Published at January 29, 2006
in film.
I first heard about this film some time ago from Rooney. Doing some IMDb searching tonight on a different topic I stumbled across it again. It seems the release date is tentatively set for July 7, 2006. The film utilizes an animation technique called interpolated rotoscoping that Linklater first used used in another film Waking Life. The plot as listed on Warner Independent Pictures reads: “A Scanner Darkly” is set in suburban Orange County, California in a future where America has lost the war on drugs. When one reluctant undercover cop (Reeves) is ordered to start spying on his friends, he is launched on a paranoid journey into the absurd, where identities and loyalties are impossible to decode. It is a cautionary tale of drug use based on the novel by Philip K. Dick and his own experiences. “A Scanner Darkly” stars Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and Rory Cochrane and is written for the screen and directed by Richard Linklater.
It’s definitely a compelling cast, and a visually interesting film style. View the trailer at Apple.
I didn’t know to much about the film that won the 77th Academy Award for best Documentary this year, other then it’s title, and what I could infer from that; Born Into Brothels. I had a chance to view this documentary tonight and would recommend it to everyone.
Not one to ruin a good story, I will say I was surprised to discover that the film focused on photography, and how it was an escape for these children, and provided them with buckets and buckets of smiles.These children, who live in such trying and dire situations, still find time to laugh, to play, and be children. What really took my breath away was the quality of the photographs they took with simple, automatic, 35mm film cameras. No zoom, no manual focus, no long shutters. Just point and shot. I do concede that any photo that is of a place I am not familiar with is fascinating, and the images of Calcutta’s red light district fall into this category. That being said, the images they captured were spectacular, and can be seen at Kids with Cameras. Despite the digital age, nothing beats the richness, and detail that can be captured on film.
It got me to thinking about picking up a film camera. Digital is great and all, but my one main complaint is the delay between shutter press and actual image. I’m hoping someone can point me in the direction of a fun 35mm camera. Nothing fancy. Heck, I’d be happier with plain, and inexpensive. It is obvious the children in the film had a talent for photography. I would venture a guess and say it is because they are children and look at the world in a different way. I would also say it is because of the life and world they live in, and being able to capture images that show that, or not show as the case may be, is therapeutic.
I’m rooting for those kids. I hope they, and others like them the world over, make it.
Published at June 27, 2005
in film.
A long 4 days of work in 30+ degree weather earned me a Sunday night of movie watching. I haven’t rented a film in many, many months, and it was great to do so again. The selections were two classics: ‘On The Waterfront‘ and ‘Annie Hall‘. Annie Hall is tonight’s project, while On The Waterfront was viewed last night.
What a terrific helping of story, acting, and defining roles. Marlon Brando truly does break out in the lead role of Terry Malloy. The line he walks between brute, and kind understanding human being is a pleasure to watch. The nuances delivered in the films defining scene let us all feel the bittersweet sadness Terry feels towards his brother, whom should have looked out for him better.
“You don’t understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody…. instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it.”
I first heard about this film some time ago from Rooney. Doing some IMDb searching tonight on a different topic I stumbled across it again. It seems the release date is tentatively set for July 7, 2006. The film utilizes an animation technique called interpolated rotoscoping that Linklater first used used in another film Waking Life. The plot as listed on Warner Independent Pictures reads: “A Scanner Darkly” is set in suburban Orange County, California in a future where America has lost the war on drugs. When one reluctant undercover cop (Reeves) is ordered to start spying on his friends, he is launched on a paranoid journey into the absurd, where identities and loyalties are impossible to decode. It is a cautionary tale of drug use based on the novel by Philip K. Dick and his own experiences. “A Scanner Darkly” stars Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and Rory Cochrane and is written for the screen and directed by Richard Linklater.
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