been pining over, personally i do not fall into this category, and was somewhat reluctant as i tentatively took my seat in the cinema, the main reason i went was a warm place to escape from the cold! The previous film I found rather boring and the character of Bella Swan incredibly trying as all she ever does is moan and mope, does that girl ever smile?

Breaking Dawn Part 1 started off rather well with Jacob bare chested in the rain, but sadly this was only short lived and it dropped into the moaning angst of their last few outings, and the film ultimately emitted a great stench of cheese. Some points even resulted in outward laughter, including a sequence of talking wolves, which was particularly bad. I must say I rather enjoyed the first film as there was an underlying sense of threat, but i felt this had vanished in this instalment and it just seemed incredibly silly. Yet it was still more enjoyable than having to read the book, which is more useful as a doorstop than a piece of literature.

Bit of Literature --> What a novel Idea

I think everyone has those favourite novels, books we feel we can read over and over again. One of these for me includes Harper Lees' 1960 Pulitzer Prize winning novel To Kill a Mocking Bird. The book for some may just seem to be about a child's journey through life, but the innocence of Scout highlights the hypocrisy within society and questions the inherent racism present at the time, as her simple morals of right and wrong undermine the racist views of many of the adults. There is then the character of Atticus, deep thinking and the ultimate source of morality and who wouldn't want a dad like him, all knowing and wise!
 The film adaptation of the book is highly complementary. This is partly down to Gregory Pecks' portrayal of Atticus Fitch for which he won a well deserved Oscar. But the film manages to perfectly capture the tone of the book and like the original source material has been well like by critics and the public alike.

The book is not only an enjoyable read, but is a powerful portrayal of American southern life acting not only as a piece of fine literature, but as a vehicle for social change.

What is a greater stimulus Music or Art?

Today I attended a debate, where the motion was what is greater stimulus music or art? It is certainly an interesting question as both are things embedded in society and we encounter both at many points during our daily routine.
 Art it is something that completely surrounds us. So a definition of art is something that one must first be decided upon, as what do we class as art; fashion, the design on your pen??
Art is something that can be immersive, take a painting by Picasso the bold forms and lines transport us into an abstract world where we as the audience must derive meaning from the piece. This is somewhat similar to different genres of art, such as sculpture or performance art, which often is dependent on the participation of the audience in order to be complete, take as an example the slides that were placed in the Turbine hall of the Tate Modern, and such a neccessity on audience participation certainly creates a more stimulating experience. But then art is something that is easier to avoid, as we can choose not visit the local art gallery and we can easily walk past a church or a building and even close our eyes in order to prevent encountering a work of art.


Music on the other hand seems somewhat harder to avoid and if you go out in to a town, there is music pumping in nearly all the shops and many of the streets are filling with the tones of street entertainers, meaning there are more opportunities to be stimulated by music. There is that saying "lost in music" and the wide ranging genres help make people become more absorbed in music, and think of festivals such as Glastonbury or the latest boy band concert, where the tickets are sold almost immediately after going on sale, as people want to soak up the atmosphere and experience the music in a first hand environment. This means it is often more far reaching than art, as frenzy's in the art world are mainly caused in the auctions for the famous pieces where the art is brought less for its stimulating and absorbing qualities but more for its value and importance.

But then it is a personal opinion, as some people feel more attached to the art world, whereas other feel a closer connection to music.

DRIVE

Capitalising the title is  necessary, as this film certainly delivers a punch!! The film is based around the central character of the unnamed Driver, expertly played by Ryan Gosling, who manages to pull off the moody introvert. He is a stunt driver/Garage worker who moonlights as a driver for criminal gangs,and for someone who initially shows no apparatus for emotions, becomes involved in the lives of his next door neighbour; Irene and her son.

The best word to describe this movie is cool, from the pink italicised font to the outfits, especially the Drivers which will, surely become a classic. It was certainly well shot by director Nicolas Winding Refn,  and the use of dark and light was highly effective, but the best addition to the film was the soundtrack. It was cleverly entwined into the action, from the general thumping beats at the beginning which played alongside the car chase to the somewhat ethereal 80s tunes which created a direct contrast to the violence expressed in many of the scenes.

