Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Demise of The Music Journalist.
I apologize for the ill formatting, but JUST LISTEN!
Follow Chris Weingarten @1000TimesYes on Twitter.
Monday, November 16, 2009
"Born Into Brothels" Review
I just wrote this as a response for a class called "Global Media, Local Cultures". I think it came out pretty well. If you've seen the movie, I'd love your thoughts. If you have yet to see it, please do.
Born into Brothels, a documentary film about a photography program for the children of Indian prostitutes was one of the most compelling and insightful documentaries I have ever seen. Set in the town of Sonagachi, just like Amsterdam’s red light district but more run-down and poverty stricken. Scenes of despair and empowerment are shot throughout. Although, the title suggests a more problematic situation, the documentary brings to life a community that usually has little to no awareness.
Director and photographer, Zana Briski who was originally stationed in India to photograph Prostitutes, quickly befriended their children from the numerous visits she had taken over the past five years while shooting. She began a program to give back to the community of children, who some, had never seen cameras before. The documentary highlights six of the students who were enrolled in the program. The students were given cameras to take photographs of the city, which would allow them to create their own artwork at no cost, an opportunity they would have never received without the program. The documentary gives the audience a look into each students work, showcasing different photographs while giving a biographical background of each student. Although all of the students are children of prostitutes, some are more fortunate than others. Some of the children are expected to “join the line” a term that expresses the disparaging fact of being forced into the life of a prostitute. However, some of the children are more likely (the males) to have an opportunity to go away to schools to continue their educations.
One of my favorite scenes in the film comes when the director who is also one of the main characters in the film, takes the students on a field trip to the beach. The beach town that is outside of the city, is a place where none of the students have ever visited. They are instantly overjoyed and ecstatic, snapping pictures of the landscapes and sceneries. This scene exemplifies the innocence of the children in a perfect manor, allowing the audience to become aware of the children who are subject to daily problematic situations that eventually lead to lives of unfortunate circumstances. The children swim in the ocean, run around on the beach and for once, are allowed to act like children. The group packs up and leaves once the sun retreats and fall asleep on the bus ride home to awake to the nighttime overcrowded city slums that they call their homes.
This film resonates not only with emotional compassion but on a social awareness level as well. Some critics may say that this film or this program does not benefit the community. In some ways it does not, It will not lift the community out of poverty or erase the confines of prostitution that have taken over the city. However, it has created opportunity that could not be found before this program was conceived, and I believe that is a enough for this film to be cited as a relevant and an important piece of filmmaking.
Born into Brothels, a documentary film about a photography program for the children of Indian prostitutes was one of the most compelling and insightful documentaries I have ever seen. Set in the town of Sonagachi, just like Amsterdam’s red light district but more run-down and poverty stricken. Scenes of despair and empowerment are shot throughout. Although, the title suggests a more problematic situation, the documentary brings to life a community that usually has little to no awareness.
Director and photographer, Zana Briski who was originally stationed in India to photograph Prostitutes, quickly befriended their children from the numerous visits she had taken over the past five years while shooting. She began a program to give back to the community of children, who some, had never seen cameras before. The documentary highlights six of the students who were enrolled in the program. The students were given cameras to take photographs of the city, which would allow them to create their own artwork at no cost, an opportunity they would have never received without the program. The documentary gives the audience a look into each students work, showcasing different photographs while giving a biographical background of each student. Although all of the students are children of prostitutes, some are more fortunate than others. Some of the children are expected to “join the line” a term that expresses the disparaging fact of being forced into the life of a prostitute. However, some of the children are more likely (the males) to have an opportunity to go away to schools to continue their educations.
One of my favorite scenes in the film comes when the director who is also one of the main characters in the film, takes the students on a field trip to the beach. The beach town that is outside of the city, is a place where none of the students have ever visited. They are instantly overjoyed and ecstatic, snapping pictures of the landscapes and sceneries. This scene exemplifies the innocence of the children in a perfect manor, allowing the audience to become aware of the children who are subject to daily problematic situations that eventually lead to lives of unfortunate circumstances. The children swim in the ocean, run around on the beach and for once, are allowed to act like children. The group packs up and leaves once the sun retreats and fall asleep on the bus ride home to awake to the nighttime overcrowded city slums that they call their homes.
