Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 166

La Chimera (2023) – Movie Review: Poetic, Sincere, Visceral, and Ambiguous

La Chimera is a movie directed by Alice Rohrwacher starring Josh O’Connor. With Carol Duarte, Vincenzo Nemolato and Isabella Rossellini.

La chimera

“La Chimera” is one of those movies that, right from the start, is special and beloved for being so: it’s eccentric, poetic, and a full-on tribute to Italian cinema and Italy itself, along with its rich history.

Its premise is simple, yet complex: a gang of antique and tomb thieves. Meanwhile, our protagonist is in search of his “chimera”, something deep within, something we strive to do, seek without knowing we’re seeking, and in the process, makes us human.

Here’s a heads up: it has traveled half of Europe and part of North America, basking in praise for its poetry and lyricism, and its director is already a phenomenon among newer directors.

Indeed, Alice Rohrwacher has become a shining star of European cinema in recent years.

About the Movie

It may enchant you, as it has done to many, or it may be one of those films that are destined to please only festival-goers, leaving the broader public somewhat open-mouthed, puzzled and thinking, “what’s this about?” Yes, “La Chimera” is one of those Italian movies that exudes the charm of that wonderful cinema of the 50s or 60s, with Fellini at the forefront or, in a completely different vein, Rossellini himself.

By the way, his famously renowned daughter, Isabella, makes an appearance.

This is a work about History, about archaeology, and, above all, about mythology and poetry, a movie that transforms the mundane into an ode to the divine and turns this divinity almost into a comedy. However, it doesn’t rely on grand dialogues or pretension or grandiosity in its cinematography: it narrates something highly poetic in a familiar manner, often through handheld camera shots, avoiding the contrivance of complex angles and opting for a poetry that seeks naturalness over the grandiose.

“La Chimera” primarily displays the excellent trait of being unique without being excessively complicated, forced, or overwrought. A story about time, civilization, and dreams that, whether real or illusory, crumble and are built a little with every step taken by the characters in this work that, we warn you, may either enchant or alienate you with its poetic, visceral, and unique sincerity.

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The Atrocious Generational Rifts

It was a philosopher who stated that generations are distinguished every twenty years, and set paradigms about their behaviors and mechanisms of rupture. This was some time ago, at the beginning of the last century.

Much of the validity of this eminent thinker’s words, whom I won’t name, seems to have lost their validity largely due to the brutal acceleration we’ve experienced in recent times.

Let’s take an example. Whether on papyrus or in print, paper has remained a constant, passed from parents to children through books, the great companion during long hours of study (that’s irony). Today, the smartphone or tablet rules all, offering infinitely greater possibilities than old-school print.

Simply put, despite the romantic’s dismay, the book is outdated and will gradually disappear due to technological evolution.

This is the case in many areas, including the labor market, in a world that has moved from the American Dream to these constantly changing global economies which make the future of work ephemeral and fluid, and remote work a common occurrence.

When grandchildren ask their grandpa: “Gramps, what were your phones like when you were little?” We don’t know what face he’ll make, probably the same face you’ll make when your grandchildren ask the same question (if AI doesn’t end humanity before that).

There are massive changes, and the older generations, those in charge, seem unwilling to understand the rules of the game (recently military conscription is being discussed for reinstatement in some countries). Once again, the old folk, sticking to their old routines in a present where the old seem anchored, hell-bent on returning to games that seem to have gone out of style.

We look at them with a bit of pity, but they’re in charge because they’ve spent years seeking and cultivating that power, now, emulating this or that czar, they continue the same historic game of returning to past glories that seem logically forgotten.

I’m not going to predict what will happen or whether these power-hungry elders will manage to extinguish technology and destroy everything. It may happen, or it may not, but this outdated mindset, war, conflict, and brutality, should have no place in this world that seemed to have grown.

Arguing over our favorite football team or who is sexier is one thing, a philosophical debate: something quite different is returning the horror of war to a world where no one wants it and where some seem stubborn about returning to a horrific past.

Let’s hope it doesn’t happen, we hope so, and that circumstances lead us to a hopeful future hand in hand with AI.

In some countries (curiously, one of them the same one where they want to reimpose compulsory military service) there’s already a party that advocates for AIs to make important political decisions.

I’m with them, because if humans are only capable of thinking about killing each other, it will be better for the machine to decide what is best for everyone.

A hopeful future, don’t you think?

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Baghead (2023) Horror Film: When terror simply doesn’t work, there’s little to see

is a horror film directed by Alberto Corredor starring Freya Allan and Jeremy Irvine.

“Baghead” is one of those gothic horror movies with witches and legend stories reaching out to the characters from a bygone era. It might be that the effects do not work, the actors do not fully believe the script, or simply, we have seen similar stories too many times before. Simply put, a horror movie that fails to scare or fully develop.

Plot

A girl inherits an old pub from her deceased father that, coincidentally, comes with an extra: in the basement, there’s a witch that allows to communicate with the dead. The girl discovers that it’s she who controls the witch and she starts to unveil the ancient history of the witch.

BagheadAbout the movie

A movie that’s based on a short film by the same director, Alberto Corredor, proposes a novelty: the ghost isn’t as terrifying as Sadako (The Ring), but coexists with the characters and, almost, interacts with them more naturally. An original concept that, nevertheless, clashes with the general premise of the movie, which bets everything on the most traditional and gothic horror of witches and haunted houses (or English pub in this case). They quickly reveal the supernatural, which appears in the first sequence when the witch comes out of her hiding place. The rest of the movie is the story we are told.

