As always I tremendously enjoyed the festival. Yes, there were changes, no, not all of them for the better. But between the list containing this year's positive points and those of AFFF's gone by there would be enough overlap to confidently state; again, it was a wonderful festival.
So, what were the differences? Visiting the festival with the four of us, though not necessarily all watching the same film at the same time, was a fun experience. Particularly the discussions afterwards and sometimes wildly differing reviews added some wonderful spice. As a footnote, the way we set up the blog this year appealed to me. Previous years' static items started to become a bit of a nuisance; one had to remember a quote, one had to count the bodies and remember the most creative weapons... Fun as it was at the time, I enjoyed the freestyle writing this blog allowed.
The lack of anime. Yada yada. I hope this AFFF will be remembered as the AFFF which failed in the anime department, for that assumes they will have learned their lesson next year... Particularly the last two years I have become an avid anime watcher. Mostly series and OVA's, truth be told, but they all guided me to an even better appreciation of the art of not just storytelling and its visual shape in film, but the sometimes deceptively simple animation that can be so extremely effective. Shinshi, reconsider...
A shorter NoT, but a more evenly spread programme allowing almost every film to be seen. The shorts, always a big favourite, were less impressive this year, but did contain some tiny diamonds in the rough.
Freestyle this may be, some order has to exist. A mini-roundup of my most memorable films. I'll keep it short, this isn't the place to extend my review. My opinion is just one of many: follow links for comparison with the other 3 opinions.
Martyrs: judging from the last week this might probably be the most memorable film for me. Haunting thoughts and images.
From Inside. Highly poetic, somewhere deep down inside it struck a sensitive note. I wonder what I'll think of it when I watch it again.
Let the right one in: everything clicked. "I don't like to see blood on a young girl's face" a friend wrote me. Isn't that what good films are about? Seeming contradictions, triggering impressions, conflicting emotions...
The clone returns home: meta-physical questions in slow-motion.
Stingray Sam: wonderful; black-and-white, space cowboy. A little gem.
Showing posts with label impressions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label impressions. Show all posts
It's been a week since the 25th Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival / imagine 2009 came to an end. I have seen a record breaking 51 feature films in ten days time. For posterity and/or convenience all my posts can be found on this blog under the label "joost". But which ones stand out? The following films belong to the best I've seen:
On the plus side:
10 out of 10 days bright and sunny weather,
9 short nights causing a nice festival blur,
8 cans of red bull to mix with the vodka to keep our Eyes Wide Open,
7 deadly sins seen in plenty of the films,
6 (,04) average score for a film,
5 films a day,
4 festival freaks who were crazy enough to see practically all films,
3 doors down the street a fantastic coffee place,
2 talk-of-the-day selfmade T-shirts, and
1 magnum size air bed in a spacious apartment.
On that note I'd like to thank my hosts for letting me crash at their new humble abode!
AFFF25 / imagine 2009 - FADE OUT.
- The clone returns home
A slow-paced visually strong philosophical contemplation on cloning, the soul, and what makes us human. - Martyrs
A very violent and gruesome film about physical abuse and how to create victims. A study into the strength and the fathomless depths of the human spirit. Difficult to watch, but hard not to recommend. "Handle with care". - Stingray Sam
With a sweet spot for The American Astronaut (screened during the 20th AFFF in 2005), it should come as no surprise that I severely enjoyed Stingray Sam. Cory McAbee transports us to a black and white retro sci-fi world with musical interludes. - Let the right one in
It can be hard to live up to expectation with all the prior buzz and awards. Luckily the film is as good as people say. Great mix of the "coming of teenage" and vampire genres. One of those films where things click - story, cast, cinematography, music. - Fear me not
Another Scandinavian gem, a psychological portrait of a man in his forties who decides to reassess his life and "change some things". A new untested kind of drug is the catalyst, but not all it what it seems. The "normalness" of the protagonist and how he changes is creepier than other monster and gore films we've seen during this festival. - Not quite Hollywood
What a pleasant surprise to see a whole documentary on how the Australians added a significant chapter to the exploitation genre. Key players reflect upon their adventures and plenty of clips make the whole industry and their achievements come to live. A must-see for lovers of cult films! - I sell the dead
A fluent life story of two grave robbers and their encounters with the dead - and undead. In a way not very special, but the acting and ridiculous situations made this film a guilty pleasure to me.
