Spatial Remediation exhibit

Today I went to Turner Art Gallery and saw Emily Waggenspack's exhibit The Art of Communication: Life as a Comic on Canvas, Envisioning Portraiture. It was really a great showcase of her hard-work and talent as an artist. The exhibit is made up of 78 gesso-painted canvases, which cover almost every wall in the gallery, and the theme followed the artist's life from childhood to college in a literary sense through comics. The canvases depict a child learning how words form, through copying her parents speech patterns; later moves on to comprehending storybooks, and then heads off to school. A heading on each canvas conveys what's going on, and the symbolism (such as teardrops of storybook scenes across the board when the comic is talking about how stories "flooded" in) depicted shows an effort on the artist's behalf to unite both words and imagery. The comic takes a serious turn, as it describes the child's hardships in school (i.e. learning disability) but how that didn't prevent her from success and college. The most moving part of the exhibit is when the story discusses the deep impact of the confusion in school, and being different from other kids (they finished work faster). The canvases in this part are hung in disarray from the ceiling, and a net hangs opposite the side of the wall, so that the reader walks through a tunnel of confusion and emotion; giving a sense of the child's struggle. The other exhibit on show is portraiture, that Waggenspack has taken to a new level. She has shown the steps in the work, first a photograph, then a sketch, and then the final product on canvas. The subjects are Bruce, Lisa Butler, and Waggenspack herself, making drastically twisted, and comical, faces. What makes the portraits so amusing, and interesting, is not so much the funny faces but how Waggenspack decided to cut up each portrait and then rearrange them. The faces can still be discerned as faces, but the interesting arrangements gives a whimsical mood to the work. It's very Braque-type, following the cubist movement, and is captivating. The vibrant colors also add to the whimsicalness of each art work. I think to experiment with such a drastically different medium really shows Waggenspack as a modern artist, not afraid to break traditional art conventions. Overall the exhibits are really well done, and showcase Waggenspack's talent as an artist who isn't afraid to take chances and experiment with different mediums.

La Belle et La Bete/ Notre Dame de Paris

In my French class, our professor Dr. Kress introduced the 2nd year students to the original fairy tales that many of us only know as the Disney classics where everyone live happily ever after. However, Disney greatly distorted the original screenplays, not to mention children's perception's of the world, which addressed heavy subject matter and had an impeccable cast. I really enjoyed reading the stories in French as we watched the films, because not only were we able to read and not the literary techniques, but we also were able to see it depicted and really brought the story to life. Since these two fairy tales are well known by all, I wont go into the plot details but rather I'll discuss the grave differences between the original story line and the Disney version, and focus on the great performances and what made them unique. In the case of the black and white La Belle et La Bete (directed by Jean Cocteau)/ Beauty and the Beast, some differences to note; Belle has two, selfish sisters and a caring, but gambling brother, and Avenant, Disney's Gaston, isn't really sleazy but rather Belle just isn't attracted to him. The quality of the film is incredibly well done considering the time at which it was done, sometime during the 40s, and the technology that was available. For instance, the special effects used in the film were really cutting edge back then, and Cocteau was experimenting with what film was capable of. The beast's costume, as ridiculous as it may seem to a 21st century audience, would've been outstanding, the fur and makeup to change a man into a beast, and the transportation of Belle from one place to another with her simple spoken wish into the mirror, would've confounded the audience and definitely been applauded. Even the castle's decorations, with self-moving trees, candles held by floating hands, the mystery of the chateau itself would've seemed unreal, and just the pure magic of the story itself would've been something very new to be seen on the screen. Another unique quality about La Belle et La Bete is the way in which Cocteau filmed the movie, it truly could be called an artwork. Each scene is filmed as if it were a painting, the scenery itself and the actors themselves hold poses as if they were about to be painted. The lighting throughout the film is often reminiscent of chiaroscuro, characteristic of Caravaggio, the haziness also created by the smoke creates a painting-like scene. However cheesy the acting and perhaps the film as whole might seem to viewers today, La Belle et La Bete ought to be applauded for its beginning tinkering with special effects, and even trying to make film a work of art. Notre Dame de Paris is a rock opera that addresses the issue of a gypsy, Esmeralda, who attracts the attention of many men, in this story that of the town priest, Quasimodo (a hunchback who was taken in by the priest), and a soldier, Phoebus. Rather than the lighthearted Disney version that I loved to re-watch growing up; this is a dark commentary on the situation of Gypsy's and how they were kept out of Paris, and not even considered to be given human rights because many thought of them as the lowest commoners of the low. The opera includes an incredible cast, and what really makes the performance is the soundtrack. Each actors voice is incredible, and not only are the melodies outstanding, but the lyrics are just as beautiful and really amazing. The story ends with the priest convicting Esmeralda of an assault on Phoebus (though it was staged, by himself) because she wouldn't spend the night with him, and leaves Quasimodo and her adopted father devastated. The stage isn't filled with props, however the dance performances are amazing; the unity among the dancers, and their harmony with the music is really wonderful. Another thing to note, when this rock opera came out, the issue of immigration in France (immigrants mainly from Northern Africa) was going on, and so this became a piece not just about a historical account but also could be applied to the modern situation.