However I must expand on my viewing experience, which was slightly ruined by the projector breaking 3/4 of the way into the film, there were hurried exchanges between technicians and rowdy shouts from the audience but their was nothing to be done. The offer of a free film did not really consolidate my desires to see the conclusion, ands returned home with a mind full of speculation over the endings, and so far I have managed to avoid Wikipedia to see the what did occur.

 Since writing the previous section I have now managed to see the end, which although mildly shocking, is a fitting and simple ending atheistically shot and manages to tie in to the sense of emptiness and isolation which runs for the duration of the film.

Some will immediately discount the film due to the use of occasionally gratuitous violence, but it is of the noir genre, so such scenes are somewhat expected. It is a film that should be seen as there has obviously been much thought put into every aspect of its design and production, and although there is violence in it, this is not the central element it is the Driver who seamlessly and effortlessly glides through life, much like the cars which he so confidently controls.

Street Art

 Just thought this article was of some interest, as the pavement has been transformed into an art form playing, with the perspective of the pedestrian. When you see this style of street Art it only works when you see it from one angle, and when seeing it through the form of the photograph this angle is given to you.


Check out the article it can be accessed below:::

Street Art Article

David Hockney--> Is he the most influential British artist of all time?

 A recent poll carried out by The Other Art Fair, got a thousands artists to vote on who they believed was the most influential British Artist. The results are written below::

1. David Hockney

2. J.M.W. Turner

3. Grayson Perry

4. Francis Bacon

5. Jack Vettriano

6. Lucian Freud

7. Thomas Gainsborough

8. Sir Peter Blake

9. Banksy

10. Stanley Spencer

The results are quite interesting, and I think we must first discuss the British artists who are absent. Most notably maybe are some of the member of YBA's, including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Jack and Dinio Chapman. These are people who have made a successful but controversial career in Art, and some have even won the Turner Prize, but the survey clearly shows how many do not see them as inspirational figures; curious considering that a lot of the art press is concentrated around them but maybe they do not see them as true artists due to there sometimes controversial and shocking work, which often seems the main reason for its creation.

Obviously some the names were bound to be on the list including J.M.W. Turner, Lucien Freud and Stanley Spencer. But I find it quite odd that Thomas Gainsborough should be on the list and not John Constable, whose work I find more superior. There are also absences from people such as Sir Joshua Reynolds and the   Pre-Raphaelites, but I suppose the artists who voted although they may like the traditional artist, may not really look to such work for inspiration. It is interesting that many of the artists are more considerable as the modern masters, such as Freud. Also the inclusion of Banksy shows the importance of street art to the modern artist, and it is interesting that he is on on the list, as no one knows who he actually showing it is his art is a key inspiration.

I think we must now move onto David Hockney, personally i was mildly surprised at him being considered the most influential, but when you consider his work I think it is more understandable as to why. Firstly we must first acknowledge the importance of Hockney and his pieces such as Splash (seen below) which among others made a key contribution to pop art in the sixties. His ability to use and master various materials should also be regarded with some merit and such a wide scope of both material and subject may go as some way to understand why he above others is more inspirational.

Art of America

Just a quick post, the BBC have got a new art programme out, and it is led by critic and author Andrew Graham Dixon, it gives an overview of the Art of America right from the start of civilised America. It was a interesting watch and focused on the Art of America that is not usually looked at, and allows you to see the slow transition of the art form the past to the modern day contemporary styles. Andrew Graham Dixon; as always, is always charismatic in his presenting and combines both fact and opinion to instruct the audience about the art. If you have free hour try and watch this programme, as it gives an insight into American art and looks to be a promising series.