- Edison and Leo - Canada's first stop-motion film, ever, and what a dark treat.
- 11 minutes ago - Ingenious concept to shoot an entire film in just one day, with an interesting mix of the sci-fi and romantic genre.
- Eden Lake - Social horror like only the Brits can pull off.
- Sleep dealer - Imaginative story with realistic glimpses and critical remarks on a near future.
- From inside - Bleak but wonderfully animated post-apocalyptic film.
- Tamami: The Baby's Curse - A really bad film, but I have the sneaky suspicion this will be one of those films that we will refer to in years to come.
On the plus side:
10 out of 10 days bright and sunny weather,
9 short nights causing a nice festival blur,
8 cans of red bull to mix with the vodka to keep our Eyes Wide Open,
7 deadly sins seen in plenty of the films,
6 (,04) average score for a film,
5 films a day,
4 festival freaks who were crazy enough to see practically all films,
3 doors down the street a fantastic coffee place,
2 talk-of-the-day selfmade T-shirts, and
1 magnum size air bed in a spacious apartment.
On that note I'd like to thank my hosts for letting me crash at their new humble abode!
AFFF25 / imagine 2009 - FADE OUT.
The AFFF is over :-(.
I haven't been updating the blog for some days and I am away that I have to do some work.
As for the last day, I have seen the best and the worst movie of the Imagine festival. The first one was Fear Me Not. That is indeed the best of the festival for me. I only wished that there wasn't abnother movie so quickly. The worst is indeed the Butcher. The movie concerns about torturing in a slaughterhouse and that's what the story is about.
Overal, the AFFF 25 was a good one. I have taken a holiday for the first time. Though it was definately worth it, I don't know if I will do it again next year. We will have to see ;-)
So today, one day after AFFF , what have I done? Well, very little :-). Some loundry and that's it.
I'm going to make the statistics as requested and start with that tomorrow :-).
It was very fun to be with Hans, Joost and Herman, that definately increased the fun factor, so thank you all!
Bye!
I haven't been updating the blog for some days and I am away that I have to do some work.
As for the last day, I have seen the best and the worst movie of the Imagine festival. The first one was Fear Me Not. That is indeed the best of the festival for me. I only wished that there wasn't abnother movie so quickly. The worst is indeed the Butcher. The movie concerns about torturing in a slaughterhouse and that's what the story is about.
Overal, the AFFF 25 was a good one. I have taken a holiday for the first time. Though it was definately worth it, I don't know if I will do it again next year. We will have to see ;-)
So today, one day after AFFF , what have I done? Well, very little :-). Some loundry and that's it.
I'm going to make the statistics as requested and start with that tomorrow :-).
It was very fun to be with Hans, Joost and Herman, that definately increased the fun factor, so thank you all!
Bye!
Time flew by today, compared to other days we actually had to hurry to get from one film to another or to quickly grab some food. We also managed to be late for the first time during this festival, on the very last film that was shown! And with no less than almost thirty minutes!
I had devised a genius plan to make sure that we would see the closing film and ceremony in the same room as where we would see our last film of the festival. This masterplan failed due to the minor detail that The Butcher turned out to be shown on a different screen after all instead of the same... :-)
Luck would have it that this film was already known for having the lowest score voted by the audiences so far, so we really didn't miss anything at all - the remaining fifty minutes were as much torture for us as it was for the people on screen.
51 films, 21 shorts, 10 days. Within a couple of days I intend to publish a post on this affflog looking back at the festival, and I will highlight the films that stand out for one reason or the other. But first plenty of hours of sleep and dreams/nightmares to rehash and digest the broad range of films that have bombarded my eyes and ears.
I had devised a genius plan to make sure that we would see the closing film and ceremony in the same room as where we would see our last film of the festival. This masterplan failed due to the minor detail that The Butcher turned out to be shown on a different screen after all instead of the same... :-)
Luck would have it that this film was already known for having the lowest score voted by the audiences so far, so we really didn't miss anything at all - the remaining fifty minutes were as much torture for us as it was for the people on screen.