La Ley de Herodes

I recently saw the Spanish film, directed by Luis Estrada La Ley de Herodes (or Herod's Law). The film is a satire; criticizing the Mexican government's corrupt political system. It focuses on, and finds fault, with the dominant party, El PRI, which was filled with bribery; resulting in ineffective management. The film beings with the mayor of San Pedro de Los Saguaros running away with the towns money, however the mob (important to note they are indigenous Indians) swells and kills him. The result is a scrambling to find an imbecile to watch over the town for awhile so the story isnt revealed, potentially scarring the party just before elections. The new mayor? Juan Vargas, an ambitious man who wants to bring to the town modernity and democracy; however his dream isn't realized when he finds out that the town is broke. He gradually becomes sucked into the pits of bribery and steals money from the townspeople by taxing them for anything and everything. By the end of the film, El PRI has fallen however the conniving Vargas quickly switches sides and the final scene is him giving an address to los senadores. The film sets out to show how one man's struggle to be honest fails, and realizes the only way to deal with corruption and beat the system is to give in and use corruption itself to accomplish anything. Juan Vargas represents the typical politician who is drawn into the political scene with the best intentions, but becomes so disillusioned and power hungry, that he becomes consumed with ruling and money. The film is unique because it is one of the first to openly criticize the Mexican government, however it was not as heavily censored because it's comedy content. The actors in the film were casted extremely well, for example, Vargas' metamorphosis from a meek and honest man to a crazy dictator is a smooth change and highly believable, the viewer almost sympathizes with him. The town priest is another great actor, who keeps up with the appearance of a religious man however in reality he's a greedy man of the cloth who takes the towns money so he can buy a car. But he's incredibly at making people believe in his cause, and saving face. The film is shot in a perpetual sepia tone color, giving a an old time feel, really transporting the audience back to the 40s. Even the soundtrack is composed of the original, contemporary music of Mexico at that time, which, along with the way the movie is filmed, creates a back to the future film almost, and creates an even more believable film. La Ley de Herodes is filled with symbolism, starting from the very beginning. The mayor is stealing money from around the office, and he rips apart a portrait of the President and behind it is filled with money and then he opens up a legislation book, tears some pages out to reveal a stash of money inside. The characters themselves represent the issues Mexico was experiencing/trying to resolve at the time, the American who helps Vargas rebuild the town after meeting him on the road symbolizes the United States who used Mexico for profit purposes, and the church is represented by the priest as a controller of the people in almost every aspect of their lives (socially and economically), and the doctor signifies the other party, which was a traditional party made up primarily of military affiliates however they really didn't know what to do so they never advanced. Even the brothel, which becomes Vargas' habitual night visit, shows the scandalousness of the politician's life and in his treatment towards the girls, how they think of themselves above everyone even though they bring nothing to the town, neither advancement nor capital. La Ley de Herodes, as a dark humor film , provides a great look into the corrupt, and damaging political system that reigned over Mexico for decades.

