My distinguishing talent is the ability to put people under the microscope, perhaps to go one or two layers farther down than some other directors.
Archives For Media Commentary
Once again, here’s what I’ve read for the past two months:
Manalive by G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton’s lesser known work, Manalive, tells the tale of a “holy fool,” Innocent Smith, and his effects on the tenants of Beacon House, waking them up from a life not worth living. He shows them how to truly enjoy life, and that sometimes the best way to keep rules and traditions is by breaking them. He’s a man who leaves his wife and home, only to find them again with new eyes. He’s on a never-ending journey to never take his life for granted. I hadn’t read this book since before I started college, but a group of us recently read and discussed it again and I high recommend it; it is a book that will have you re-examining your life—but not for too long otherwise you miss the point. It’s only a hundred pages or so, so read it in a weekend and hopefully you’ll be reminded on how to really enjoy life!
Not sure if I should be really excited about this, or really worried…
Either way I’m curious to see where this goes. Maybe we’ll even get to see more Disneyland Star Wars rides!
What do you think about this? Are you excited to see Episode 7? Or do you worry about the Disney-fied version of the galaxy far far away?
UPDATE: Video of George Lucas Discussing the Future of Star Wars
Should we always be creating content for the lowest-common denominator? Interesting look at it’s effectiveness though…
I ran across a fascinating article today, Louis C.K. and the Rise of the ‘Laptop Loners’ by Adam Wilson, delving into the effect of shrinking screens on our viewing experience. Here are a few excerpts:
These days it’s different. The young — and the young at heart — bundle into beds, laptops and tablets propped inches from faces. They are snug in these cocoons, sequestered from all stimuli but those they source from screen and headphones. People watch alone now or in pairs, at odd hours, either streamed, downloaded, or on DVD, sometimes months or years after the shows have originally aired . . .
This is an amazing Tumblr project by Christopher Moloney taking stills from famous films, finding the place they were filmed at, and taking a picture of the photo meshed with its original surroundings. It’s amazing how little has changed over the years for some of these movies. And how many locations are reused for so many films!
I think it’s an interesting experiment because so much of our understanding of places is informed by films and TV. This project of blending films and reality is an accurate demonstration of how we view places and buildings. I’ve never visited New York City, but sometimes it can certainly seem like I have because of its depiction in so many movies. I feel like I know a place I’ve never seen with my own eyes!
What thoughts does this project prompt for you? What was your favorite film mashup on the blog? Post your thoughts below!
This is a fascinating look at the world of motion design: what it is, who uses it, and countless examples of jobs well done throughout the years. Motion design is one of those things that you don’t always notice, but is amazingly effective when done well. A motion designer can take information and help it sink in by using a combination of text and visuals to emphasize what might be lost in other mediums.
Due to my recent wedding and all the craziness that ensues from such an event, I missed getting last month’s reading list out. So here is a two-month supply of what has been on my Kindle/computer/in my hands.
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Read this book as part of my premarital counseling, and I couldn’t recommend it higher for those about to get married or are already on the other side. Gary Thomas takes the assumed mantra, that marriage there to make us happy, and flips it on its head, instead positing that God designed marriage to make us holy. Each chapter takes this idea and applies it to different aspects of marriage, and while I don’t necessarily agree with everything he writes, the conversations you’ll have with your spouse (or spouse-to-be) will be worth every minute.
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Although I love keeping up on all the latest tech and business books, thanks to Torrey I try to keep disciplined and read something a little harder to digest because I know it’s good for the mind and soul. And honestly, most of today’s writers could learn a thing or two from their predecessors. But I digress… Flaubert creates a very skilful tale of a women who is never satisfied with what she has, who is so focused on appearances she runs of her credit and ruins her entire family. And it is from 1856! Seems like things haven’t changed much and everyone can learn a thing or two about our views of material items and focus on what is truly important.
Continue Reading…
Here’s the latest that’s been in my hands or in my Google Reader:
Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want by Jenny Blake
For those of you who have just graduated from college and have some questions about what to do next, Jenny Blake’s book is a decent place to start. At times I felt most of it was just common sense, and much of it was just lists of bullet points without much coherent organization. But there was still a lot of valuable advice and exercises to work through, so it was worth the read. My advice is to read it quickly, apply what you can, and get back to living, because I think it’s safe to say that was the goal of the book.
Continue Reading…
