Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to post this image because it pretty much made my morning:
But if you want to read a bit about Ridley Scott’s Monopoly movie, head over here.
Category: film
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I’m coming down with a little something, so I better get some rest today. In the meantime, here are two big playlists of Halloween goodies to keep you occupied!
Vintage Halloween and Spooky Cartoons
Enjoy!
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These show openings of the 80’s and early 90’s had great intro sequences. Packed with antiques, dust, spooky things (or simply an ominous sense) and a general Halloween vibe…see them again and bring back some fond memories.
I used to love the Tales From the Crypt house so much that I fantasized about living in one just like it, sans cobwebs.
I wish they spent more time on the antique shots!
And All Hallows Steve reminded me of this one:
I always thought the eerie music and narration worked beautifully over peaceful nature scenes to convey a “dark side” lurking beneath.
I only remember this one vaguely. Perhaps I should re-watch an episode or two.
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The Brothers Quay are among my favorite stop motion animators of all time. I recently had the good fortune to visit the Dormitorium exhibit at Parsons in NYC, where I got to see some props and film sets in person.
I was surprised to find the film set dioramas smaller than I expected. So much detailed crafting went into each one of them.
The next two were encased in opaque boxes with a wacky 3D viewing lens…they lose something in the photos.
The sets incorporate the most fantastic found objects. Bits and pieces of discarded wood, instruments, dolls and furniture come to life.
Here, Jesus wears a crown of horns, and has wire eyelashes.
Even the lighting was arranged wonderfully, to reflect the mood of the exhibit.
You can see the rest of my photos here.
The Brothers Quay are masters of dark, atmospheric surreal film making. Almost no dialogue is used, nor is it needed. The films rely heavily on classic (often avant garde) soundtracks to complement the scene.
And if you’d like a sample animation:
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Based on the poll, that majority of readers like Halloween posts. But some are indifferent or get tired of the saturation. So I’ve decided to do a Halloween countdown, but alternate Halloween and regular posts (which tend to be somewhat dark anyway). Sound fair?
I’ll start with Breehn Burn’s concept art for the 2008 film Trick ‘r Treat. For the record, I have not seen this movie, but I love the art and artifacts.
What a great character! This is the animatronic model of “Sam:”
The vinyl toy is pretty wonderful.
Awww…
Has anyone seen this movie? Is it worth it for the adorably macabre little Sam?
More concept art here.
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Allow me a seasonal time warp for a moment. I’m sure it won’t be long until we start seeing Christmas artifacts appear on store shelves anyway. I recently came across a company that manufactures Pink Bunny Pajamas (just the way Aunt Clara made ’em!):
The site boasts that you can now “Give the gift of humiliation!”
The suit is available in plus sizes as well (though somehow I doubt the bucket of chicken is included).
And you can purchase a “Christmas Combo” which includes a Red Rider BB Gun.
Starting at about $110, I’m afraid I won’t be purchasing this tribute to my favorite holiday film of all time. But it’s definitely a product that needed to made.
Check it out here.
And if you need a reminder of where these come from…
I will now resume taking full advantage of pre-Halloween days to post spooky things.
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It’s almost time for TV stations to start playing retro horror. I hope you’re as excited as I am. To whet your appetite, take a look at The Obscure Hollow, an entire blog devoted to haunting film decor (most of which ranges from 1930-1980).
So many desktop background possibilities…so little time…
Mmmmm…autumn fog.
They even have selections from the silent era (the visuals of silent horror are absolutely swoon-worthy).
Feed your eyes with classic screen caps here.
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I don’t have a tremendous need for door stops in my house, but this one would definitely be my choice:
You know, for that cozy “my house dropped on a wicked witch” feeling.
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This is a fantastic stop-motion short film about a robot who falls in love with an electric kettle. There’s been much “humanization” of robots in the media lately, and I have to admit I find it rather moving.
Warning: not all love stories end happily.
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I was surprised that I didn’t hear about this Alice in Wonderland exhibit in all the Comic Con buzz. I’m a little late.
Those who followed the instructions were invited to the Mad Hatter’s tea party, a trip to visit Wonderland. Disney constructed an incredibly detailed prop, wardrobe, concept art and art installation in an empty warehouse close to the San Diego convention center.
This is my favorite part of the installation. It’s amazing to see a journey “down the rabbit hole” in tactile materials:
I would have liked to see these props and set design pieces in person. Granted, the Tim Burton film is inspiring a whole range of hopes, fears and feelings for potential viewers who have a connection to the story. But as an installation itself, I think this works wonderfully.
Did anyone see it?
SheWalksSoftly 