Dance Concert

This past Sunday I went and saw the Escaped Images Dance Concert, which was a wonderful collection of dances in tribute to the dance instructor, Ginger Folmer, since she'll be retiring this year. Now, I have a hard time understanding interpretive dance so a few of the acts, such as A Kinetic Study in Chuck Taylors, were incomprehensible to me but I was able to appreciate the unity amongst the dancers and the form. A Kinetic Study in Chuck Taylors was interesting in terms of how it was performed; all the dancers wore black pants, Hawaiian print shirts and Chucks. I was impressed at the dancers' flexibility in chucks, yet I was confused sometimes because I wasn't sure if the dancers truly were offbeat or if they were supposed to be offbeat because often they weren't in harmony. The choreography however for each dance act was impressive, and the music accompaniment was also great. A few acts that were memorable, were Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Paper Pushing 101. Crazy Little Thing Called Love was the quintessential 1950s at the hop sequence, with Michael Buble singing and the swing dancers. The costumes were of the period, and the entire act was engaging and simply fun. Couldnt help but tap your foot along with the beat, and you could see that the dancers themselves were having fun. Paper Pushing 101 was really interesting, and relatable to the college student, because the basic plot is a dance about writing a paper late at night. The harmony between the music and dance sequence was wonderful, such as the scene when lying in a circle on the floor, the dancers moved their legs to the sound of a typewriter. It was really a comedy too because the audience couldnt help but laugh when the dancers were in a line, brushing their teeth and all of a sudden a brawl begins begin between two writers. It was really a funny piece, and well performed. Another act, Discovering What's Important, had a comical, and serious plot that focused on relationships. The beginning started out with two girls and a boom box dancing off and suddenly one of the girls is whisked away by a serious, interpretive dancer. The rest of the piece shows the girl struggling to decide whether to stay with her friends, and be who she really is; or to go off with the guy who wants her to change (this is shown when he gives her a set of clothes that match his) who she is instead of accepting her difference. The street dancers randomly appear back on stage throughout her dances with the guy and her decision-making, and ends with her returning back to the dance off. The ending was really neat because the lights were turned off and all the dancers wore glow in the dark bands, which created a really interesting stage performance. The dance concert was really a great showcase of what the dancers have been working on, and also what Ginger Folmer has overseen. I wasnt able to understand all the performances, but I did walk away with a greater appreciation of interpretive dance.

Jimmy Crowley & Máirtín de Cógáin

Tonight in the Shell various organizations were able to bring the famous, Irish balladeers Jimmy Crowley and Máirtín de Cógáin. I must admit that despite my recent, keen interest in Irish music I had never heard of these two singers, however I am now hooked and very glad that I went. The two talented singers, of opposite generations (Crowley the more advanced in age and Cógáin the younger one), are able to combine their talents cohesively. Before every song they explained the ballad's history and the storyline, and it's importance to Ireland which was a help in understanding the songs. They sang a range of ballads, about war (the Fusiliers in WWI), love, immigration to America, and sports. The balladeers were also storytellers such as when Cógáin told the story of Darmody's Motor Car, which was animated and a quaint story about an elder Irishman's first time in a car. When Crowley and Cógáin sang in the native language, Gaelic, though I wasnt able to understand anything one couldnt not sway with the beat. Cógáin plays the bodhran, a sort of Irish tambourine with a deep sound, while Crowley plays the guitar and the harmonica, and both sing the ballads. Without any synthesizers, just their voices and instruments, I think that one really gets a feel for the Irish music and its history (especially the haunting effect of the bodhran). Crowley is such a cute elderly Irishman, that you cant help fall in love with his music and their talent is exceptional. I thought that this duo was excellent, and despite not being able to buy their music at the time I'm definitely going to hunt some cd's on the internet.

Mike McGee

This evening I went to the CAB program A Mighty Mind Like Mike's, which brought in the spoken word poet Mike McGee. In the Whited Room, the atmosphere was set up casually like a coffeehouse with Starbucks, doughnuts, etc. McGee goes up to the mic, and doesnt have the air of a pretentious big shot, but is laid back and really flows with the audience and mood. Dressed in all black, reminiscent of Johnny Cash, he wears an orange bandana in his coat pocket and neon orange tennis sweat bracelets. The easy going nature is refreshing, even if its perhaps because he's entertaining college students which in itself is typically a relaxed audience. His poems were hilarious, often filled with parodies on various sectors of society (college students, homosexuality, and much more). McGee's most unique quality is his ability to improvise in the middle of his odes, and then to get back to the main point. He did this throughout the two hour show, such as when he did an ode to pudding. Immediately he strayed from the poem and started to discuss how one makes Kraft Mac 'n Cheese in a Scottish accent. After 20 hilarious minutes, he switches right back to discussing the pudding and you realize the whole digression was spontaneous and you can't remember how McGee got from point A to point B, but it doesnt matter because he's able to pull it off. He rhymes about various subjects, making himself connected to a wide-range of people. He began with his more well-known poem, Like, which never fails to entertain. I really enjoyed his poem in which he rhymes about the stereotypes of homosexuals and thin people, and how he would be if he were that stereotype; however he's not and then talks about how he's just Mike and thats okay with him. McGee's humor was refreshing mainly because much of it was on the spot, emphasizing his true talent. I dont think that making a political or social statement is really the main objective of his show, but rather to just make people laugh.