51 films, 21 shorts, 10 days. Within a couple of days I intend to publish a post on this affflog looking back at the festival, and I will highlight the films that stand out for one reason or the other. But first plenty of hours of sleep and dreams/nightmares to rehash and digest the broad range of films that have bombarded my eyes and ears.
Shortly after the first cup of cappuccino I actually used the words "meta-dystopic" and had a clear idea of what I meant. Obviously I was on to something.
I'll keep it short. Last day, and time flew by. Got some (ever positive) remarks on our shirts again, one of the best originating from a volunteer who compared the official shirts to garbage-bags with the well-chosen words: "Ze hadden ons net zo goed Koma aan kunnen trekken" (can't be really translated).
Good films today, entertaining ones. Weather was awesome, again.
The three of us had some wine after the very last film, discussing the film- and music industry and around 2am we had figured out that a) Joost is basically screwed and b) we all keep happily downloading. Of course, there were detailed pro and cons, there were intricate arguments, there were impressive studies showing equally impressive numbers and does anyone want another glass?
There will be an overal impression of the whole festival. Soon. In a blog near you.
I'll keep it short. Last day, and time flew by. Got some (ever positive) remarks on our shirts again, one of the best originating from a volunteer who compared the official shirts to garbage-bags with the well-chosen words: "Ze hadden ons net zo goed Koma aan kunnen trekken" (can't be really translated).
Good films today, entertaining ones. Weather was awesome, again.
The three of us had some wine after the very last film, discussing the film- and music industry and around 2am we had figured out that a) Joost is basically screwed and b) we all keep happily downloading. Of course, there were detailed pro and cons, there were intricate arguments, there were impressive studies showing equally impressive numbers and does anyone want another glass?
There will be an overal impression of the whole festival. Soon. In a blog near you.
Film-wise, today went beyond the ordinary with evil stolas, living vampire babies that should've been deadborn and the ever-enjoyable juicy details from dirty Ozzie-minds.
Champagne in the park, vodka-redbull in the cinema. Many a ristretto inbetween and funny reactions from the audience, ranging from laughter to the aforementioned gore to two girls seriously telling each other that "Seventh Moon" really "had its scary moments y'know!" Does that mean we are pregressively hard-to-please? You do keep re-evaluating films in the light of recently viewed ones, but even that can not explain the difference in appreciation. Ah taste, the only thing worth arguing about...
Champagne in the park, vodka-redbull in the cinema. Many a ristretto inbetween and funny reactions from the audience, ranging from laughter to the aforementioned gore to two girls seriously telling each other that "Seventh Moon" really "had its scary moments y'know!" Does that mean we are pregressively hard-to-please? You do keep re-evaluating films in the light of recently viewed ones, but even that can not explain the difference in appreciation. Ah taste, the only thing worth arguing about...
Overheard the following remark: "Can't they do 'imagine in the park' next year?" - so true! We started our festival in the park today: breakfast, sunshine and champagne. Life is good!
Idea for next year: watch all the films with a heart rate monitor attached, and log minimum, average and maximum heartbeats per minute as an indication how engaged / scared / excited you were while watching a particular film! It would be a cool addition to our statsattack. Geoffrey has promised to enlighten us with some wicked statistics at the end of the festival in an attempt to "objectively" make sense of our reviews and experiences during this 25th AFFF / imagine festival. Can't wait!
Clocking in at 45 films as of tonight, tomorrow the last batch which will bring me to a grand total of 51 feature films. Argh.
Also pushed the limits today when it comes to a continuous influx of caffeine, alternating between coffees (cappuccinos and espressos) and red bull - topped up with donuts, Belgian wafles, noodles, biscuits, sausage. A medical check-up after the festival would probably be a bad bad idea...
Idea for next year: watch all the films with a heart rate monitor attached, and log minimum, average and maximum heartbeats per minute as an indication how engaged / scared / excited you were while watching a particular film! It would be a cool addition to our statsattack. Geoffrey has promised to enlighten us with some wicked statistics at the end of the festival in an attempt to "objectively" make sense of our reviews and experiences during this 25th AFFF / imagine festival. Can't wait!
