Introducing “Something Good”!
by Jake Teresi
In the end, it all came together.
“Something Good,” the video for rising British indie pop quartet Alt-J’s new single, directed by BREWER, was the most complex shoot I’ve ever had a hand in producing. For a while, planning the shoot was like trying to assemble a puzzle whose pieces wouldn’t fit; as soon as one crucial element was put into place, another one would fall apart. How do we bring a live bull legally into an arena? How do we film it safely? Is there a costume shop anywhere in the city that has an authentic matador outfit that fits our actor? Where are we going to get a whole crowd of bullfighting fans? I admit to having felt way-over-my-head a few times each day of preproduction and might have lost it if it wasn’t for Matt Paley and Adam Hirsch, veteran producers compared to me, whose confidence that “it would all work out” assuaged my fears.
Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and it now seems ludicrous to imagine that the amazing crew, led by the unshakable Brewer brothers, wouldn’t have been able to pull off a stunning video. We were privileged to work with so many virtuosos, from Pat Scola‘s industrious camera crew to Jason Kisvarday‘s endlessly inventive design to our patient and precise actor Frankie Dugan, who worked from dawn until dusk on one very warm, sweaty day at the Portuguese D.E.S. Hall in Artesia, CA.
Directors Ben and Alex Brewer have spent the last two weeks in front of a computer screen, tirelessly working out the post-production effects. I don’t know many artists more committed to bringing their unique vision to life.
Enjoy!
Marketing Death
by Jake Teresi
Describe the emotions that your own death arouses in you. Write down, or think carefully about, what you think will happen to you when you die, when you are physically dead. Be as specific as possible.
Done? Good.
Now that you have completed this task, I predict that you will have a stronger opinion on whatever follows in this article. Or, really, on any article. In all likelihood, because of this reminder of your mortality, you will be more passionate about your take on Britney Spears not wearing shoes into a public bathroom, global warming, or the successful first week of Transformers 3 (180 million).
This is what is called “mortality salience,” the polarizing effect of the subliminal awareness of mortality. It has been tested scientifically, and was exemplified by the extreme public embrace of George W. Bush, a charismatic, value-driven leader, after we observed, nationally, people diving off buildings to their death on 9/11. We felt for the victims and the victims’ families, but, more importantly, we were reminded vividly that each of us, personally, are going to die. Except for Charlie Sheen. (more…)
Axe-Cop
by Jake Teresi
I’m always surprised at what hits the web zeitgeist, and what doesn’t. Who thought a 13 year old’s curiously bad youtube video would amass 160 million views? And who could’ve predicted she would transcend youtube to outsell most everyone else on iTunes? And is the home video “Charlie bit my finger” that funny?
Then, on the other hand, there’s this under-appreciated gem. The concept is great: a 5 year old dictates comics to his 29 year old graphic illustrator brother, who makes them come to life on the page. It is funnier than you’d think.
The kid’s logic is hilarious: anyone who has blood spilled on them becomes part-that creature, which adds up to a lot of hyphens as the adventures continue; most of Axe Cop’s enemies are classmates who asked to be on his team earlier in life and had their feelings hurt; and, it’s not uncommon for a character to refer to his “tummy.”
How to Write (?)
by Jake Teresi
During the year and a half since I graduated, I’ve been trying my hardest to be a productive writer, to prevent becoming one of those kids who says he’s a writer but hardly ever produces anything. Turns out it’s a lot harder for me to stay on point when I’m given free range, and I’ve gone from method to method with varying success:
(1) Only writing when inspired
I heaved a huge sigh of relief when I got my diploma. No more endless due dates and no more having to half-ass anything; a chance to let my projects come together organically. I could now work on what what I wanted when I wanted. But, 6 months in, I realized I hadn’t completed anything other than what was required of me at work.
