Atonement

Last night I went to the Cinema with my mum to watch 'Atonement'. When it ended I felt I'd been too emotionally drained. It was an intense film and although the room was packed full, I frequently felt that shifting in my seat was too noisy due to the absolute stillness in the cinema.

I rushed outside and lit a cigarette, the main characters smoked mercilessly throughout the film and my addicted brain craved that kind of interuption to the tragedy unfolding before me.

With a bit of space between the experience and myself I must say it was a very well made film and delivered a real emotional punch. Kiera Knightly's acting with her grace and beauty were breathtaking. The green dress has to be seen. It was vivid and so realistic I had to turn away from many of the war scenes.

Amazing Grace

I wanted to see this film at the Cinema. Today I watched it on DVD. It was an experience. I was totally inspired by the story of William Wilberforce and his passionate life, devoted publicly to abolishing slavery and privately to fully experiencing life. It is a film containing many exquisite moments. I especially enjoyed Richard the Butlers relationship with William the politician and his quotes.
There is much to see and learn in this film and I highly recommend it.

Pan's Labyrinth

Pan's Labyrinth was pretty scary in parts, but I guess that's what can be expected from fascism. The frightening captain who was the stepfather from hell to Ofelia, the child protagonist, was more than I could bear in parts. This is a fairy tale in the tradition of the Grimm Brothers. It takes you on a dark journey, which at times I doubted could end well.

There is a great selection of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

It has a haunting soundtrack. It was beautiful in many parts though, the fantasy and natural world contained magic and spirit. This Mexican film is one of my favourites of this year. I will watch it again.

Factory Girl

Factory Girl was a sad tale, yet I enjoyed it. I have read some critiques on Rotten Tomatoes and agree with some of the complaints of the movies, yet not all. Sure there were gaps and questions but sometimes I think telling life stories, particularly recent life stories, needs to be like that.

If you have any interest in Andy Warhol, or the musician (he who doesn't want to be named), or Edie Sedgewick, it would be interesting to watch.

Once (2006)

Tonight I went to see Once. I loved it. I hadn't read anything about it cause I was in a rush before I went to the Cinema and I couldn't find a lot of info.
It was a treasure, described as a modern day musical, the music was breathtaking and fused with the story. It was a simple, yet very touching story.
It is an Irish film and has a realistic and unpolished feel about it. The lack of glamour gave the story intimacy to me. It was about broken hearted people joining to make their dreams come alive. It was uplifting.
The music was amazing. I intend to get the soundtrack as it moved me to tears in places. Glen Hansard, the main actor is also the musician on the soundtrack. He has an awesome voice.

Death Proof

I loved Death Proof. I love the characterisations and the stylised violence of this film, although parts I had to turn away from, I'm really quite chicken to the core when it comes to violence.

I am possibly too simplistic in my movie watching stance but I love the way, when I watch a Tarantino film, I know not to expect anything, yet find myself from habit having those expectations, I knew not to have splintered. I like his treatment of women. I wouldn't go so far as to say that is accurate, but it is fun to watch. I liked the references to previous films as discussed in the review below.

My favourite review: Film Intuition

Revver has Revamped

Revver has become Revver 2.0. The landing page has changed. They have brought back categories, which pleases me, because I liked having an easier way to find things of interest. There is the capacity to provide video responses, which will be interesting to watch.
The stats pages have changed a little.
It seems quicker loading to me and a lot more interesting. I like it.

You Tube Copyright Developments

In the news today is YouTube unveils copyright protection tools (The Age). I immediately wondered who would continue to go there if they couldn't find mainstream media. It would give video sites like Revver and Blip a real chance to compete.
However, YouTube has a number of record labels and other legitimate ways to include sought after video for the public. It will be interesting to see. I wonder if they will be as tight as Revver. I once submitted a holiday video to Revver that was rejected because a song was playing on the radio, that I thought was irrecognisable, and I didn't have the rights to it. I wasn't cranky about that though, if anything it just demonstrated a high level of integrity to me that I like.

Kate Bush's label, EMI UK, is publishing on You Tube so thanks to that here's a treat:

I love the latest "Arial" album and this is the single from it. Enjoy!

Tropfest Tuesday - Bad Yoghurt

"Bad Yoghurt" directed by Shaun Beagley is an experience. It's a 13+ experience by the way.



This is stylized yuck in my opinion, yet some of my students highly rate it. It's kind of shocking in a funny, revolting way. You have been warned. What do you think of it?

Tropfest Tuesday - An Imaginary Friend

The winner of the 2007 Tropfest, An Imaginary Friend by Steve Barker.




PS: Sorry about last week. School holiday funk happening.

Tropfest Tuesday - The Von

'The Von', directed by John Maverty.
This is one the kids appreciated. Not for the weak stomached though! A playground story about a boy who imagines himself a superhero, with disastrous consequences for a kid. This short stars Jacob Bicknell was the '2007 Young Talent of the Year'. 'The Von' is from the 2007 Tropfest

Tropfest Tuesday - Road Rage

'Road Rage' directed by Mark Bellamy


This film is surprising and touching, yet also humourous. It was one of the finalists for 2007 Tropfest. Road rage doesn't have to end up as we expect!

Pangea Day Needs Your Videos

An amazing new project brought to life at TED Conference, Pangea Day. Watch this trailor, it's inspiring.

Revver Pays out $1 Million on Anniversary of Launch

What If...

Tropfest Tuesday - Between the Flags

'Between the Flags' directed by Jayce White



I love this Tropfest 2007 clip. It is ironic and refers to the riots that occurred in Sydney,in a gentle and humourous way.

Next Internet Millionaire Stats and latest episodes

Episode 2

Episode 3



Stats from tubemogul

If you missed it: Episode 1. If you want to learn more about the whole deal check out

The Next Internet Millionaire

Tropfest Tuesday - Australian Summer

"Australian Summer" Rated PG 13+ (language I think)



This 'Tropfest' short film from the 2005 Tropfest Finalists is a poignant and touching clip. Directed by Luke Eve. The actors are amazing and it is great entertainment. It reminds me of the power of imagination. Bruce Spence is featured in this clip.

The Next Internet Millionare

The Next Internet Millionaire series on Revver is quite popular right now. In the style of reality TV shows (my least favourite genre I might add), 12 individuals compete for an online opportunity. There are a series of tasks they complete as individuals and teams. There are some interesting individuals. This first episode goes for an hour. The man behind Simpleology, Mark Joyner, participates in this first episode.

Tropfest for Kids

If you're under 15 and aspire to be a short film maker, what are you waiting for? Quickly go to TropJr, read all the details and get started. Go on, move it, why are you still reading this?

What is Jeff Skoll up to?

Participant Productions

Making Films to Make Change: Jeff Skoll on TED.com