Clocking in at 45 films as of tonight, tomorrow the last batch which will bring me to a grand total of 51 feature films. Argh.
Also pushed the limits today when it comes to a continuous influx of caffeine, alternating between coffees (cappuccinos and espressos) and red bull - topped up with donuts, Belgian wafles, noodles, biscuits, sausage. A medical check-up after the festival would probably be a bad bad idea...
Five horror films today, and it was a bit of a struggle for me. The festival is slowly wearing me out, it becomes more difficult to surprise and entertain me, and the quality of the films we watched today didn't exactly help either. It almost felt like work, eeeek! Luckily Deadgirl was a highlight at the end of the day.
Again someone from the AFFF / imagine crew asking where we got our festival shirts, because they don't like the one that much they got from the festival organization ;-) We should print some more copies next year and earn the money spent on our tickets back heheheh.
"House of the rising sun" is currently looping in my head, thanks to Autopsy and Mum & Dad using that song in the film.
Favorite festival food, snacks and drinks:
Again someone from the AFFF / imagine crew asking where we got our festival shirts, because they don't like the one that much they got from the festival organization ;-) We should print some more copies next year and earn the money spent on our tickets back heheheh.
"House of the rising sun" is currently looping in my head, thanks to Autopsy and Mum & Dad using that song in the film.
Favorite festival food, snacks and drinks:
- Big pasta salad from Albert Heijn
- Coffee
- Red bull clone from Lidl
- Belgian sugar wafles
- Oat bars
- Pringles clone from Lidl
Sitting in the park lushly flooded by the sun. Twice. Ain't this hard work or what.
After 5 horror films my mental eye kept its gore-filter active for a little while longer. Cat on the street? How many legs?! Gory pigeons? How can they fly with decomposing wings?! Bleak guy sitting in my house completely disconnected from reality? Oh, that'd be Joost pointing at his Apple-weather-ma-thingy showing a shiny sun instead of looking out through the 3m2 window right in front of him, which is showing the very real existence of grey clouds.
Why we care about the weather, you say? First of all, the Land of Moonlanguage and Sabots should thank us humbly since our voluntary hiding into the caves of Tuschinski Arthouse always brings out the best of weather. This is a fact supported by history. Second, we're supposed to meet early tomorrow-morning for champagne and vodka. Don't ask why, this is life, not a darn plot from a freckly filmschool student.
Received a sad acknowledging"why-why-why" nodding from someone of the AFFF-organisation when entering the cinema this afternoon.
Cheap red wine, cheaper cheese. Soup-outta-tinnie, various munchies. All set.
After 5 horror films my mental eye kept its gore-filter active for a little while longer. Cat on the street? How many legs?! Gory pigeons? How can they fly with decomposing wings?! Bleak guy sitting in my house completely disconnected from reality? Oh, that'd be Joost pointing at his Apple-weather-ma-thingy showing a shiny sun instead of looking out through the 3m2 window right in front of him, which is showing the very real existence of grey clouds.
Why we care about the weather, you say? First of all, the Land of Moonlanguage and Sabots should thank us humbly since our voluntary hiding into the caves of Tuschinski Arthouse always brings out the best of weather. This is a fact supported by history. Second, we're supposed to meet early tomorrow-morning for champagne and vodka. Don't ask why, this is life, not a darn plot from a freckly filmschool student.
Received a sad acknowledging"why-why-why" nodding from someone of the AFFF-organisation when entering the cinema this afternoon.
Cheap red wine, cheaper cheese. Soup-outta-tinnie, various munchies. All set.
What a day, what a day. Today was horror day. In stead of Day of Horror, I prefer to call it Day of Mental Terror. Today I saw quite some good and also some very bad horror movies. At the 4th movie I had to take a beer, I couldn't take it anymore, specially not after having seen Chemical Wedding and before that Tamami, the cursed baby (they better had called it Teenage Mutant Ninja Baby)
I think today was the heaviest day of the AFFF. I am beat. It could also be because I woke up relateively early today and I couldn't sleep anymore.