That’s because this approach doesn’t entirely work, for a few reasons. The times I feel genuinely inspired to write, out of thin air, are few and far between. Generally, inspiration comes after you start writing. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s procrastinated until deep into the night before a paper’s due, thinking I had nothing to say, only to find, halfway through writing it, I was actually nailing it. I observed this many times without ever understanding it was more than the grace of god. Writing is such an uphill battle initially if you’re out of practice. The more out of practice you are, the harder it is to translate your ideas onto the page during moments of inspiration. Even worse, your inability to express yourself properly can spoil that euphoric feeling… so screw this approach. (more…)
Animated Mice Can Be Creepy
by Jake Teresi
Speaking of latent Nazism, here’s a brilliant appropriation piece made by the guys at Everything is Terrible, a blog dedicated to showcasing weird found footage.
Their transformation of this Chuck E. Cheese in-store (presumably 90s) television show is simple: jump cutting to condense it down to its perverse essence. It’s amazing to think of all the mediocre film that is produced daily around the world, the amount of capable crews wasted on ill-conceived junk. I find it refreshing when artists change the context and make a worthwhile piece out of a previous failure.
2011 Film Preview
by Jake Teresi
I’ll admit it: a list looking ahead at the year’s best offerings is almost futile. When I made last year’s list, I chose 3 films that were later pushed back a year, 2 films that were eh, and 2 films that just plain stank. Only 3 I picked ended up being memorable (those were Inception, Black Swan, and Rabbit Hole). Many of the films that meant the most to us came out of nowhere or, more specifically, a little festival in Utah. Still, it’s worth getting excited by a whole slew of new films, even if we risk disappointment. If last year was any indication, there are many poignant experiences still to be had in the dark of a movie theatre. (more…)
Inside Job
by Jake Teresi
At the NYFF premiere I attended, director Charles Ferguson said he set out to make Inside Job a “blockbuster” of documentaries, a film suited for mass consumption so as to be a call-to-arms. Certainly the B-roll he meshes between talking heads – sweeping, infinitesimally textured pans of the NYC skyline, sprawling factories, all shot on the RED – is as gorgeously epic as anything shot in the last couple years, and the beautiful score is no afterthought, but I still fear the film may be too dense to reach the same population that has swallowed up 2012 and Clash of the Titans in droves.
That’s not all a bad thing. (more…)
Fall 2010 Preview: Ten Best Bets
by Jake Teresi
I fear this may seem late, but, really, what have I missed so far? You should be thankful I didn’t get your hopes up about The American, which seemed to have a lot going for it, but which opened last week to mediocre reviews.
Never Let Me Go (limited September 15)
Music video director Mark Romanek adapts the first Kazuo Ishiguro novel since 1993′s The Remains of the Days. Going from Jay-Z’s 99 Problems to a high literature is an odd transition no doubt, but, judging from the trailer, he might bring to the film the visual flair that the Merchant Ivory literary adaptations of the 80′s and 90′s lacked. The film is populated by a renowned but not haughty cast of Carey Mulligan (abandon Shia LeBeouf, for godsakes), Keira Knightley, and Happy Go Lucky‘s brilliant Sally Hawkins.
The Town (September 17)
Wide-releases in September don’t get much better than this. Ben Affleck’s follow-up to the surprisingly powerful Gone, Baby, Gone returns again to Eastern Massachusetts (which was portrayed gloomily but perfectly by Affleck before). With excellent casting – Jon Hamm finally stepping out of the 60′s and on to the screen, Jeremy Renner post-Hurt Locker, and the always reliably crooked Chris Cooper – a compelling thriller structure and the potential of the plot not tripping over itself in the third act like Baby, this could be the film of the year.
Wall Street 2: Money Never Dies (September 24)
I want to not promote this movie because of Shia LeBeouf, but, despite my belief that he is overused and untalented and undeserving of Carey Mulligan’s affections, I have to admit it’s a fairly inspired use of him here, although who overlooked Joseph L-G? Much has already been said about the perfect timing of this movie and of Oliver Stone’s much awaited return to form, and I won’t repeat it here (having just done exactly that). And watch out for Josh Brolin, genius.