Enchanted

This Friday was definitely busy on campus, with the Camerata and Chorale concert and then CAB hosted a movie night, showing Bourne Ultimatum and Enchanted served with Cold Stone ice cream. The concert was great, it first started with Camerata which sang a collection of religious songs. Their rendition of Kumbaya was an interesting composition, it was much more upbeat than the usual, slower rendition that is more commonly known. Afterwards they were joined by Chorale, which an interesting choice of songs. I've never heard of the composer or the songs, however they sang three short songs which were apart of a collection called Animal Crackers. The three pieces were titled The Bovine, The Firefly, and the Panther. Each song was bascially an ode to the animal, in which the audience was warned about what to do when coming upon a panther, the greatness of the cow (they actually moo'd harmoniously), and the lively firefly. The set was hilarious, and the combination of such a serious mood with humorous lyrics not only was a success but a refreshing change. Chorale's last song Wade in de Water was a gospel song, began slowly and transformed into an energetic melody that was fairly reminiscent of a slave ballad. After the concert I headed over to the shell to see Enchanted, which was definitely worth ednduring the frigid night. The film begins in the animated world Andalasia, with Giselle (Amy Adams) singing about finding true loves kiss, and her voice attracts Prince Edward (James Marsden) who comes to finish their love duet. He immediately proposes to Giselle, however his evil stepmother is not happy about giving up her reign and sends Giselle to the real-world, "where there are no happy endings." Giselle pops out of a sewer into a rainy New York night, and asks everyone on the street the directions to the castle. The film incorporates lines and characters from past Disney films, such as when Giselle sees a dwarf with an attitude and calls out Grumpy!! After seeing a castle (a casino advertisement) posted on a billboard, she climbs up and bangs on the "door." At this point Robert (Patrick Dempsey), a lawyer working on a divorce case, and his daughter Morgan pull up in a taxi and Morgan sees a princess yelling at the billboard. Robert doesnt believe it, until Giselle walks around, at which Robert jumps out of the car and fails to catch her when she jumps off. She goes home with them, and Robert is unable to grasp Giselles naivety and constant belief that her prince charming Edward will find her. The gap that exists between adult and child is shown throught the movie in how Robert and Morgan each come to accept Giselle. Prince Edward also goes to New York in search to finish his love's duet, and is followed by his evil stepmother's (Susan Sarandon) right hand man who is on the mission to kill Giselle with poisoned apples. Giselle throughout the movie begins to acclamate to the real world, and beings to realize her true love is actually Robert. The ending is at a ball, where the queen herself arrives and poisons Giselle after her aide has failed, and Prince Edward realizes that he isnt her true loves kiss but that Robert is, and sure enough she wakes up. The film ends with Robert's, now ex, fiancee, going with Prince Edward back to Andalasia, and Giselle stays with Robert and Morgan in New York. Enchanted is a wonderful comedy that mixes animation and real life cinema, and has a great soundtrack. It explores themes that are applicable to a wide-range of people, matters such as fitting in and finding one's niche, or realizing that what one thinks they want isnt always what's best for us. This part-animated, musical is great for all ages, and is just an overall fun film about finding true love where, and when, it's least expected despite the bumps along the way.

The Kimbell

Over the break I went to Fort Worth, and had the chance the go over to the Kimbell Art Museum to see the current exhibit Picturing the Bible, The Earliest Christian Art. The exhibit shows how early Christians depicted their faith and beliefs. The tour was fascinating, because when I think of biblical art immediately what comes to my mind is what I'm used to- icons, being that I'm Greek Orthodox. But there were amazing pieces of art, that made you think how at that time were these people able to create such works and the details. Something I had never seen before were these glass roundels, that would've been apart of a bowl or something, that were etched with biblical scenes in gold. That was really interesting to see because it was something completely new to me. I had seen sarcophagi in my art history textbook, but to see them close and personal gave them a whole new dimension. There were a lot of images of the icthus on rings, or medallions, showing the religious imagery. There was also a manuscript of the bible which was incredible, because the years put into these works is not only impressive but shows the dedication of a man's life to the work. Throughout the exhibit there is a sense of pride in these works, no one thing is done half-way, and the best materials are used (gems, gold, silver, etc.) Something interesting I found was that although I know water is an important symbolism in Christian literature and imagery, it was interesting to note the importance of Jonah to the early Christians. He's everywhere on the artwork! But today Jonah really isnt that central or emphasized, so I was surprised at how he was continuously represented. The best part about the exhibit, for me, was being able to use my knowledge of Latin to read what was written on these works. I guess all the studying paid off. There was the cross given by Justin to another emperor (I cant really remember) but it was given to show allegiance, and support. The exhibit begins with modest, but still precious materials, works and evolves into highly elaborate, and almost imposing artistry. Just as Christianity itself began as an inferior and persecuted faith, and became (rather quickly) into a powerful and wealthy institution, this change is experienced throughout the exhibit.