And this rest of the movie, aside from a couple of plot twists almost at the end, is a bit “the usual”: an ancient story that conditions reality and an old sect that abused the witch. Some ghostly appearance and a few well-executed scenes of the witch combined with a couple of scary sequences that, unfortunately, fail and literally, don’t scare at all.

A couple of sequences in the key scenes of this type of film cause the downfall of the general idea, which wasn’t bad in any case. On the other hand, it is a story too overused with a plot that we have seen a thousand times before and that necessarily needs some element that distinguishes it from this pile-up of previous witchcraft stories: “Baghead” aims to be a classic movie and nearly succeeds in its entirety, but without achieving that distinctive element that makes it shine.

As for the gothic atmosphere, it faces the same issue: it partially achieves it, without fully blending the good location into a photographic atmosphere that complements it. Perhaps too much light or that darkness that isn’t dark enough or those sets that, in the general tone of a failed movie, give us the impression of accompanying the whole and also ending up failed.

Our opinion

A movie that falls short in most of its aspects and that, essentially, fails to deliver in a horror movie that, ends up not being scary.

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Who is Jennifer Pan?

Jennifer Pan was born in 1985 to Vietnamese immigrant parents who had settled in Canada. She grew up in Markham, Ontario and was known as a model student who excelled academically. However, behind her perfect image was a dark secret. At age 26, Jennifer organized a murder plot that resulted in her mother’s death and seriously injured her father. This case shocked the community and made national headlines in Canada.

Jennifer’s parents had high expectations for their daughter. They wanted her to become a doctor or pharmacist and live a successful life. However, Jennifer struggled with the pressure and fabricated a web of lies to appear perfect to her strict parents. She claimed to have graduated university and gotten a high-paying job, when in reality, she had dropped out and was working at a restaurant. When her parents found out her lies, Jennifer saw murder as her only way out.

This case highlighted issues around high parental expectations, immigrant family dynamics, living a double life, and filicide. Jennifer’s story reveals what can happen when perfectionism, deception, and unrealistic goals lead to unthinkable violence within a family.

Upbringing and Background

Jennifer Pan was born in 1986 in Toronto, Canada to Vietnamese immigrant parents Hann and Bich. She grew up in a suburban neighborhood in Markham with her older brother Felix.

Her parents had high expectations for Jennifer and Felix’s academic success and future careers. Hann Pan worked long hours running a computer programming business, while Bich was a live-in homemaker dedicated to raising the children. The Pan parents emphasized educational achievement above all else. Jennifer attended elementary school and high school in Markham, where she got good grades and took piano lessons.

However, beneath the surface Jennifer felt enormous pressure from her parents to be perfect. She later said the expectations took a toll on her mental health. Jennifer hid the fact that she struggled socially in school and was bullied for being shy and awkward. She felt unable to confide in her strict parents, fearing their disapproval.

Education and Relationships

Jennifer Pan met her boyfriend Daniel Wong when they were both attending Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute in Toronto. They began dating when Jennifer was in grade 10.

Jennifer was known as a model student, taking advanced placement courses and participating in extracurriculars like Student Council. She graduated from Bethune C.I. in 2004 as an Ontario Scholar, meaning she maintained an average of 80% or higher throughout high school.

After high school, Jennifer went on to study at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. She continued her academic success, making the Dean’s List for high marks. She enrolled in a number of courses, including Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities subjects.

During university, Jennifer’s relationship with Daniel Wong continued. The two were said to be inseparable. After graduating in 2008, Jennifer told her parents she wanted to apply to pharmacy school, but instead enrolled in a college photography program with Daniel.

Jennifer’s parents were unaware she was no longer attending pharmacy school. She lied to them about her studies and grades, while working part-time jobs to pay tuition. Daniel also worked to support himself and Jennifer.

Murder Plot

Jennifer Pan hatched an elaborate plot to murder her parents after they disapproved of her boyfriend and living situation. Unhappy with her strict upbringing and her parent’s high expectations, Jennifer wanted more freedom. She told her parents she was attending university when in reality she had dropped out and was living with her boyfriend in a different city. When her lies were discovered, Jennifer’s parents forced her to end the relationship and move back home.

Feeling trapped and resentful, Jennifer decided killing her parents was the only way out. She approached a high school friend to help find hitmen to carry out the murder. Through her friend’s underworld connections, Jennifer arranged to pay three men $10,000 each to stage a home invasion robbery and kill her parents. She drew them a layout of her house and provided information about her parent’s routine to help plan the attack. On the night of the arranged killings, Jennifer went out to establish an alibi while the hitmen entered her house armed with guns. However, the murders did not go as planned.

Failed Murder Attempts

In the months leading up to the murders, Jennifer Pan and her co-conspirators made several unsuccessful attempts on the lives of her parents.

In one attempt in the summer of 2010, Jennifer left the side door of the house unlocked and disabled the alarm system to allow the hired killers access inside. That night, her parents arrived home to find the alarm disabled. Sensing something wrong, Jennifer’s father Bich Pan quickly reset the alarm before the intruders made it upstairs.

Another failed attempt happened in September 2010. Jennifer sprayed ether on her parents’ bedroom curtains one night in hopes the killers could set the house on fire. The ether did not properly ignite and only left scorch marks.