Anyway, though I had some difficult moments, the day went by like a madman. I even gave a short interview, right after I saw Mum & Dad. I had to go to the toilet because of the beer, but a camera guy asked me if I wanted to give some comments, so I did. I just had to do it, perhaps this will be my minute of fame ;-)
I think today was the heaviest day of the AFFF. I am beat. It could also be because I woke up relateively early today and I couldn't sleep anymore.
Anyway, though I had some difficult moments, the day went by like a madman. I even gave a short interview, right after I saw Mum & Dad. I had to go to the toilet because of the beer, but a camera guy asked me if I wanted to give some comments, so I did. I just had to do it, perhaps this will be my minute of fame ;-)
A full week of fantastic films, and the end is not in sight yet. The level of caffeine a day is steadily increasing every day, I'm running about 1:1 now, one strong coffee or red bull before every film starts.
Another "safe bet" in the schedule delivered today. I had heard that Martyrs was definitely worth checking out although it supposedly was a touch cookie to swallow. Indeed it is. "Handle with care". I remember hearing a similar thing about Irreversible years ago. Back then I made a mental note that I wanted to see it one day, but passed on the opportunity on several occasions just because I didn't feel ready. Eventually one Monday evening the film was going to be screened in the Milky Way. I felt curious and centered enough to go and watch it (by myself) and so I did. An experience not easily forgotten, but I am still happy to have seen it that one time.
My advice to you: go and see Martyrs, when the time is right, and when you feel you can experience the film with an open mind.
The "I can do a better job than this" optimism struck today as well. Someone's knocking at the door was flawed on so many levels that I felt confident enough to think that I could do something more remarkable than this! Time to scribble down some notes on possible features and to gather people and equipment, just in time for the 26th AFFF ;-)
Another "safe bet" in the schedule delivered today. I had heard that Martyrs was definitely worth checking out although it supposedly was a touch cookie to swallow. Indeed it is. "Handle with care". I remember hearing a similar thing about Irreversible years ago. Back then I made a mental note that I wanted to see it one day, but passed on the opportunity on several occasions just because I didn't feel ready. Eventually one Monday evening the film was going to be screened in the Milky Way. I felt curious and centered enough to go and watch it (by myself) and so I did. An experience not easily forgotten, but I am still happy to have seen it that one time.
My advice to you: go and see Martyrs, when the time is right, and when you feel you can experience the film with an open mind.
The "I can do a better job than this" optimism struck today as well. Someone's knocking at the door was flawed on so many levels that I felt confident enough to think that I could do something more remarkable than this! Time to scribble down some notes on possible features and to gather people and equipment, just in time for the 26th AFFF ;-)
Just 3 more days and then we are done. How fast time flies again.
Today was a good day, despite Lake Mungo which did not appeal to me at all (sorry for that). The best movie I saw was Stingray Sam, though Martyrs comes close behind.
I saw Coen today again for a short time. I met him yesterday during Grace. Talkable guy from Eindhoven (I believe), who studies at the movie and art academy (if I remember it correct ;-)) and does teaching at a MBO as well. Quite amazing that he comes all the way to Amsterdam again, though he has to leave after the 4th movie, to be in time back with public transport. How do I know him? Actually I don't, but people seem to know me. It happens sometimes :-). Anyway, we had some small, but good chats about movies. He was quite impressed with Lake Mungo, so I guess we do not agree on all types of movies hehe. He'll be in on Friday again.
No redbull clones for me today, though I drank quite some coffee again. I did not drink one before Stingray Sam and I feld it. Though the movie was excellent, my eyes were sometimes getting sleepy. I guess i'm getting more immume for coffee and I need more to feel the effect (Daddy, am I addicted now?).
My eyes seem to be getting better too. Yesterday I went to bed quite early, since my eyes were getting sore again. It was even worse in the weekend. Right now I still feel ok, so I guess my eyes are getting better again (I think I had/have a small infection).
Today was a good day, despite Lake Mungo which did not appeal to me at all (sorry for that). The best movie I saw was Stingray Sam, though Martyrs comes close behind.