Happiness

This weekend, if you didnt see You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (put on by MLP) then shame on you! The last time I saw this play was when my brother's eighth grade made this their final play. It was great then, and it was even better this Saturday. Who knew such a simple, happy feel good show, wouldnt be cheesy (as it easily could have been), but rather, saved by its excellent acting, proved to be a great comedy. The play was excellently casted, there were some new faces on stage but they proved to hold their own with the veterans. The stage didnt have too many, props except for the trees that were standard throughout the play, benches, and then the couch (it was pretty great, this huge couch to give the young adult characters a kid resemblence). The best characters,all though all were pretty great, were Charlie Brown and Lucy, played by Nate Wasson and Rachel Havird. The energy just really came out with them on stage, and they were really into their roles. Perhaps a great scene that showed this, was when Charlie Brown is trying to fly his kite. What could have been a dull scene was great, not only the singing but also the acting was well done...Wasson might have cared less if his fake kite really flew, but he made it seem like the world to Charlie. Lucy's brusque mannerisms are well done, and her bossy attitude is acted out great. Snoopy, Linus, Schroeder, and the rest of the gang all act their roles out great and with an energy that really engages the audience. Throughout the play, you forget that these ideas are just kid's "philosophies." The tension between Lucy and Schroeder is awesome, their banter between Beethoven and dishware had the house roaring with laughter. And then there was Linus' tap dance with his blanket...priceless. Charlie Brown was definitely worth the time this weekend, even with the huge homework load, everyone needs a good laugh now and then. The singing was also another thing that made the show apart from the acting. I'm not sure if all those actors were CHOR kids, but they definitely sang like it. The intensity and effort that the actors put into this production certainly payed off, and they deserve the rave reviews the receive. MLP has once again put on an excellent production, proving that small productions are worth the time and chance.

Penelope

This past Friday I went and saw the film Penelope, directed by Mark Palansky and with Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon. The film is excellently casted, with Penelope played by Christina Ricci, Catherine O'Hara as her mother, and James McAvoy as Max, the young man who loved her for who she truly was despite her appearance. One might go in expecting a simple, quick chick flick however the movie has a great morale at the end teaching that looks are not everything to a person and how shallow society has become. It also touches on the obsession of celebrities, and the quick move on after the hype. The film begins with an introduction of the beginning of Penelope's life, transitioning into present day. She is continually set up by a match maker on a quest to break the Wilhern curse. Which states that she will never be rid of her pig nose until she finds "one of her own." Penelope's mother takes this to mean she must fall in love with a blueblood to receive her real nose. This sets up a horrible meeting with a blueblood, who is repulsed by her but proposes because of the media following her. After unsuccessful suitors, terrified by her appearence, Max shows up and likes her for who she is. But he isnt a blueblood, quickly realizes that he can't break her curse and vanishes. Penelope, fed up with hiding, runs away and finds herself in the city. The characters throughout the entire film act superbly, and you can't help but cheer on Penelope on her quest to find herself, and later on Max to find out he loved her all along. With great acting, and great costumes, Penelope is a joy to watch. Another great thing is the way the movie was filmed. While everyone is very modern, the main characters (Penelope and Max) wear a very vintage inspired wadrobe, and the buildings and architecture are reminiscent of the late 1800s giving the film a more magical, fairytale edge. Penelope is a wonderful film showing one person's journey who breaks her curse by finding out she likes herself the way she is. Its inspirational, and you cant help but give Penelope a two thumbs up!