The most brazen failure occurred in October 2010. Late at night, Jennifer let Daniel Wong and three other men inside the house through the side door. The men went upstairs armed with guns and a baton to attack Jennifer’s parents in their bedroom. However, Jennifer’s mother Hann was still awake and saw the intruders approach. She quickly shut the bedroom door to keep the men out. Hann Pan called 911 and the intruders fled before police arrived.

These botched attempts revealed flaws in Jennifer’s plans. But she remained determined to see her plot through, ultimately leading to the tragic events of November 2010. Jennifer’s persistence despite initial failures underscores how far she was willing to go to have her parents killed.

Successful Murders

In November 2010, Jennifer Pan’s plot to murder her parents finally succeeded. She had recruited three men to carry out the killings – her boyfriend Daniel Wong, and two associates Eric Carty and Lenford Crawford.

On the night of the murders, Jennifer had intentionally left the side door unlocked to allow the killers access to the home. Her father Hann Pan was shot in the head in the basement while checking a noise he heard. Her mother Bich Pan was then shot in her bedroom. Both parents succumbed to their injuries.

The killers had attempted to make the scene look like a home invasion robbery gone wrong. Drawers were emptied out, and Bich’s wedding rings were taken off her body. But the elaborate staging was not enough to fool investigators, who soon uncovered Jennifer’s central role in plotting her parents’ murders.

Investigation and Arrests

The police investigation into the attempted murder of Jennifer’s parents was extensive. Detectives quickly determined that the home invasion story was likely fabricated, as very little was stolen and Jennifer’s injuries seemed minor.

Focus soon turned to Jennifer as a possible suspect behind planning her parents’ murder. Police obtained a warrant to wiretap her phone and soon uncovered evidence of her coordination with the shooters. Transcripts of calls showed Jennifer discussing payment to the shooters and urging them to finish the job after her parents survived the first attempt.

Additionally, an ex-boyfriend of Jennifer’s came forward and told police that she had asked him to kill her parents months earlier. He had dismissed it at the time but now believed she was serious.

With mounting evidence, Jennifer and several others involved in the plot were arrested in April 2010. Police accused them of carefully planning the murder conspiracy for months leading up to the botched attempts on her parents’ lives.

Jennifer maintained her innocence but was eventually charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The investigation had uncovered substantial evidence showing her central role in setting up the murder plot.

Trial

Jennifer Pan’s trial began in March 2014 and lasted for four months. She was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of her parents, as well as attempted murder for the attack on her mother.

The Crown argued that Pan was a manipulative liar who plotted her parents’ murders in order to gain freedom and access their wealth. The defense portrayed her as an abused daughter who made poor choices in relationships.

Over 60 witnesses testified during the trial, including police officers, friends of Pan, and co-conspirators involved in the plot. Forensic evidence, wiretap conversations, and Pan’s police interrogation video were presented.

Pan did not testify at her own trial. Her defense argued she participated in the plot under duress from Daniel Wong and other co-conspirators. They claimed she never intended for her parents to actually be killed.

In December 2014, the jury found Pan guilty of both counts of first-degree murder. They determined she was a willing participant who intentionally planned her parents’ deaths.

In January 2015, Pan was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. The judge called the murders “a tragic and devastating betrayal of the sanctity of human life.”

Co-conspirators Daniel Wong and Lenford Crawford also received life sentences. Two other men involved received shorter sentences for their roles.

Pan continues to maintain her innocence and has appealed her conviction. Her case raised complex questions about abusive relationships, family pressures, and the immigrant experience in Canada.

Aftermath

The murders of Jennifer’s parents sent shockwaves through the Canadian Chinese community. Many were stunned that such a brutal crime could occur in a seemingly normal family.

Jennifer’s three brothers were left orphaned and struggled to come to terms with their parents’ violent deaths. The youngest brother, Felix, was only 9 years old at the time and was severely traumatized. He was taken in by an uncle and had difficulties at school following the incident.

The trial gained widespread media attention across Canada as details emerged of Jennifer’s complex web of lies and manipulation. Many questioned how a daughter could hire hitmen to murder her own loving parents. The case highlighted issues around high expectations and pressure within some Chinese immigrant families for children to succeed at all costs.

In the Chinese community, the murders also sparked difficult conversations about mental health and seeking help. Jennifer’s perceived need to lie and keep up appearances rather than asking for support was seen as a cautionary tale. Some advocated for reducing stigma so that problems can be addressed before reaching tragic extremes.

The loss of Hann and Bich Pan was deeply felt within their close-knit social circles and community. Their deaths caused lingering grief, anger and unease. However, their legacy was a desire to learn from this tragedy, overcome taboos around mental illness, and build greater support networks for struggling youths and families.

The Jennifer Pan case is a tragic example of how family pressures and difficult relationships can lead some down a dark path. While Jennifer’s controlling and strict upbringing does not excuse her actions, it provides some context for how a promising young woman became involved in a terrible crime.

Ultimately, Jennifer made the choice to try to solve her problems through murder, resulting in the deaths of her mother and attempted murder of her father. Her boyfriend Daniel and his accomplices also bear responsibility for their roles. The consequences were devastating for all involved.

This case underscores how vital healthy communication and trust are within families. When tensions build and fester without resolution, it can put individuals in vulnerable positions.

Jennifer’s situation also highlights the difficult balance between high expectations and support that all parents must find. Pushing children too hard or denying their autonomy can lead to rebellion and poor decisions. But letting them make choices without guidance is also risky.

The key takeaways are to build open and understanding relationships from an early age, know when to step back and trust your children, and watch for warning signs of trouble. If families can foster trust and unconditional love, it may prevent the kind of tragedy that occurred with Jennifer Pan.

