I’ve been watching a lot of trailers lately and I’m excited at all of the films being released in the near future (unfortunately, some in the not-so-near future). However, despite how I often do this, I often fail to make it to the movie when it’s actually released. I have a long list of DVDs to acquire. One near the top is a film I only mildly considered, but recommendations post-release have me regretting not seeing it immediately. I just wish I’d known “Drag Me to Hell” was as good as hearsay has told me. Maybe I should have guessed - horrors centering around peculiar elderly ladies are often scary. It’s a Hollywood convention that’s pretty much sexist as well as ageist – but one that seems to work.
I’m obviously experiencing some kind of crazy phase. Between my current “True Blood” obsession and my resurgent appreciation towards the former love of my life: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, I’d say I’m visually occupied by the undead, of late. Maybe I can attribute it to the fact that Halloween’s not so far away now. Who knows? Nonetheless, here’s something else to add to the list. I was watching “Vamps” on the Shorts Space short films page. Short and sinister at a minute long, it’s one of many interesting films put out by the company, with shorts in every genre. However, this is the one that caught my eye during this moment in time. You can see it here:
You can check out other shorts from Shorts Space on the site here: http://www.projectunicorn.com/shortsspace
I remember when I was younger, explaining to some friends, that when I went to visit family in Nigeria I stayed in a city that wasn't too alien in appearance from other cities, for the most part. Different, undoubtedly, but not too different. House lizards were common, but no Lions or the like wandering nearby. However, seeing TVF's African Diaries and African Odyssey series, I wish I could spend more time out of cities closer in appearance to everywhere else, and in places that are truly unlike anywhere else. At the very least, I know I’d have a field day with my camera. Here’s an episode from the African Diaries series that really showcases how extraordinarily beautiful the environment can be - relaxing and tranquil in a way that is pretty much alien to me. Cue my sigh:
Aside from these series, TVF have a great, varied range of content that you can check out here: http://www.projectunicorn.com/tvf
I had the good fortune of seeing one of my favourite musicians recently. Owen Pallett – under the moniker of Final Fantasy – took to the stage of Union Chapel here in London. Where I, amongst others, sat transfixed in our pews – as if in worship of a musical deity, which by the end of the night most people seemed to affirm him to be.
I get to see a few artists perform quite regularly here in London, but when I can’t I go on the search for live videos, which act as the closest way I can see them “in person”. Seeing Final Fantasy perform reminded me of one of the videos that made me adamant that I had to see him live – one he shot with They Shoot Music – Don’t They? What I love about this video (and their videos in general) is that outside of the studio and off of the stage, the They Shoot Music crew create the type of videos that would have music fans wish they were there to see being made. However, that’s where the charm lies: in the fact that there is no overt, dedicated audience present. Despite shooting in public spaces, it’s almost all within a secret world – where They Shoot Music are allowing us the privilege of looking through the keyhole. Not to mention, these videos really make me want to go and visit Vienna.