Tag: film

Richard Proenneke: Alone in the Wilderness

September 27th, 2011

You think you’re tough? You’re not. You know who’s tough? THIS GUY:

Richard Proenneke lived alone until he was 82 years old, in the high mountains of Alaska…in a log cabin he built by hand.

I recently caught a PBS special about his process and was blown away.

The first part (and it looks like the second part) is on youtube, but it wasn’t until a little later that things got mind-blowing.

Alone in the Wilderness documents the entire building process. Proenneke builds every part of the cabin with natural materials (save for a sheet of plastic on the roof), and no power tools of any kind. Even hinges are made of wooden fittings. He whittles his own utensils and bowls, puts together a stone fireplace…eats what he catches and gathers (with the very occasional simple grocery shipment).

This man is so intensely efficient that it’s almost comical to the modern day technology-saturated member of society. I found myself laughing in astonishment as he built a wall by noon, then went off to clear two acres of moss for the roof. He carried almost everything on his back, too.

Proenneke’s work and life are a true testament to unadorned human capabilities. I highly encourage you to watch this intriguing look at one natural, self-sufficient life.

Dick Proenneke
Silly Symphony: Hell’s Bells

September 2nd, 2011

Halloween is still two months away, but why not start getting into the spirit now?

I’ve posted about my love for The Skeleton Dance, now here is another Silly Symphony cartoon in a similar style.

The demons in this film and skeletons from The Skeleton Dance actually share some of their sweet dance moves.

This video has not entirely convinced me that hell is an unpleasant place to be. It actually seems like a grand ol’ time for the most part.
Pre-Etsy Private Blog Sale

June 14th, 2011

I’m finally setting up an Etsy and/or Artfire portfolio. Before I do, I want to offer a few discounted items I had on hand (in just one particular style) to my wonderful blog readers.

Pardon the awful snapshots. They look much better in person! And they’re only $12 each unless otherwise specified (5 for $50).

B-Movie Posters (requests for others granted):

1) Attack of the Giant Leeches (1 1/2″ X 1″)
2) The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1 1/2″ X 1″)
3) The Screaming Skull (1 1/2″ X 1″)
4) Jail Bait (1 1/2″ X 1″)

Vintage Spookshow Posters:

1) Francisco’s Big Midnite Spook Frolic (1 1/2″ X 1 1/8″)
2) Alliance Stage Spooks (1 3/8″ X 1″)
3) Halloween Midnite Show (1 1/4″ X 1 1/8″)
4) Midnite Spook Show (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
5) Midnite Jinx Show (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)

Misc Vintage:

1) Antique Ouija Board (1 1/2″ X 1″)
2) Sea Life Wunderkammer (1 1/2″ X 1″)
3) Hand of Fate Fortune Telling Game (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
4) Albini Magic Show Poster (1 3/8″ X 1″)
5) Femmebot (1 1/4″ X 1 1/4″)
6) Insectodeath antique poison label (1″ X 1 1/4″)

Vintage Film:

1) Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1″ X 1″)
2) Metropolis (1″ X 1″)
3) The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1″ X 1″)
4) Twilight Zone Mystic Seer (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
5) Skeleton Dance (closeup) (1″ X 1″)
6) Skeleton Dance (four smiles) (1 1/2″ X 1/2″)

Antique Anatomical Illustration:

1) Bird Skeleton (1 1/2″ X 1 1/8″)
2) Hand (1 1/2″ X 3/4″) Sale- $10
3) Brain (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
4) Skull (1″ X 1″)
5) Heart (1 1/8″ X 6/8″) Sale $10

Geekery:

1) Quantum physics on chalkboard (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
2) TV test pattern (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
3) Hubble image: spiral galaxy (1″ X 1″)
4) Hubble image: nebula (1″ X 1″)
5) Mirror neurons (1 1/4″ X 1 1/4″)

Misc kitsch:

1) Kitschy kitty (1 1/2″ X 1″)
2) Shrimp TV dinner (1 1/8″ X 6/8″)
3) Turkey TV dinner (1 1/8″ X 3/4″)
4) Cassette (customizable label) ((1 1/2″ X 6/8″)

Retro Japanese Kaiju (only $8 each):

(Please specify preference for image 1-7) All (1 1/2″ X 1/2″)

Please contact me to place an order or request a custom design. You name it…I can make it. Feel free to spread the word!

