Film Review! Roland Emmerich: Anonymous

Anonymous ★★★★★

Cast: Rhys Ifans, Rafe Spall,

Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson

Director: Roland Emmerich

In Cinemas: Now

In his 1998 survey - Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human - Harold Bloom provides an analysis of each of Shakespeare’s 38 plays, “twenty-four of which are masterpieces.” Written as a companion to the general reader and theatergoer.

Bloom declares that bardolatry ought to be even more  of a secular religion than it already is. Bloom contends in this work that Shakespeare Invented Humanity, in that he prescribed the now common practice of Overhearing Ourselves, which he says drives our changes.

I’m not suggesting that Roland Emmerich’s latest film – Anonymous – in which the filmmakers introduce an alternative history of the Bard, then promptly sets about dismantling all we think we know, and all we’ve learnt about Shakespeare, is in anyway based on fact, it’s a little more ambiguous in it’s take on possibilities. If shakespeare had written a 39th play though, Anonymous could very well have been his plot. Critics have been short on praise for Emmerich – the director of Independence Day, Godzilla and The Day After Tomorrow – most squarking that taking on a British period drama was a huge misdemeanor for one of Hollywood’s blockbuster kings. Read the full article »»»»

Corey Helford Gallery: Ray Caesar

Opening Reception Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 7‑10pm
On View October 22 – November 12, 2011
Los Angeles, CA

Format: Digital

One of our favorite thoughts, Ray Caesar, has an exhibition opening this weekend at Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles. “A Dangerous Inclination” continues on Caesar’s cathartic theme of elegantly haunting works. Caesar’s latest works disclose a more personal side to his narratives. While maintaning the self disclosure theme “A Dangerous Inclination” has definite notes of difference.  Ray Caesar was born in 1958 in London. At an early age, his family moved to Toronto, Canada, where he currently resides. From 1977—80 he attended Ontario College of Art, followed by 17 years from 1980—96 working in the art & photography department of the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, documenting disturbing cases of child abuse, surgical reconstruction, psychology, and animal research. Coupled with inspiration from surrealists Kahlo and Dali, Caesar’s experiences at the hospital continue to influence his artwork. His haunting imagery is created digitally using 3D modeling software called Maya, mastered while working in digital animation for television and film industries from 1998—2001. In 1999, Caesar received a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Special Effects in a series. Read the full article »»»»

Cult of Elizabeth Olsen: Martha Marcy May Marlene

Olsens latest film is the first feature film from young writer/director Sean Durkin, Martha Marcy May Marlene is certainly a stylistically assured debut, mysterious, moody, unbearably tense…

One of the benefits of a large family is that, of several children, your more likely to turn out at least one normal adult. A point in case are the Olsen sisters. Elizabeth Olsen is a commandingly lovely actress, wistful, with soulful eyes and a gracefilled figure, Elizabeth cuts a fine figure on the screen. Read the full article »»»»

READ A BOOK! Go the F**k to Sleep

Childrens books, hmmm . . .  The problem with this genre  is the audience, without which it would be an admirable, even honorable calling. So lets imagine they don’t exist, lets imagine writing a childrens book that only the most lowbrow or hippest parents would ever read to a child. And hey presto, it’s been done already. Go the F**k to Sleep. written by Author: Adam Mansbach with illustrations by Ricardo Cortes, Go the F**k to Sleep is an <R> 18+ childrens book. Mansbach is an American author and professor of fiction at Rutgers University. His previous scribblings include Angry Black White Boy and The End of the Jews - for which he won the California Book Award for fiction in 2008. Read the full article »»»»