I saw Coen today again for a short time. I met him yesterday during Grace. Talkable guy from Eindhoven (I believe), who studies at the movie and art academy (if I remember it correct ;-)) and does teaching at a MBO as well. Quite amazing that he comes all the way to Amsterdam again, though he has to leave after the 4th movie, to be in time back with public transport. How do I know him? Actually I don't, but people seem to know me. It happens sometimes :-). Anyway, we had some small, but good chats about movies. He was quite impressed with Lake Mungo, so I guess we do not agree on all types of movies hehe. He'll be in on Friday again.
No redbull clones for me today, though I drank quite some coffee again. I did not drink one before Stingray Sam and I feld it. Though the movie was excellent, my eyes were sometimes getting sleepy. I guess i'm getting more immume for coffee and I need more to feel the effect (Daddy, am I addicted now?).
My eyes seem to be getting better too. Yesterday I went to bed quite early, since my eyes were getting sore again. It was even worse in the weekend. Right now I still feel ok, so I guess my eyes are getting better again (I think I had/have a small infection).
in memoriam
Martin Bril (49)
(Dutch writer)
Martin Bril (49)
(Dutch writer)
They seem to go fast these days. A lot of them. Too many.
Yup, some pretty crappy films, but very impressed by "Martyrs". The solitary 15-min bikeride home was quite valuable to collect my thoughts on that one. (No I haven't rewritten "The Clone Returns Home" yet, though I did some writing on it today. Might have to watch it again before I do share it.)
Started with some cortados. Did some writing. Content with that, that's good. Has been a while. Quite a while. From previous years I know the creativity bug can bite from the very start of the AFFF, but this year it took a while.
Radiohead makes for a wonderful score during nights like these.
Yup, some pretty crappy films, but very impressed by "Martyrs". The solitary 15-min bikeride home was quite valuable to collect my thoughts on that one. (No I haven't rewritten "The Clone Returns Home" yet, though I did some writing on it today. Might have to watch it again before I do share it.)
Started with some cortados. Did some writing. Content with that, that's good. Has been a while. Quite a while. From previous years I know the creativity bug can bite from the very start of the AFFF, but this year it took a while.
Radiohead makes for a wonderful score during nights like these.
Judging from my ratings, an exceptionally good day. Wonderful films providing endless food for thoughts. On a not-so-related note, good to see that my AFFF-mice-feeding bore fruit since the whole Arthouse Tuschinski #4 room saw one of them sprinting along the screen.
The mentioning of Ballard seems to introduce the dark and grim into the films I watch. No complaints from yours truly.
Pain! Been hurt deep in the roots of my very soul: Barista of the Other Day lied to me. Lungo simply means espresso + a lot more water (as much as you'd add to a normal cup of coffee). Saw a Japanese "Ramen" restaurant right around the corner, might try that for dinner soon. Today Subway-Day.
Slowly ideas start to trickle through while watching films. Day 6 already though, indicating the mental attic was stuffed to the ceiling. More syslog-rotations in the brain?
The mentioning of Ballard seems to introduce the dark and grim into the films I watch. No complaints from yours truly.
Pain! Been hurt deep in the roots of my very soul: Barista of the Other Day lied to me. Lungo simply means espresso + a lot more water (as much as you'd add to a normal cup of coffee). Saw a Japanese "Ramen" restaurant right around the corner, might try that for dinner soon. Today Subway-Day.
Slowly ideas start to trickle through while watching films. Day 6 already though, indicating the mental attic was stuffed to the ceiling. More syslog-rotations in the brain?
Finally the moment I had been hoping and waiting for: leaving the cinema impressed by a film, admiring the contents and execution, replaying the film in my head. The clone returns home had the honour, my first and certain rating of 9.
Apart from La crème, today offered a high standard of films. The festival is far from over!
Most remarkable special appearance today: a mouse ran over the full length of the bottom of the cinema screen during Sleep Dealer! :-)
Apart from La crème, today offered a high standard of films. The festival is far from over!
Most remarkable special appearance today: a mouse ran over the full length of the bottom of the cinema screen during Sleep Dealer! :-)
What to say, what to do? After a brief rest of yesterday, I saw another 5 movies today: The Clone returns home, La Creme, Sleepdealers, Grace, Sauna. Best movie is The Clone returns home, the worst is.......La Creme.
