Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Now that I'm almost done with my course, I have time to post something new. 

 Who has seen the new Harry Potter movie? I am a big fan of the books and the movies and it was great to finally see part 1 of the last movie. I had the pleasure to watch this movie with my niece and it was neat seeing her reactions to the drama enfolding on the screen. If you are not into the series, I think it is still a good movie to watch. Of course, it is always helpful to read the books first before seeing the movies.

**Spoiler alert** This movie was directed by David Yates and he has done a great job. He has directed the past two movies but surprisingly, he is mostly known for his TV work. One would never know it by watching these movies and by his ability to produce such aesthetically pleasing movies.

There was violence yes, but not too bad. I felt more weirded out by the love scene between Harry and Hermione than by the "scary" parts. I loved how Yates added some digital images for the story of the deathly hallows. The images brought Tim Burton to mind. The colors were subdued as it is expected. This is a dark, dark period in Harry's life and Yates really brings out the grays, even on their wardrobe. (Speaking of wardrobe, Hermione's pea coat in one of her scenes and the dress she wears for Bill and Fleur's wedding are awesome, and I want that coat!)

Who do I think shines in this movie? I really think that Emma Watson stole the movie. Daniel Radcliffe is still super good but she is in the movie just as much as him and she is a really good actress for her age. I am looking forward to seeing her in future movies. I think she has the potential to become a great actress, but I admire her for making her education a priority. Good example to our young lassies, don't you think?

Helena Bonham Carter had short scenes in this movie, but every single time she appears, she is terrifying. If the character of Bellatrix really existed and she looked the way Helena looks in the movie, I would run away. Love her hair and she plays crazy gals so well. 

I now want to re-read all the books and really, I should just buy the book series. I am looking forward to the Part 2 of the final installment of the Harry Potter films. I can understand now why the actors cried really hard when they finished filming, it was a long period of their lives. If you've seen it, what did you think?

Following a Labyrinth...

I have so many things to talk about and write about, but I will narrow it down to a movie this time:

Pan's Labyrinth

It's the story of a girl in Spain in the year of 1944. Spain had just had a civil war from 1936-1939, and the Spain in this movie is the one during the Franco era.  There are so many things to say about that war and Guillermo Del Toro, the director, decides to tell the story of Ofelia, an 11 yr old whose mother has just gotten married to a tyrannnical military officer (who is just one of the most evil characters I've seen in a movie). The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles, but if you don't like subtitles, please, please give this movie a chance, it is worth it.

Guillermo del Toro originally wrote the part of Ofelia for a nine year old, but Ivana Baquero, who was 11 when she auditioned, got the part. Guillermo had to rewrite it to suit her. I have to say she is amazing in this movie.  Also, I am so glad they chose an older girl because if a younger had played Ofelia, it would have traumatized me. Please bear in mind that there is violence and Del Toro does not soften the subject just because it's the story of a young girl.

The actor who plays the stepfather, Captain Vidal, is terrific - his name is Sergi Lopez i Ayats. There is an opening scene where he is ruthless with a man who is thought to be a rebel. During this time, there were still many who did not want to be part of the Fascist movement, and they fought with their lives for change. Del Toro makes sure we know which side he is in, as he makes this character, from Franco's military, just pure evil. 

I love the fantasy element of this movie, just love it. The faun in the movie is at once a bit frightening and mesmerizing and we are taken on this wonderful trip with the faun and Ofelia.

The special effects and make up are superb. The music? Wonderful. There is a lullaby in the movie that was actually nominated for best original score (it's on YouTube under Pan's Labyrinth Song). It was composed by Javier Navarrete. The movie actually won the following Oscars in 2006: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Makeup. It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Foreign Language Film. It was one of the top critically acclaimed movies the year it came out.

I love that the main character is a girl, a very strong girl and Del Toro's talent shines in this movie. The ending of the movie is super, super sad, but happy at the same time. This movie gives a gilmpse of what life was probably like in Spain in the 40's, and how children are one of the most affected when there is political turmoil. If you have seen it, what did you think?

 

Surrealist dreamer

Time to talk about the fine arts.

I first learned of Surrealism in grade 12. I know, it was a long time ago! The reason why I even came to know about this movement in the fine arts, was because of my Human Studies class. The topic for my research paper was Surrealism.

Ahhhh... Surrealism.

I had no idea what beautiful paintings had been done by such unique artists. They represent courage to me. They decided to go ahead and explore their imaginations and expand from the existing customs. The Dada movement preceded Surrealism, if you must know, and it's a movement that is also interesting, but I would have to do more research on it before I say more. I only mention it, because some of the founders of the surrealist movement, had been involved with the Dada movement (against the bourgeoise, etc).