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Joel Meyerowitz: Conversations | Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York

NEW YORK – An exhibition of work spanning six decades by acclaimed photographer Joel Meyerowitz will be on view at Howard Greenberg Gallery from April 20 through June 7, 2024. Chosen by the artist, Joel Meyerowitz: Conversations presents pairings of photographs from 1963 through 2015 that focus on similar images and themes. The show coincides with and provides a counterpoint to a museum exhibition at Tate Modern through November 3, 2024, and the recent publication of a book, Joel Meyerowitz: A Question of Color (Thames and Hudson, January 2024). An opening reception will be held on April 20 from 3-5 p.m.

Joel Meyerowitz, Florida, 1968. Archival pigment print; printed 2024, 20 x 24 inches
© Joel Meyerowitz, Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York

Joel Meyerowitz is renowned for his fundamental role in the establishment of color photography as a fine art. His work has appeared in over 350 exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world and has impacted and influenced countless artists. The Tate exhibition and the new book pair Meyerowitz’s color work with his black and white images created moments apart with two different cameras. Those pairings gave Meyerowitz the idea for his fifth exhibition at Howard Greenberg Gallery. Joel Meyerowitz: Conversations focuses on how specific color images in juxtaposition speak to each other and give added meaning for contemplation, both engaging the viewer in the act of looking and offering a challenging invitation to decipher the connections.

Whether comparing and contrasting the studios of Cézanne and Morandi, the camel coats and the steam rising in New York City with the haze amidst the trees in Yosemite National Park, the summertime Americana of flags and flowers on Cape Cod, or the languid pulchritude of Florida, Meyerowitz surveys ten pairs of related photographs, pointing out relationships, sometimes subtle, that exist in subject, tone, and color.

Joel Meyerowitz, “Camel Coats,” New York City, 1975
Archival pigment print; printed 2024, 30 x 40 inches
© Joel Meyerowitz, Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York

Additionally, the show presents six unique dye sublimation prints from the first ever museum exhibition devoted to digital printing technology at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1994. These prints are permanent and display a uniquely beautiful color palette not unlike traditional dye transfer prints.

“At 84, Joel Meyerowitz continues to be one of the greatest and most productive American photographers,” says Howard Greenberg. “He startles us with his enormous career as not only one of the seminal photographers in the history of color photography, but as a significant voice and influencer for our field. Joel leaves no stone unturned in his endless search for images and ideas in photography. His universal popularity is a testament to how many lives he has touched with his work and his teachings.”

Joel Meyerowitz, The Grove, Yosemite National Park, California, 1983 Archival pigment print; printed 2024, 30 x 40 inches
© Joel Meyerowitz, Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery, New YorkABOUT JOEL MEYEROWITZ

Joel Meyerowitz was born in New York City in 1938. He began his career in the 1960s as a street photographer after a chance encounter with Robert Frank. His first book, Cape Light, published in 1979, is considered a classic work of color photography and has sold more than 100,000 copies. He is the author of more than 50 books, including Joel Meyerowitz: A Question of Color (Thames and Hudson, January 2024). In the wake of 9/11, as the only photographer given official access to Ground Zero, he created the World Trade Center Archive, selections of which have toured around the world. Meyerowitz is a two-time Guggenheim fellow and a recipient of awards from both the NEA and NEH. He is winner of the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Award, its highest honor, and in 2012 received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lucie Awards, an annual event honoring the greatest achievements in photography. In 2017, Meyerowitz was honored for his lifelong work with a place in the Leica Hall of Fame, described as a “magician using color” and praised for his ability to “both capture and frame the decisive moment.” His work is in the collections of many major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Museum of Fine Art, Boston; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Meyerowitz lives and works in London.

Joel Meyerowitz, Red Interior, Provincetown, Massachusetts, 1977
Archival pigment print; printed 2024, 20 x 24 inches
© Joel Meyerowitz, Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery, New YorkABOUT HOWARD GREENBERG GALLERY

Since its inception in New York more than 40 years ago, Howard Greenberg Gallery has built a vast and ever-changing collection of some of the most important photographs in the medium. The Gallery’s collection acts as a living history of photography, offering genres and styles from Pictorialism to Modernism, in addition to contemporary photography and images conceived for industry, advertising, and fashion.

Formerly a photographer and founder of The Center for Photography in Woodstock in 1977, Howard Greenberg has been one of a small group of gallerists, curators, and historians responsible for the creation and development of the modern market for photography. Howard Greenberg Gallery—founded in 1981 and originally known as Photofind—was the first to consistently exhibit photojournalism and street photography, now accepted as important components of photographic art. The Gallery is located in the Fuller Building at 41 East 57th Street, Suite 801, in New York City. The Gallery’s archive is located at 32 East 57th Street, directly across from the Fuller Building, to house, manage, and present its collection of over 40,000 prints.

Joel Meyerowitz, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1977
Archival pigment print; printed 2024, 20 x 24 inches
© Joel Meyerowitz, Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery, New YorkHoward Greenberg Gallery

41 E 57th St 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022, United States

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John Ford: The Man Who Defined the Western Genre

In the realm of classic Hollywood cinema, few names shine as brightly as that of John Ford. Known for his remarkable storytelling prowess and unparalleled directorial vision, Ford’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. Join us on a journey through the life, works, and enduring legacy of this legendary director as we delve into the cinematic masterpieces that have solidified his place in movie history.