This film resonates not only with emotional compassion but on a social awareness level as well. Some critics may say that this film or this program does not benefit the community. In some ways it does not, It will not lift the community out of poverty or erase the confines of prostitution that have taken over the city. However, it has created opportunity that could not be found before this program was conceived, and I believe that is a enough for this film to be cited as a relevant and an important piece of filmmaking.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
THE Purchase Indy Mixtape! VOLUME 2
People Say- Portugal. The Man
Party and Bullshit in the USA (Hathbanger Mash-Up Remix)-The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Miley Cyrus
For Things that Haven't Come Yet- Nana Grizol
College- Michael Ian Black
No Ceilings - Lil Wayne ft. Birdman
All The Kings Men- Wild Beasts
A Horse Called Golgotha - Baroness
America (Featuring Mos Def & Chali 2NA)- K'naan T
Maple Street- Bot Jizz *
Lights & Shapes (RAC Remix)- Moving Mountains *
*Purchase Bands.
ENJOY.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ck55ek[/url]
Monday, November 9, 2009
Cool Schtuff
A few things compel me to stop and post on the blog, but when that something/s does/do appear, I find it necessary to post it.
I came across the singer/guitar player of Tokyo Police Club's Blog and found an acoustic cover of a wonderful song by the band The Harlem Shakes. Although the name sounds super silly and an attempt to by ironic. What Brooklyn indie band is really doing or knows how to do the Harlem Shake? It's a song that in any way shape or form will make you say "hey, that's a pretty good song!". Check it out!
Hey Ladies! The New York Times reported about a new Net Flix type company called Rent The Runway where you can rent expensive dresses at cheap costs. Just don't spill anything on them because you gotta pay for it, hunnie.
What is a better marketing tool than a T-shirt? I can't think of one! Can you? A company called The Music Tee is creating an album art t-shirt where, when you buy one, you get a free digital download along with the purchase! Brilliant! My favorite so far is The Monsters Of Folk .... Just in case you were wondering, my birthday is coming up!
Speaking of Monsters Of Folk, who recently put out their new album last week which has quickly become one of my favorites of the year. I got a chance to see them last night. They played for about three hours and had no problem of blowing my mind. Here's a clip of them playing The Jimmy Fallon Show!
I've been enjoying these bands and their music videos. I hope you do too.
Wild Beasts:
Said, The Whale:
I like how Jimmy Fallon is slowly becoming the new Dick Clark.
the internet rox,
t.l.s
I came across the singer/guitar player of Tokyo Police Club's Blog and found an acoustic cover of a wonderful song by the band The Harlem Shakes. Although the name sounds super silly and an attempt to by ironic. What Brooklyn indie band is really doing or knows how to do the Harlem Shake? It's a song that in any way shape or form will make you say "hey, that's a pretty good song!". Check it out!
Hey Ladies! The New York Times reported about a new Net Flix type company called Rent The Runway where you can rent expensive dresses at cheap costs. Just don't spill anything on them because you gotta pay for it, hunnie.
What is a better marketing tool than a T-shirt? I can't think of one! Can you? A company called The Music Tee is creating an album art t-shirt where, when you buy one, you get a free digital download along with the purchase! Brilliant! My favorite so far is The Monsters Of Folk .... Just in case you were wondering, my birthday is coming up!
Speaking of Monsters Of Folk, who recently put out their new album last week which has quickly become one of my favorites of the year. I got a chance to see them last night. They played for about three hours and had no problem of blowing my mind. Here's a clip of them playing The Jimmy Fallon Show!
I've been enjoying these bands and their music videos. I hope you do too.
Wild Beasts:
Said, The Whale:
I like how Jimmy Fallon is slowly becoming the new Dick Clark.
the internet rox,
t.l.s
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
And the award goes to....the trailer
After seeing Where The Wild Things Are on Sunday, I came to the conclusion that the trailer, featuring that Arcade Fire song "Wake Up" was actually better than the movie itself. I can't really explain why I didn't enjoy the movie. Maybe it was because every scene was scored by Karen-o or because the movie really didn't give me a sense of childhood. What was my childhood like? I don't know but it sure was better exemplified by the trailer and not the film.
Spike Jonze made an incredibly beautiful visual film, but I got lost in the movie a few times. I'm not sure if that was supposed to happen, because the actual book itself was only 25 pages. How do you make a full length movie out of a 25 page children's story book? I guess that's what it looks like.
I know you've all seen this, but for one last time:
What did you think?
love always,
quite possibly the worst movie critic, ever.
PS_Speaking of trailers, I hope this one doesn't disappoint
Spike Jonze made an incredibly beautiful visual film, but I got lost in the movie a few times. I'm not sure if that was supposed to happen, because the actual book itself was only 25 pages. How do you make a full length movie out of a 25 page children's story book? I guess that's what it looks like.
I know you've all seen this, but for one last time:
What did you think?
love always,
quite possibly the worst movie critic, ever.
PS_Speaking of trailers, I hope this one doesn't disappoint
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