From doing my research I discovered one of my favorite painters Salvador Dali, along with Max Ernst, Frida Kahlo and Joan Miro. It inspired me so much that I tried to tackle surrealism on one of my paintings that year, Of course, it's not at the same level but it taught me to use the images in my head and not to copy still life or a picture. The philosophical aspect of the movement was not entrenched into my psyche as much as the paintings of the era were. They had good ideas but really, a lot of them came from families of means, so I think that to shun one's own background is always a bit hypocritical. Don't you think?

My daughter, Sofia, questions me why I always draw weird faces (my "profile" oicture), it makes me laugh. I hope that as she gets older she will find it in her to be as creative as she wants to and explore all different types of styles of making art. The same for Samantha. There are so many! Cubism, realism, impressionism, etc., and they are all just as lovely.


Do you have a favorite surrealist painter/writer/artist? Below is one of my favorite paintings, it has so many details:  Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory, 1931

 

Who wants to meet Mark Zuckerberg?

I watched the Social Network on Tuesday and I really liked it. I loved the script written by Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher did not disappoint as a director. I always wonder how many takes are needed for a certain scene.

The opening scene with Jesse Eisenberg is what all the reviewers are talking about and I have to agree that it was great. Jesse is not a super well know actor, but I hope he gets more recognition after this movie. He has played the nerdy, nice guy but in this movie he shows he has more depth and one can't help but feel for him and at the same time not like him.

Andrew Garfield was one find for me on this movie. I was impressed with his acting chops and now I am looking forward to seeing him play a young Spiderman. The rest of the cast was good too. Obviously, Justin Timberlake has been the one that has brought the most attention, and he did a good job; but I don't think he was Oscar worthy, as some people have stated. Good but not great. Jesse was great, to me.

Now, for the story of the movie. It's all about Facebook. Facebook, a site that has hooked me in. I joined facebook in 2007, during my maternity leave with Samantha. It really helped me pass the time and reconnect with old friends. So I cannot say bad things about it, except for the privacy issues but I don't post anything I will regret in the future.

The story told in the movie of its creation really intrigued me. The lawsuits on the other hand, were not impressive. I can see how Mark should have never stolen an idea or at least, bought them out from the beginning, instead of just irking people and not caring. It makes me wonder how he is in real life. Is he really that much of a cad? Is he really that insensitive? That antisocial? He is a whiz, though, and that cannot be denied.

After watching the movie, I wanted to learn more about the real story and what happened. It's funny watching the movie and knowing that it is based on a real story and the twins really did go on to row for the USA Olympic team in Beijing. Can you tell I liked it?

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors and how fitting then, that I have chosen Pride and Prejudice to be my first novel to talk about. When I first read it, I was quite young and I loved the story of Elizabeth and her precious Mr. Darcy. I found it extremely romantic and I love stories where love prevails in the end.

It touched me because of how quick we are to judge people by the way they talk, dress, or by the company they keep (in this case Mr. Darcy judges Elizabeth by how uncouth her family is). If only we gave everyone a chance, before we judged them, I think we could make more friends. Of course, sometimes our first impression might be right, all I am saying is to give people a chance.

I have found that sometimes, the people that look nice, don't quite mesh with my personality. On the other hand, I have found that some people whom I have thought to be "snobby", are quite the opposite. This is one of the reasons I love the novel, it explores our prejudisms and how much pride can make our lives harder when it might not be necessary.

I also love the A&E film version of Pride and Prejudice. How incredibly well done and what great casting of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Sigh.I loved the actress that played, Elizabeth too - Jennifer Ehle. The costumes were so well done. I loved how the director, Simon Langton, brought this wonderful novel to life for us. We get to see the dance scenes, the dress fashion of the early 1800's, and he was able to bring to life two beloved characters. I am a big critic of how well a movie is directed, and this miniseries' direction meets my expectations.  Check out the link to it on IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112130/fullcredits

If you have not had a chance to watch this miniseries, please do and let me know what you think. Also, if you have not read this novel, I beg you to do so. Even if some of the "older" style English, throws you off a bit, it is well worth it.

First entry

I have wanted to write about my love of books, movies, and music for a long time. I will only give my opinion of how each of these mediums make me feel. The academic arts along with the fine arts are really who I am, and I want to share it with you.

Right now, I am really into light reads, as I like to escape from reality once in a while. That does not mean, I have a horrible life. Not at all, I am pretty blessed and I love my family. My girls have made me even more creative than before, getting me out of my comfort zone. I have had to sing, make up stories, make up craft projects, and most of all, dance. I adore them, because to them, I rock.

So, for now I just give you an insight of what I will be writing about. My next post will be about a song or album that has touched me and I would love to hear your opinion. If you have not heard the artist, please look it up and listen for yourself. The same, with a book that I may talk about.

Your artsy lady.