Early Life

John Ford was born John Martin Feeney on February 1, 1894 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He was the youngest of 13 children born to Irish immigrants John Augustine Feeney and Barbara Curran. The Feeney family were devout Roman Catholics, and Ford’s childhood was steeped in Irish traditions and values.

At a young age, Ford developed a love of the sea. He worked as a deckhand and boatman during his teen years, gaining experience that would later influence his filmmaking. Though his beginnings were humble, the visual beauty of Maine’s rocky coast helped shape Ford’s artistic eye.

Ford changed his name to John Ford in 1914, the same year he followed his older brother Francis to Hollywood. Francis had established himself as a successful actor and director under the name Ford Sterling. The name change distanced the young John Feeney from his brother’s fame as he embarked on his own film career.

Career Beginnings

John Ford got his start in the film industry when his older brother Francis Ford, who was already an actor and director, hired him as an assistant and occasional actor. John made his acting debut in his brother’s 1914 silent Western The Mysterious Rose. Over the next few years, Ford learned filmmaking skills working for his brother and directors like Allan Dwan.

Ford’s first credited work as a director came in 1917 with the silent Western The Tornado, starring his brother. In the 1920s, Ford directed many low-budget films for studios like Universal Pictures and Fox Film Corporation. Some of his notable early silent films include The Iron Horse (1924), a Western about the building of the transcontinental railroad; and 3 Bad Men (1926), also a Western. Ford honed his filmmaking craft during these early years, developing his flair for stunning visuals and authentic locations.

Silent Film Era

Ford began his career in film in 1917 as an actor, assistant director, stuntman and occasional screenwriter. He made his directorial debut in 1917 but did not receive credit until 1919 for The Tornado starring John Gilbert.

Ford rapidly rose as one of Hollywood’s leading directors of Westerns and action films during the silent era. Some of his major silent films include:

The Iron Horse (1924) – This epic Western centered on the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad was a major box office success. It established Ford’s reputation for stunning outdoor cinematography.3 Bad Men (1926) – A big-budget Western featuring major stars of the silent era including George O’Brien and Olive Borden. It exemplified Ford’s ability to handle large-scale productions.Four Sons (1928) – Ford displayed his versatility beyond Westerns with this critically acclaimed World War I drama starring Margaret Mann and James Hall. It was one of Fox Film Corporation’s biggest hits of the late silent era.Hangman’s House (1928)- A romantic drama set in Ireland that featured Ford’s first collaboration with legendary actor John Wayne in an uncredited role. The film demonstrated Ford’s superb storytelling and use of landscape.

Ford was a pioneering force who helped define the Western genre during the silent era. His technical mastery of visual storytelling and panoramic vistas made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors.

Transition to Sound

John Ford was one of the few directors who successfully made the transition from silent films to “talkies” in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1928, he directed Hangman’s House, his last major silent film. The following year, he made his first film with synchronized sound, The Black Watch. However, it wasn’t until 1930 that Ford directed his first full-fledged talking picture, Men Without Women.

Ford initially struggled with the new technology of synchronized sound. He had to rework his highly visual, action-oriented directing style to accommodate dialogue and stationary sound equipment. His first few sound films were somewhat stilted, with the camera remaining static during conversations. But Ford quickly adapted, using sound not just for dialogue but creatively integrating music, sound effects, and conversational interplay. While other major silent directors floundered (like Charlie Chaplin), Ford demonstrated his versatility and embraced innovations like dubbing and playback to craft inventive audio-visual stories.

Ford’s first major critical and commercial success of the sound era was The Informer in 1935, which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Director. This film demonstrated Ford’s mastery of the new medium, with dramatic lighting, mobile camerawork, and the integration of music and sound effects heightening the film’s tension and emotion. Ford had successfully transitioned to the new age of sound filmmaking, while retaining his sharp visual storytelling skills. This ability to evolve while maintaining his artistic identity would serve Ford well in the coming decades as technology, styles, and audience tastes continued to change.

Classic Hollywood Period

John Ford entered the peak of his career during the classic Hollywood studio era of the 1930s-1950s. He directed some of his most acclaimed and influential films during this period, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest American filmmakers.

Some of Ford’s key films of the classic Hollywood era include:

Stagecoach (1939) – This Western helped establish the genre’s conventions and made John Wayne a star. The film follows a group of strangers traveling by stagecoach through dangerous Apache territory.The Grapes of Wrath (1940) – This literary adaptation about a family of migrant workers during the Great Depression earned Ford his first Academy Award for Best Director. The film starred Henry Fonda and is considered a classic.How Green Was My Valley (1941) – Ford won his third Best Director Oscar for this poignant drama about a Welsh mining family. The film beat out Citizen Kane for Best Picture.My Darling Clementine (1946) – This lyrical retelling of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral solidified the legend of Wyatt Earp. It starred Henry Fonda as Earp and launched the cinematic friendship between Ford and Fonda.Fort Apache (1948) – The first film in Ford’s acclaimed “Cavalry Trilogy,” it examines conflicts between Native Americans and an arrogant U.S. cavalry captain played by John Wayne.The Searchers (1956) – Often cited as one of the greatest Westerns, this epic film follows a Civil War veteran (Wayne) relentlessly searching for his kidnapped niece (Natalie Wood). Its themes and visual style influenced many later films.

During these two decades, Ford mastered both intimate human dramas and large-scale action films, demonstrating his complete command of the cinematic craft. His memorable films from this period encapsulate both the mythic American West and the ideals of community and sacrifice.

