I think the theme behind this film or at least the basic idea is that age old concept of "keeping up with the Joneses." The family in "Mon Oncle" is obsessed with being cutting edge, high status and modern at the expense of their comfort and happiness. The idea that people are materialistic and want to be well perceived by others is nothing new. It has been plaguing the world for some time. The film shows how in contrast, the uncle, who lives in the old part of town and is relatively poor/unemployed is happy in comparison to the rich family that lives in the modern house, most notably Gerard, the boy.
The several instances in the film in which the woman turns on her fountain for important guests further reinforces the idea of materialism and concern about perception by others. The meticulous set design helps to reinforce the idea of old vs. modern and man vs. technology. The color palette is greatly expanded in the old parts of town, notably where the uncle is from, while the interior of the modern house is drab and monochrome. The several instances of malfunctioning technology also tie in with the theme of materialism and sacrifice of happiness for status.
The family ultimately feels that having these things make them better people, but fail to see the harm it is doing their son. They also feel slight disdain for the uncle in his "immature" ways, but they all fail to see that they are the ones who should be taking a lesson from him.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
banksy
Banksy is far and away my favourite modern artist. I have been heavily interested in his work for many years and enjoy the political overtones displayed in a lot of his graffiti. His disdain for authority and "the system" helps to create a new genre of work, sort of an "anti-propaganda propaganda". His work reflects a bleak present and an even bleaker future, with warnings of an Orwellian government and the violent nature of man.
One of the most alluring facets of Banksy's personality is his anonymity. It was his total lack of identity that drew me to him in the first place, and it is with this in mind that "Exit Through the Gift Shop" was created. The message of the film seems to be a direct reflection of Banksy himself. The film has a strange multilayer presentation which has you questioning the authenticity of everything you see, just as any Banksy piece would.
I think the film was ultimately staged but realistic at the same time. It asks real questions and presents Banksy and the underground art scene faithfully, but includes the extra trimmings that make it more of a "narrative" than a "documentary". It's almost more of a publicity stunt than anything, but still quality overall. It's clever and achieves what Banksy sets out to do in the first place- raise questions. It fits in nicely with the other stuff Banksy has pulled, such as putting Guantanamo Bay prisoner mannequins in the Tom Sawyer ride at Disney, or stenciling a cop snorting a several-kilometer long line of coke.
One of the most alluring facets of Banksy's personality is his anonymity. It was his total lack of identity that drew me to him in the first place, and it is with this in mind that "Exit Through the Gift Shop" was created. The message of the film seems to be a direct reflection of Banksy himself. The film has a strange multilayer presentation which has you questioning the authenticity of everything you see, just as any Banksy piece would.
I think the film was ultimately staged but realistic at the same time. It asks real questions and presents Banksy and the underground art scene faithfully, but includes the extra trimmings that make it more of a "narrative" than a "documentary". It's almost more of a publicity stunt than anything, but still quality overall. It's clever and achieves what Banksy sets out to do in the first place- raise questions. It fits in nicely with the other stuff Banksy has pulled, such as putting Guantanamo Bay prisoner mannequins in the Tom Sawyer ride at Disney, or stenciling a cop snorting a several-kilometer long line of coke.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Harry meets Sally...
When Harry Met Sally is a classic rom-com that ditches most cliches of the genre, while possibly starting new one.
One of the first aspects of the film that seemed fresh to the genre was the mature approach to sex. The film contained heavy dialogue about the nature of friendship and sex between the genders as well as coarse language, giving the film a more real feel. Also in the film, Harry does not seem to be actively pursuing Sally, as they go for several years only occasionally meeting and never consummating the relationship. This is another cliche that is defied. The film also lacks a climactic chase sequence at the end.
The span of time covered in the film was new to the romantic comedy genre. Most prior to that point and also afterward focus on a shorter timeframe usually consisting of a few months, sometimes a year if there is an epilogue. WHMS spans for ten plus years.
The film, to me at least, seemed much less sentimental/sappy than most rom-coms tend to be. It had much more com than rom. The main couple wasn't even together for 9/10ths of the film.
With all this being said, I think that this film can be judged on its artistic merits as a film and not just a romantic comedy film. The film is cleverly structured, features great performances, and has an excellent soundtrack. It holds up well, even after 22 years.
One of the first aspects of the film that seemed fresh to the genre was the mature approach to sex. The film contained heavy dialogue about the nature of friendship and sex between the genders as well as coarse language, giving the film a more real feel. Also in the film, Harry does not seem to be actively pursuing Sally, as they go for several years only occasionally meeting and never consummating the relationship. This is another cliche that is defied. The film also lacks a climactic chase sequence at the end.
The span of time covered in the film was new to the romantic comedy genre. Most prior to that point and also afterward focus on a shorter timeframe usually consisting of a few months, sometimes a year if there is an epilogue. WHMS spans for ten plus years.
The film, to me at least, seemed much less sentimental/sappy than most rom-coms tend to be. It had much more com than rom. The main couple wasn't even together for 9/10ths of the film.
With all this being said, I think that this film can be judged on its artistic merits as a film and not just a romantic comedy film. The film is cleverly structured, features great performances, and has an excellent soundtrack. It holds up well, even after 22 years.
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