 Check out the Link below to watch the first episode of the series ::: Looking for Paradise
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b017755r/Art_of_America_Looking_for_Paradise/

Little Ashes

I am aware this is a film that has been around for a while now, but I have only just recently came across it and wanted to share my thoughts. I think odd is good word to describe the feature, it portrays Dali much like his art work: surreal and mad, and chooses to focus on his rise to fame and his supposed love affair with poet/play write Federico Garcia Lorca. The film just feels a little weak and none of the issues are fully developed and it seems unaware of its true idea choosing to avoid full controversy, and just lightly dips into some of the aspects of Dali's early life. Highlighting the fact maybe more evidence was needed in order to make the film more for filling . Lead actor Robert Patterson certainly helped the film commercially, but I did not feel he was key star, his excitably and almost mocking portrayal was uncomfortable at times especially when compared to the reserved and thoughtful portrayal of Federico Garcia Lorca by actor Javier Beltrán, who should be considered the true star of the film. 

Olympic Art ---> Is it worthy of a Gold Medal

The Olympics is not just about sports and in anticipation for the main event a cultural olymipad has been occuring. Although many havent even heard of it, the project has involved such things as organising art exhibitions and plays. But probably its most publized event is the recent publication of 12 posters advertising the olympics and paralymics created by 12 of Britians top artists.


The posters are all abstract/ modern in design and there is a notable absence of realism within the pieces. The 12 Artists include Fiona Banner, Michael Craig-Martin, Tracey Emin, Gary Hume, Sarah Morris, Bob and Roberta Smith, Martin Creed, Anthea Hamilton, Howard Hodgkin, Chris Ofili, Bridget Riley and Rachel Whiteread; all of whom were shortlisted to create the posters from a list of around 100 artists.

We must take a closer look at some of the posters and there artists. Firstly Howard Hodgkin's Swimming. A simple piece using the material of paint to mimick the fluidity of water, it will be a painting that will divide audiences and many will just see it as a squiggle of a paint brush, but personally Hodgkins has created a dramatic wave which sums up the excitement and drama of a swimming race and the artist himself describes his work as "representational pictures of emotional situations" and through simple brush strokes has capture a vivd sense of movement and fluidity, and ambiguity of the darkened space; is it a swimmer?? adds a further layer of interest to the poster.

Tracey Emin is another one of the artists featured, I have never really been a fan of Emin, mainly because of the shocking nature of her work, which i find quite hard to appreciate, but her olympic poster seems a lot more simple and resigned than usual and its message adds an air of innocence to proceedings, especially with its accompanying plain white background.

One of the posters that I am not particually a fan of is Martin Creed's Work no. 1273, firstly the title, I dont understand why there is a need for an abstract title as I think it alienates the mass market many of whom already see modern art as slightly elitist.  The painting depicts a podium but it has a static and basic element which makes  it personally unapealling, and does not promote an air of achievement. Then there are the colours which are supposed to represent the colours of the olympic rings, but they are muted and dulled down, which once again does not really encourage achievement, making the whole thing seem dull and unassuming.

 Michel Craig-Martins poster I think will be a popular design, his distinctive style is evident and it portrays a very simple and clear of the message that people will be able to understand/connect to.

Although some of the posters have considerable artistic merit. I think the paintings should not be as abstract, as although they evoke a reaction there has already been much controvery over the abstract olympic logo, so such modern posters seem quite an odd move, but they are obviously trying to make an olympics for the modern age. When you compare the posters for the 2012 olympics to the poster for the last olympics held in London in 1948 there is a stark contrast, and I think the 2012 posters make it in noone clear where the olympics are occuring as London is vibrant and cultured host city, but you could not tell thisfrom the posters.

Turner Prize

After realising the short list earlier in the year, the 28^th annual Turner Prize is now on display. This year it is moving away from its usual London Base and up north to the Baltic gallery in Gateshead. This is certainly an interesting change, but maybe an attempt to move away from the controversies of its past and thus allow people to merely focus on the artwork itself. Then I here you say it’s the Turner Prize, a prize focused mainly on the conceptual artist, a style which many find hard to engage with. However this year’s short list certainly offers a more conservative range, although there is a contrast in materiality, there is nothing shocking like in previous years.  The candidate that personally stands out is George Shaw. His paintings which may to some seem mundane, focus on the suburban landscape of Tile Hill in Coventry, where he grew up.  His unpopulated landscapes seem to perfectly capture the dull reality, of suburban life. His material of choice is Humbrol model paints, an interesting feature, as in not only allows him to create precision painting, but helps highlight the uniformity of such a landscape. But whether an artist such as George Shaw has the ability to win the Turner Prize, seems somewhat hard to believe; considering the past winners, but it would certainly be a nice change that these unassuming displays of the sombre reality of everyday life could win such a showy and prestigious prize.