Waiting for “Superman” (limited September 24)
I hate the presumably legal “quotation.” We’re not going to mistake this for the sequel to Superman Returns, which, if it ever comes out, should be avoided like the plague. Getting past this negativity, let me give this little, important documentary some buzz for our couple dozen readers: My friend saw this at Sundance and said it was the best documentary she had seen in years. Unfortunately, it merely adds to the laundry list of needed national reforms – but education, of course, is a fucking crucial one. Can you picture an even dumber generation? Fortunately, Shia LeBeouf is not approached by the documentarians for his opinion on the subject.
The Social Network (October 1)
When it was announced a Facebook movie was in the making and would be directed by David Fincher, I was puzzled. It seemed as implausible and far-fetched as a Monopoly movie produced by Spielberg. I wasn’t aware of the scandals that erupted out of its creation, which, if you go by the trailer, seem pretty intriguing. I thought it was frivolous at the time, but, really, thinking about it, Facebook is one of the most interesting and important inventions of the last decade. By putting the entire social experience of college [and high school] online, it dominates our culture and shapes our collective unconscious. This is Fincher’s chance to retreat from the Academy’s good graces and make up to his fans for the ill-conceived Benjamin Button.
Inside Job (limited October 15)
Here’s a real thriller. Turns out the economic meltdown was easily avoidable, if only Matt Damon narrated in our heads and not just in scandal-docs. Director Charles Ferguson (the excellent No End in Sight) interviews everyone from George Soros to prostitute-enthusiast Eliot Spitzer to uncover the truth and get us angrier than ever. It’s the last in a year of economic documentaries (Casino Jack, Freakonomics, We Want Your Money) but may be one worth waiting for, as it was voted best film of Cannes.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1 (November 19)
The movies have been progressively getting better, Emma Watson’s been developing nicely, and the last book is easily the best. It’s also in 3D, and one can hardly wait to see Ron Weasley’s raging erection popping out of the screen.
Black Swan (limited December 3)
After seeing that trailer, how can you resist? Without being sure whether it’s a gripping work of art or the hokiest guilty pleasure of the season, I was thoroughly mesmerized. More Requiem for a Dream/The Fountain in style than The Wrestler, Darren Aronofsky still considers it a companion piece to his last, seeing as both are centered in worlds that require demanding performances, though he seems to have thrown out the Dardennesque gritty realism for psychological nightmarish fantasy. Almost all reviews coming out of Venice have suggested the film displays Arofonsky’s distinct talent, though the Hollywood Reporter claims it is indeed a “guilty pleasure, a gorgeously shot, visually complex film whose badness is what’s so good about it.” This is not to be missed – it is a film that will be loved and hated, but will, most importantly, incite discussion.
True Grit (December 25)
I’ll say that I’m both turned off by the fact this is a remake of a famous Western and such fodder for next year’s awards ceremonies – I mean, come on, it’s the Coen Bros., it’s a remake of a famous film that won John Wayne best Actor, it stars academy favorites Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, and last year’s winner Jeff Bridges, and it opens on fucking Christmas. Of course, that’s no reason to believe it won’t be fabulous.
Another Year (limited December 29)
English director Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies, Topsy Turvy, Vera Drake, Happy Go Lucky) is nothing if not consistent. He reunites here with Turvy’s Jim Broadbent and Drake’s Imelda Staunton for an ensemble comedy that looks at the loneliness and narrowing options that come with growing old. Reviews have been stellar, but that’s no surprise.
NOTE: I’m upset that these films that are all either American or English, but that’s how it goes this season, I suppose. Julian Schnabel’s Miral is a letdown, as is ZImou’s remake of Blood Simple, and Biutiful, after Babel, I can’t muster enthusiasm for.