Shipping is $2 for the first item, $1 for each additional item (max $5). I take paypal, check or money order.
Ray Harryhausen Creature Compliation

May 27th, 2011

Since yesterday’s post was in honor of my late mother, this one goes out to my father who introduced me to legions of fantastic monsters, aliens, villains and robots.

Last time I visited him in LA we enjoyed some Ray Harryhausen. Here’s a complication of stop-motion animated goodness from the master himself.

Dad, you know I think of you fondly whenever I see something explode, zoom through space, rise from the grave or battle.

Precious moments. 🙂
Picturing North Korea

May 18th, 2011

With recording devices (even mobile phones) banned at customs, and the staggeringly small number of people who have ever willingly traveled to North Korea, the country remains shrouded in mystery.

All visitors are carefully monitored and led by guides, who frequently speak of the country’s achievements. Great airs are put on in shockingly empty public spaces, often lavishly decorated with displays of abundance.

It is as if the entire world exists (and is scripted) for the single person currently touring it. Charlie Crane managed to get a rather surreal photo set.

The stillness and pristine order are disconcerting, like a giant movie set no one is using.

See the rest of the photo set here.

I HIGHLY recommend you watch The Vice Guide to Travel’s North Korea episode. It is on Netflix instant, or you can access it by clicking the link below.

The Vice Guide to Travel: North Korea (WATCH THIS!)

This film will blow your mind. I guarantee it. I spent a good half of it with my jaw dropped, and if you read this blog regularly you know how much it takes to shock me.
Edward Scissorhands 20th Anniversary Tribute

April 20th, 2011

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since Edward Scissorhands came out.

Gallery 1988 has an awesome tribute group show, featuring some old favorites, amazing animators and new talent.

See the whole show online here.
Le Cochon Danseur

April 10th, 2011

When I first saw this pig on the stage, I did not think he’d have such sweet moves in store.

Source
The Narrative of Victor Karloch

March 30th, 2011

Are you ready for the puppet show of the year? Puppets are not just for children I assure you. I found a great post detailing the as-yet elusive production of The Narrative of Victor Karloch.

The Narrative of Victor Karloch is a non-profit traveling stage show presented in the style of an eerie Victorian triptych puppet theater. The three original stories in the show are about 15 minutes in length and are written in the classic gothic horror tradition of Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, M.R. James and Algernon Blackwood. The show benefits The Art of Elysium, a charity that encourages artists to help children battling serious medical conditions.

[The show] uses 30″ tall rod puppets, traditional shadow puppetry (woodcuts designed by Eisner Award-winning graphic novel artist Gary Gianni), rear-projected elements and full scale insert props to present the adventures of Victor Karloch, an alchemist, scholar, and ghost hunter, as he battles the supernatural forces of the Unknown.

Here is the trailer:

I can’t wait for this production!

I’m not much of a facebooker, but I don’t want to miss information and show listings so I actually joined the film page here.

Check out more info about the production and the star-studded cast here.
Guillermo Del Toro Does Pinocchio?

March 18th, 2011

Oh, say it IS so! Guillermo Del Toro is rumored to be working on a stop-motion version of Pinocchio, collaborating with the Jim Henson company and Gris Grimly (whom I mentioned here).

If this was not already a promising team, NICK CAVE has signed on as music consultant! And Mark Gustafson, of Fantastic Mr. Fox fame, will co-direct.

I have no idea where Del Toro finds the time to take on more projects. I do hope this one happens.

Source
Madame Tutli-Putli

March 16th, 2011

I’m not sure how Madame Tutli-Putli managed to escape me in 2007.

This beautifully crafted short film won an Academy Award. The animation is stunning, and although the plot is left open to interpretation, I quite enjoyed the mystery.

Plus, they really capture the experience of being an introvert on a train (I related to Madame’s timidity on public transportation more than I’d like to admit).

Make what you will of the literal and metaphorical imagery found here, and don’t miss it if you love stop motion animation.

You can watch the film here.