The other candadites include Hilary Lloyd, Karla Black and Martin Boyce.

Lyvden New Build

Hidden amongst the Northamptonshire countryside, is the impressive 16th Century structure of Lyvden New Build. It was the vision of Sir Thomas Tresham; a wealthy intellectual, to create a garden house for him and his guests.  However a number of misfortunes led the structure never to be completed.

As you walk around the house, you notice a certain architectural beauty and this is understandable, as Tresham had a keen interest in this particular art, and took a great deal of time/care on designing Lyvden. He was also a devote catholic and this devotion can be seen prominently within the structure. Firstly one must observe Lyvden from above (below right) and the viewpoint shows how the structure is clearly indicative of a crucifix a key religious symbol. Next you have to get close to the structure to notice of the repeating pattern of symbols that surround the house, featuring such religious motifs as Judas’s money bag; the Crown of Thorns, ladder and spear used in the Crucifixion.

repeating religious motifs

Lyvden from above

However maybe the most interesting feature is the use of numerology. The lodge is noticeably symmetrical, but what you may be unaware of is that its precise measurements have an underlying  religious meaning, take for example the plan, which consists of 5 equal squares; and each bay has 5 sides measuring 5 feet long and following this concept everything within the building, is either a multiple of 3,5 or 7.

3--> Is the number of the trinity

5--> The number of Christ and the Incarnation

7-->Is the number of the Godhead

This certainly shows Treshams great devotion to the divine and makes the viewer constantly reminded of his faith, but this was not an unusual phenomenon and many buildings at the time, aimed to Incorporated such religious iconography. Take for example Treshams other lodge, Triangular Lodge, and the suggestive name promotes the structure of the building a triangle, a link to the holy trinity and everything within the house is then linked to the number 3 with 3 floors and triangular windows.
Although never completed Lyvden New Build is no empty shell, but acts as a prime reminder of 16th century architecture. It also emphasizes Treshams dedication to Catholicism, a dedication which also lead him never to finish the lodge.

Lyvden New Build

 Whilst visiting the Lodge, inside one of the bay windows, was a art installation, by artist Caroline Wright. Her piece Untiled(believe) was created as a response to the Buddhist principles of a Japanese tea ceremony. The four principles, Tranquility, Respect, Harmony, and Purity are written in  green neon letters.
  At first you may consider it somewhat shocking that such a modern installation should be placed in an ancient building such as Lyvden, especially considering that Lyvden is a place that promotes Catholicism whereas the artwork is based on Buddhist principles. Yet when you stare at the glowing letters, there meanings seem to be fully absorbed by the viewer and leave you feeling at ease with the environment, leaving Wrights work as less of an installation but as part of the environment, especially with the green surrounding countryside, further promoting the message within Wrights work.

 

Romancing the Stone

To start off my blog, I thought I would recommend a worthy TV documentary it was aired earlier this year, but you may not have come across it --> Romancing the Stone: The Golden Ages of British Sculpture.  It gives a very interesting overview of British sculpture, and how the material can portray or hide a deeper meaning than originally witnessed. Within the first episode Masons of God there is an engaging section on Wells Cathedral, showing how the building used to look before the  reformation. The picture (left) below demonstrates the colour that used to adorn the cathedral, a factor considered either gaudy or impressive.

Wells Cathedral-- Pre reformation

Wells Cathedral today

 Presenter Alastair Sooke states the coloured form to be a representation of the entrance to paradise, and it would certainly have look un-earthy when compared to the comparative architecture of the time, definitely making it seem unique and heavenly to an onlooker. The bare stone that greets visitors today at Wells Cathedral, certainly hides a colourful past and to some may seem bland to the previous facade, but i see it still as an example of architectural genius, as in an era of minimalism such genuine beauty is hard to find.

Here is the link to the first episode of the BBC programme:-

Romancing the Stone