Rant

My confusion for the past couple weeks has been about the Centenary posters around campus. , The banners are photos of various students doing a variety of things, from studying in a group, to reading a book, working with a beaker, or rock climbing (which by the way has not been used in 3 years because the school lacks a certified instructor). These images are supposed to put Centenary on the map, and to advertise the school's quality education and learning atmosphere. If this is so, then why on earth are these on campus? The students already know what the college is like, there's no need for these gigantic reminders.
The banners use is being ill used, in order to recruit funds and students these should be placed around the city and not at home. No effect will be made in making Centenary more known if they don't branch out and advertise beyond this one mile radius campus. And then there's the issue with the images themselves. Its been discussed in class what makes an ad effective, and how its message is perceived by the public. If the goal of these banners is to show a quality education at Centenary, I dont think that that goal has been meet as well as it could be. I'm sure it's hard to effectively showcase Centenary with just a few images, but the one's chosen seem to miss it entirely. The rockwall climbing picture for one, well why is something that cant even be used advertised? Its misleading, and false advertisement is the last thing a college wants. The group photo is fine, we all can collectively work together, great. But what about showing students and professors together, that is something truly unique to Centenary. I've been to visit friends at their schools, and no one is as close with their professors as here. And then there's the staged look to the photos. They just all look very cliche and posed. A kid reading a book on a nice lawn, the science photo; just branching out and doing something different with the advertisements would better Centenary I personally think. What about photos of students debating, that could show the progressive nature on campus, or college students interacting with the community.
It just seems that doing the same thing makes Centenary another one of those small, liberal arts colleges. Less staged photos, and ones of a different nature would better suit the college. Also, they need to be placed off campus where they would be put to their actual use, honestly we dont need a reminder of where we are.

Dedication

This past weekend I watched and indie film named "Dedication," which is incorrectly termed a romantic comedy. Yes, there are comedic elements, but for the most part the film shows the character growth the main character makes from an inconsiderate writer, to a more caring and compassionated man. The film is about Henry, played by Billy Crudup, who is a children's writer and his illustrator, played by Rudy Wilkinson, whom he is very close with. A basic plot is Henry is left lost when Rudy dies, until his boss pairs him up with Lucy, played by Mandy Moore, to be his illustrator and she teaches him how to loosen up and live life enjoyably. Lucy herself is struggling with getting over a cheating fiancee, and a crazy landlord who happens to be her own mother. The boss has given Lucy a 200,000 dollar pay if she can get Henry to produce the book at the end of 3 weeks. When Henry finds this out, (after having fallen in love with Lucy) he must choose whether to hold a grudge against someone without knowing the full truth, or to forgive for the first time and love without holding back.
The film begins showing Henry as a bitter, sarcastic, and pessimistic young man who goes around the city with Rudy judging the inhabitants as they people watch. When Henry goes to visit Rudy in the hospital, whose dying of cancer, Rudy tells him to find a girl and to grow up, that he isnt living life that he's just going through the motions. He's trying to keep Henry from ending up alone, and unhappy. Shrugging to advice to the side, when he meets Lucy at first he belittles her, and makes Lucy feel inferior by comparing her to the waitress' life story and then saying she isnt even half as pathetic. Quickly realizing if she's going to get Henry to write, she returns the behavior and Henry falls in love with Lucy. Henry has a lot of quirks that make him endearing but also exhaustive. Terrified of cars, he rides (with a helmet on) to the beach only because he realizes he has to show Lucy his love for her by showing he cares. She had said she loves looking at stars at the beach, and he buys her a telescope also.
Despite the issues Henry has to deal with, Lucy overlooks them and also falls in love with him. The acting in the film is great, not the usual cheesy acting done by Moore, however Crudup is amazing as always. The film techniques used are also great. Rudy continuously appears to Henry throughout the film as a guide, acting on his conscience. Also, there are rewind and forward scenes that happen frequently, usually between the times Rudy visits Henry and when he leaves. Shot on what seems like a low budget, this sleeper film is definitely a hit and a dark comdey about growing up and finding love.