Dancer in the Dark
by Jake Teresi
Fish Tank, dir. Andrea Arnold (2010)
There are movies I see every once and a while that remind me why I watch in the first place. If that seems clichéd, let me assure you that Andrea Arnold’s second feature, Fish Tank, is not. Here is what we hope for and rarely get: urgency without manipulation, intimacy without bland sentiment, shock without exploitation. (more…)
Blinded by the Limelight
by Jake Teresi
Our company is, also, pleased obliged to report that Warner Brother’s The Blind Side has been nominated for Best Picture. [Insert despairing, snarky remark about the Academy here]
Looking Ahead: 2010 in Film
by Jake Teresi
After a record-setting year at the box office, what can we expect in 2010? More of the same. Don’t expect Hollywood to surprise us when things are going so well. Expect more 3D, more talking CGI animals, more lame comedies/soft dramas starring Sandra Bullock.
Not that I’m cynical. (more…)
Company New Year’s Resolution
by Jake Teresi
Looking through our top films of 2009, I’m a little disappointed with the range of films. (more…)
The Squeakuel Reigns
by Jake Teresi
Yesterday, Alvin 2 grossed 18.8 million dollars.
A few days before, Obama denied ever promising a public option.
I don’t know which is more troubling.
The Last Good Film Picks of the Year and a Squeakuel to Avoid
by Jake Teresi
This is the time of the year when the big passion-projects come out–films that either soar (Lord of the Rings, Million Dollar Baby) or sorely disappoint (All the Pretty Horses, Ali, Alexander). It’s Oscar season, but you wouldn’t know it from the year-end mainstream releases, many of which hope to be THE hit Christmas movie. Don’t believe the hype: Sherlock Holmes will be mostly air, It’s Complicated won’t work out (just stop, Nancy Meyers) and were you actually going to see Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel? There won’t be much to see for a while besides Avatar, unless you live in a town with an independent cinema, until some of the indies start to expand.
Here are a half dozen movies I GUARANTEE are worth seeking out: (more…)
Seinfeld Reunion Doesn’t Disappoint
by Jake Teresi
(a few spoilers here)
Yesterday Curb Your Enthusiasm wrapped its season-long Seinfeld reunion arc. We hadn’t seen any of the characters since May of 1998, when the much despised finale aired, but I’ll be surprised if any Seinfeld fan was let down this time (I’m not, however, surprised Giampaolo was displeased by 2012–I advised not to go!)
I was hesitant about the reunion considering Curb Your Enthusiasm had refrained from ever getting too Seinfeld-meta over its 7 seasons, effectively making the show its own thing instead of feeling like a spin-off (remember Joey?) At its best, it is edgier, rawer, and funnier than Seinfeld ever was, thanks to HBO’s creative freedom. In previous seasons, Seinfeld was a topic of consternation to “Larry David” and we believed it was the same for the real Larry David. The Seinfeld arc felt like a sell-out.
It wasn’t. Here were the 5 biggest surprises:
One Thing to See & One Thing to Miss on November 12
by Jake Teresi
If you’re in the Boston area November 12-22, I suggest you see Blue Spruce Theatre’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Arsenal Center in Watertown, MA.
(more…)
Despair and Virtual Farming
by Jake Teresi
I’m 1.5 months into the post-production of a faux-documentary I shot this summer called Make Them Cry (a sort of vestigial title) and I am lost. It’s one of those films that walks the line between fact and fiction and has a collage-like structure, which I thought would be easier to edit than a straightforward narrative. However, at this point, I’m not sure what it’s about.
When people ask about it, I tell them that it’s about a teenager who rapes an older women over the internet, in Second Life. The older women has such a connection with her virtual avatar that she is traumatized by the incident and can no longer log on, and, in effect, her life loses meaning. Cool, huh? The people who I tell this to seem to think so.
The thing is it’s not really about this at all.
(more…)