Westerns

Westerns were an important genre for John Ford and helped cement his reputation as one of the greatest American filmmakers. Ford directed his first western, Straight Shooting, in 1917 and went on to make over 20 more westerns over his long and prolific career.

Some of Ford’s most iconic films were westerns, including Stagecoach (1939), My Darling Clementine (1946), Fort Apache (1948), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), The Searchers (1956), and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). Stagecoach in particular helped establish many of the classic tropes of the western genre like the showdown shootout and the climactic cavalry charge that would influence countless films that came after it.

Westerns appealed to Ford because of their mythic qualities and ability to explore quintessential American themes and landscapes. The western frontier setting allowed Ford to craft visually stunning films showcasing the majestic vistas of Monument Valley, which became a signature backdrop in his films. At their core, Ford’s westerns often grappled with the disparity between wilderness and civilization, individual freedom versus community order, myths versus reality of the American west.

Characters like the searching loner (Ethan Edwards in The Searchers) and the duty-bound cavalry officer (Lt. Col. Thursday in Fort Apache) recurred throughout Ford’s westerns as archetypes. But he also challenged western stereotypes through sympathetic portrayals of Native Americans in films like Cheyenne Autumn (1964). Though not always historically accurate, Ford’s westerns left an indelible impact on the mythology of the American west in film. Above all, they demonstrated his virtuosic visual storytelling as a director.

War Films

John Ford’s war films are considered some of the most impactful and important of the genre. During World War II, Ford created propaganda and documentary films for the U.S. government that were meant to bolster support for the war effort.

His first wartime film was 1940’s The Battle of Midway, which was shot on location during the famous 1942 naval battle. Ford was wounded while filming the battle. As the first large-scale documentary about WWII combat, The Battle of Midway gave Americans an inside look at the war and helped rally support.

In 1943, at the request of General George C. Marshall, Ford made December 7th. This documentary about the Pearl Harbor attacks mixed real footage with reenactments to create a vivid and emotional retelling of that infamous day. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.

Ford considered his seven wartime documentaries to be some of his most important works. He headed the photographic unit for the Office of Strategic Services and worked closely with the military to portray the war in a way that would strengthen homefront morale and support for the troops. His films provide a unique historical record of World War II from the American perspective.

Later Career

Ford entered the 1960s with films like Sergeant Rutledge (1960) and Two Rode Together (1961), which were not as successful. He continued making westerns, war films, and dramas during the decade. Some highlights include:

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – This western starring John Wayne and James Stewart is considered one of Ford’s best films. It explores the legend behind a senator’s rise to prominence.Cheyenne Autumn (1964) – Ford’s final western film depicts the Northern Cheyenne Exodus of 1878-9. It featured an all-star cast including Richard Widmark, Carroll Baker, and Ricardo Montalbán.Seven Women (1966) – Ford’s last film was a drama set in 1935 China. It follows seven women at a remote Christian mission under threat from Mongolian bandits. The cast included Anne Bancroft, Sue Lyon, and Margaret Leighton.

While Ford’s later output was not as strong as his earlier classics, he continued working into his seventies. He cemented his reputation as a pioneering force who defined the western genre and brought a distinctive visual style to Hollywood cinema. Even in his later years, Ford displayed technical mastery and an ability to elicit powerful performances from his actors.

Awards & Honors

John Ford was one of the most celebrated and honored filmmakers of the 20th century. He received numerous awards and accolades over the course of his 50-year career in Hollywood.

Ford won four Academy Awards for Best Director, a record that still stands today. He received Oscars for The Informer (1935), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), How Green Was My Valley (1941), and The Quiet Man (1952). He remains the only director to win four Oscars in this category.

In addition to his directing Oscars, Ford was nominated for Best Director another five times: Arrowsmith (1931), The Long Voyage Home (1940), The Battle of Midway (1942), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), and The Quiet Man (1952).

Beyond the Oscars, Ford received numerous lifetime achievement awards and honors for his contributions to cinema. This included the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute (AFI) in 1973. In that same year, he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy at the 45th Academy Awards.

The Directors Guild of America honored Ford with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 1958 for advancing the art and craft of filmmaking. In 1982, Ford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan for his impact on American culture through film.

Ford’s films were selected for preservation by the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, further solidifying his legacy. The director left an indelible mark on Hollywood and world cinema through his iconic films and technical mastery. The numerous awards and honors Ford accrued over his long career stand as testament to his achievements.

Legacy

John Ford left an indelible mark on American cinema. With a career spanning over 50 years and nearly 150 films, Ford defined and shaped many of the classic American film genres.

Ford was instrumental in elevating the Western from B-movie status to a serious dramatic art form. Films like Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, Fort Apache and The Searchers were complex moral tales set against the mythic backdrop of the Old West. Ford portrayed the West in both idealistic and realistic ways, often questioning and subverting stereotypical notions of heroes and villains. His Westerns introduced characters with complicated motives and shifting allegiances, focusing on communities coming together. Ford’s films inspired future generations of Western directors.

In addition to Westerns, Ford made his mark on other quintessential American genres. His films frequently focused on small town American life, the military, and important historical events. Movies like The Grapes of Wrath, How Green Was My Valley, They Were Expendable, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance provide insightful commentary on American society and culture.

Ford was also instrumental in establishing many of the now-standard conventions of Hollywood filmmaking. His signature style – including panoramic long shots, scenes staged in depth, and tight framings of faces and eyes – influenced generations of directors. The naturalism and artful simplicity of his visual storytelling set the tone for Hollywood’s classic era. More than any other director, Ford was responsible for shaping the look, feel and mythos of classic American cinema.