Pink Flamingos

So, I went with a friend to the viewing of Pink Flamingos, shown by the Centenary Film Society. I wasnt sure of what to expect, but was told that it was crazy. I was prett weirded out by the film. John Water's 1973 film is apparently a cult classic among some, and classified as extreme cinema. The basic plot is about a woman by the name Divine, a drag queen with awfully intense makeup, and her feud with a couple, Connie and Raymond, which is just a fight over who is the most foul or "filthy." Each side has, what I'll politely call quirks. Divine has two kids, Cotton and Crackers, and a mother who has an obsession with eggs and the egg man (an egg salesperson) and stays in a baby pen. Divine has the reputation as the filthiest person alive, and she's ver adamant about maintaining that title. In town,Connie and Raymond would like to be titled "the filthiest people" so their goal is to destroy Divine. Their profession? They steal girls hitch hiking, who are then raped by their "butler" (not sure about his title), and then sell the babies to lesbian couples. Raymond goes around town freaking girls out, wearing a trenchcoat which he pulls off to reveal himself. The film is full of just plain oddities and Waters doesnt hold back any modesty, everyone is very sexual. There is an incestuous scene between Divine and Crackers, between Crackers and Cookie (a spy for the couple), and then there's the perverse Raymond as well as the "dancer" at Divine's birthday bash. Connie and Raymond call the police, which sets Divine off and she then sets out to find them. When she returns home, she finds her trailer burnt to the ground (by Connie and Raymond). The movie ends with the first public homicide, Divine murders the perpetrators (after a "fair" trial; which consisted of her witnesses as Crackers and Cotton) with a couple of reporters as witnesses, after which she and her family run off to Boyse. I found it to be awkwardly comedic but more uncomfortable than anything else. And it wasnt the open sexuality of the movie, but really the crudity that made it painful to watch. Following the film I stayed for Dr. Clark's lecture explaining his thoughts on the film. I really enjoyed this because what I saw as a crass, without talent, awful movie, greatly contrasted with his views. Also he drew some connections in the film that I hadnt seen. Dr. Clark pointed out Pink Flamingo is a satire on the theme of "fame" and connected that with "feud" and "family." Fame and its excess leads to feuds on one anothers popularity, and that stretches out to families. He was able to give some sense to the film. The film was not anything like I had seen before, and I'm not quite sure if there's really any deeper meaning to Pink Flamingos but that its just a freak cult classic. I just wasnt able to really see the purpose, or unique quality of the movie...I dont think I'm able to get past the crudeness.

Practices of Looking (chapters 3 & 4)

Continuing the discussion of Sally Mann's photographs of her children, I thought that the issue about the children being nude was ridiculous. How many of our families show off photos of their kids at the beach, and I just thought that the shock value of the photos wasnt really the lack of clothing but the intense look on their faces. The emotion expressed is disurbing, really, because while the peole from their town seem to be happy the kids have this look of intensity, not unhappiness, but a wariness or it seems like they've been through some ordeal. And the positions of her kids in some of the photos really are innapropriate for a child. But then that brings up the question is it really the inappropriatness of the positions, and sexuality exuded; or is it the age at which the children are publicized. In honesty, both. But onto the readings. I thought that one of the arguments to be very interesting, that the emergence of photography allowed for the introduction of impressionism into the art world. And I cant help as I read to ask why the heck are there so many "Guess" ads throught the chapters, there are other companies to focus on! The "reproductions" of artwork discussion made me think about all the copies of art in my room from museums, or the Cassat bag I have, but came to the conclusion the reproductions dont give less meaning to the original object but for me maybe even give it more significance. Because after carrying my "mother and child" bag around for years, finally seeing it in person I found to be a great experience. I completely agree with the idea that the "aura" around an object is given that ambience because of the "time and space" associated with it. The old family photos, thought they're worth nothing and I never knew the relatives, I find to have a special aura attached to them because of the historic events connected to the photos.

"Practices of Looking" Ch. 1 & 2

l. I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to talk about here, but here goes. I thought that the reading was not only interesting, but very engaging. Throughout the chapters I found myself applying it to what I have experienced, and learning new facts/associations about products that I use/have used. For example in chapter 2, I had never known that Doc Martens, which my friends and I wore throughout high school were originally orthopedic shoes, then worn by construction workers, and evolving into a "symbol" for AIDS activists. When reading about "bricolage" I was reminded of the "members only" jackets which have been resurrected from the 80s, and are now the "it" item of clothing back home, even my brother rummaged through my sisters stuff in the attic to find one of the original jackets. I was curious about "textual poaching" it makes sense but trying to come up with my own example, I was wondeirng if "Bride and Prejudice" would fit the definition. A Bollywood film, that takes on the traditional Western novel "Pride and Prejudice," would this count for poaching? Thats about all that jogged my mind from these two chapters, hope I'm on the right track!