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In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023) Movie Review: An Irish Thriller Featuring Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson stars in In the Land of Saints and Sinners, a film directed by Robert Lorenz.

In the golden age of cinema, spanning the 1950s and 60s, a star actor’s presence was so dominant that their character, the one they consistently played, heavily influenced the movie. It used to be a movie tailored for James Stewart or Cary Grant, with minimal variations of their “hero” or “villain” roles.

The same case applies to Liam Neeson, who has embraced this traditional role, heavily influencing nearly every movie he stars in or as we suspect, the films seem to be specifically designed for him. Decades ago, someone decided that this man, Liam Neeson, embodied goodness, whether portraying the character of Oskar Schindler or, in this case, a killer with a heart.

In the Land of Saints and SinnersPlot:

Finbar Murphy is a killer living in an Irish village in the 1970s during the IRA bombings. He bumps into members of this organization who are hiding in the village.

About the Movie:

An intense thriller heavily influenced by John Ford (who was Irish) and Liam Neeson (also Irish). It’s an Irish-themed storyline as Irish as Guinness beer itself – a thriller that screams western at every turn, full of familiar scenes and with a taste of Clint Eastwood.

“In the Land of Saints and Sinners” is a simple yet well-told tale. It avoids political issues and focuses on the story, the thrill, and the characters. As traditional as it gets (John Ford seems to be revered throughout), “In the Land of Saints and Sinners” is an engaging thriller. However, its classic nature and familiarity, sadly prevent it from leaving a lasting impression despite its flawless execution (and having seen Liam Neeson in similar roles in countless other movies).

In the Land of Saints and Sinners

It’s a low-key production with limited sets and calm scenes. The editing aligns with the story and the setting: there are no fast-paced sequences, everything, as in classic cinema, builds up to the final showdown.

While intelligently written, it doesn’t strive to deliver profound messages or reinvent filmmaking. There are no grand speeches, and the most dramatic scenes are familiar due to their melodious musical backdrop.

“In the Land of Saints and Sinners” doesn’t stand out for its originality or for being a thriller we haven’t seen before. Still, it’s good entertainment and one of those films that the actor’s fans continue to appreciate.

Our Opinion:

Entertaining, devoid of originality, and with countless references to classic cinema. It’s a tale that starts as a timeless story but gets overshadowed by repeatedly told stories.

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Unveiling the MLB Top 25 Free Agents of 2024: Players, Projections, and Potential Signings

MLB free agency is really important because it helps teams build their rosters and make themselves stronger. Teams can get great players, fill in positions they need, and make smart moves to try and win more games. It’s a big deal in baseball and gets fans excited because they wonder which players will go where and how it will change teams.

The start of the list of the top 25 free agents for the 2024 baseball season shows us a bunch of really talented players who are all set to help teams improve during the offseason. These players are among the best in the game, and many teams want to sign them to strengthen their squads. Whether they are seasoned professionals or new talents, these top 25 free agents in 2024 could really change the way teams perform and impact the upcoming baseball season. Fans can follow their stories on platforms like https://india.1xbet.com.

Player Profiles

1. Mike Trout. Trout is one of the best players in the game because he is strong, fast, and great at defense. This makes him able to change the game when he’s playing, no matter if his team is batting or fielding.

2. Mookie Betts. Betts is a player with five great skills, famous for being really good at catching and throwing in the outfield and for always doing well when his team is batting. This makes him a very important player for any team.

3. Jacob deGrom. DeGrom is known as one of the best pitchers because he throws very fast balls and has a slider pitch that’s really hard for batters to hit. He’s so good that he can control the game against the other team’s hitters.

4. Francisco Lindor. Lindor is a lively shortstop famous for his excellent fielding and his power to change the game when batting, thanks to his strength and quickness.

5. Gerrit Cole. Cole is a top pitcher who has a variety of pitches that confuse hitters, making him one of the pitchers that teams want the most.

6. Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis Jr. is becoming a big deal in the league because he’s exciting to watch and can change the game with his hitting, fielding, and fast running on the bases.

7. Juan Soto. Even though he’s young, Soto has become one of the best hitters in baseball. He’s really good at deciding which pitches to hit and can hit the ball hard and accurately.

8. Shane Bieber. Bieber, the current Cy Young winner, is amazing at striking out batters when he’s pitching because he can throw the ball exactly where he wants and has a lot of different pitches.

9. Freddie Freeman. Freeman is reliable in the batting order because he always does well when hitting and he’s excellent at defense at first base, which has won him a Gold Glove award.

10. Bryce Harper. Harper is a former MVP known for his immense power and his ability to change the course of a game with one swing of the bat.

11. Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is a true dual-threat player, capable of dominating on the mound as a pitcher and at the plate as a hitter.

12. Aaron Judge. Judge is a towering presence in the batter’s box with his prodigious power and his strong arm in the outfield.

13. Max Scherzer. Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer with a fierce competitive spirit and dominant stuff on the mound.

14. Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts is a smooth-fielding shortstop with a potent bat, known for his ability to drive in runs and play solid defense.

15. Jose Ramirez. Ramirez is a dynamic infielder with a rare combination of power and speed, capable of impacting the game on both offense and defense.

16. Walker Buehler. Buehler is a rising star on the mound with electric stuff and poise under pressure, making him a future ace for any team.

Unveiling the MLB Top 25 Free Agents of 2024: Players, Projections, and Potential Signings 7

17.Trevor Story. Story is a talented shortstop with a powerful bat and exceptional defensive skills, making him a valuable asset for any team in need of infield help.

18. Corey Seager. Seager is a skilled shortstop with a smooth swing and strong arm, capable of impacting the game on both offense and defense.

19. Carlos Correa. Correa is a talented shortstop with a powerful bat and exceptional defensive skills, making him a valuable addition to any team’s lineup.

20. Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo is a veteran first baseman known for his leadership qualities and clutch hitting, making him a valuable asset for any team in need of a reliable bat in the lineup.

21. Chris Taylor. Taylor is a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions and providing offensive production from both sides of the plate.

22. Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber is a powerful left-handed hitter known for his ability to launch home runs with ease.

23. Zack Greinke. Greinke is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience and a diverse repertoire of pitches, making him a valuable asset for any team in need of reliable starting pitching.

24. Kenley Jansen. Jansen is a dominant closer with a devastating cutter and a knack for shutting down opposing lineups in the late innings.

25. Michael Conforto. Conforto is a talented outfielder with a smooth left-handed swing and the ability to drive the ball to all fields.

Historical Context

ULearning about the history of when MLB players could change teams freely and the big deals they signed helps us see how the rules about player pay and contracts have changed over time. Free agency has been really important for deciding which players play for which teams and how balanced the competition is in the league. Big deals, like Alex Rodriguez’s huge contract with the Texas Rangers in 2000 or Bryce Harper’s big contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, have changed not just those teams but also how much players expect to be paid and for how long.

Also, looking at how player contracts and pay expectations have changed shows us how free agency in baseball is evolving. Lately, players have been getting shorter contracts that pay more each year. This lets them earn a lot while still being able to move if they want to. The use of detailed stats and analysis has also made teams more focused on how well players are expected to do and their value when they talk about contracts. Understanding these changes helps explain why teams sign players the way they do during free agency, affecting the whole league for a long time.

Conclusion

Looking at the top 25 MLB free agents for 2024 gives us a good idea of how new player signings might change team lineups and the overall competition in the league. From great pitchers to hitters who can really knock the ball out of the park, each free agent has special talents that could really help their new teams do better. As players start signing with teams, it’s important for baseball fans to keep up with the news and see how these changes might affect the next season. I suggest that readers get involved by sharing their opinions on which signings they think are most interesting and join in the discussion as we all look forward to another thrilling MLB season.

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Snack Shack (2024) Movie Review: Awakening to Adolescence… Again

Snack Shack is a movie written and directed by Adam Rehmeier starring Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle.

Like déjà vu, “Snack Shack” takes us back once again to adolescence and its familiar scenarios like growing up, friendships, the awakening of love, and money.

A film that charmingly transports us back to the 90s with a stylish photographic flair and solid performances from its two main leads… And not much more.

About the movie

Adolescence, yet again summer adolescence in a film that serves as a refreshing spring moment, and rather stays there: in a comedy that doesn’t quite want to be a full-fledged comedy and in a relationship of common landscapes that, while pleasant, are unvaryingly repetitive (we’ve seen the same movie for several generations now).

A proper recreation of the 90s that catches the eye with photography, shot in tones of the era that today, the younger ones might say, is almost like an Instagram filter, but back then, it was the norm.

A film that suffers from a severe issue: it doesn’t tell any exceptional story and simply seeks to relive adolescence in a correct, accurate way, but nearly devoid of humor and without resorting to the eccentricity typical of this kind of production.

The end result is not exactly soporific, but it ends up being pleasant and easily forgettable; a movie that leaves a comfortable memory that vanishes with the same haste with which it entered our lives.

Our opinion

Light, simple, well-acted, well-executed but, unfortunately, without ambition.

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Takykardia Introduces “The Fifth Element”-Pop On New Single

Imagine yourself at a club night on board the Fhloston Paradise cruise spaceship in The Fifth Element. Looking out the window, you realize you’ve just landed in the dystopian LA of Blade Runner and neither Willis or Gosling are around to save you…

There’s nothing left to do but to give in and surrender yourself to the moment while Takykardia is blasting out of the speakers arriving into the unknown Spring of 2024 with the new retro-futuristic anthem, ‘You Got Me Feeling Bad’.

“There is an urge between the three of us to channel out unexplored energies. The only limit is our imagination, and as an act, we strive to evolve and to stay curious about the past, the now and the future,” lead singer Luna Matz says about the making of new Takykardia-songs along with Troels Dankert (drums) and David Nedergaard (keyboards). Luna Matz continues:

“‘You Got Me Feeling Bad’ is a celebration of being single rather than being with someone who makes me feel bad and insecure about myself!”

Takykardia have been “Ones to Watch” since the release of their visual 2020-debut album, ‘Better’, claiming support from international media outlets like Earmilk, Kaltblut Magazine, DMY and VICE and UK radio support from BBC Radio 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Rinse FM. In November 2023, the daring and visionary pop act finally returned with a new uncompromising banger – the boomin’ beat of ‘Jaw Dance’ – and once again, the Copenhagen three-piece hit the headlines everywhere!

 ‘You Got Me Feeling Bad’ is produced by the award-winning Danish producer, Anders Boll (Lowly, Goss, Ganger and Efterklang). Takykardia’s genre-fluid sound is more direct and voluminous in 2024, introducing a new Taky-era shaping up the release of the long-awaited 2nd album out later this year.

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