Why? Read the reviews ;-)
We past half of the total movies to be watched already. Just 4 more days and then it is finished. In case you are wondering how I/we can keep it up, I am wondering how the time flies to quickly.
Why? Read the reviews ;-)
We past half of the total movies to be watched already. Just 4 more days and then it is finished. In case you are wondering how I/we can keep it up, I am wondering how the time flies to quickly.
Having the director present at a screening and doing a Q&A afterwards really adds something to experiencing the film, and (not surprisingly) positively influences your opinion about the film. No wonder Stingray Sam is currently #1 in the audience award poll :-)
I've shot a handful of short videos today and pieced them together to give you an impression of what a day at the imagine / Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival feels like:
I've shot a handful of short videos today and pieced them together to give you an impression of what a day at the imagine / Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival feels like:
A run in the morning so felt quite smug about myself the rest of the day. Add the fact that most people had to go to work today, and you can say it's been a pretty good fifth day!
Day of diversity with masterclass, shorts and sneak preview. Cynical: the only "normal" film sucked.
Note to self: bring extra bread for the AFFF-mice that run around in the theatres. Herman showed us an excellent place (2 doors to the left) to get coffee. Still wondering what the hell the difference between "espresso lungo" and "espresso ristretto" is, besides the extra 10 cent for a large of the former. No googling, this needs to be done properly, with tasting buds and sharp questions towards baristas.
Just finished dinner.
On a completely unrelated note: read this morning that J.G. Ballard died. Sad. Last thing I read by him was his novelle "Concrete Island", started and finished within 4 hours in a nice bar near Oxford St, Sydney. A hero has passed away.
Well, today I had to go to work for a works council training. I am way behind with reviews of the last few days. and today I only saw one movie: I'll never die alone.
So how's today? I had 3 doubles espresso's and 2 coffee to keep me a little bit active for the training. Unfortunately it was extended and diner began at 21.00 (that is in Zeist), while I had to be in Amsterdam at 22:10. So I only had time for appertisers and after that I left at 21:15. At 22.04 I arrived in the garage in Amsterdam, near the cinema. I just arrived in time for the movie at 22.09 :-). Seeing the movie I almost regret I did not stay longer for diner, since I ordered (and later canceled) a great salmon and 'sweet sushi' for desert.
Overal I still feel quite ok, though my eyes are getting more and more dry after 0.00 hours :-). Today was a little bit slow on the movies, but tomorrow we'll start again.
So how's today? I had 3 doubles espresso's and 2 coffee to keep me a little bit active for the training. Unfortunately it was extended and diner began at 21.00 (that is in Zeist), while I had to be in Amsterdam at 22:10. So I only had time for appertisers and after that I left at 21:15. At 22.04 I arrived in the garage in Amsterdam, near the cinema. I just arrived in time for the movie at 22.09 :-). Seeing the movie I almost regret I did not stay longer for diner, since I ordered (and later canceled) a great salmon and 'sweet sushi' for desert.
Overal I still feel quite ok, though my eyes are getting more and more dry after 0.00 hours :-). Today was a little bit slow on the movies, but tomorrow we'll start again.
Quick one because I feel tired (averaging about 4 to 5 hours a sleep a night) and don't want to get up too late since I want to do some running in the Vondelpark!
The symposium was alright. It's difficult to try and transcend the clichés about films and games, I think the panelists made some good observations and the interactive film was a good addition.
Things I noticed:
The symposium was alright. It's difficult to try and transcend the clichés about films and games, I think the panelists made some good observations and the interactive film was a good addition.
Things I noticed:
- Almost every film seems to have a scene where one of the characters throws up. Either because he or she is physically sick - and will soon die because of some serious ailment - or because they have just seen or experienced something horrible. Apparently puking is the only way to show this...?
Also: I'd like to see more method puking. Throwing up in films always looks fake, because it IS fake. Actors usually put some "vomit" in their mouths, and then spit that out. Surely there must be a better way?? Stanislavski people, look it up and live the part! - Hans and I had a conversation about genres and originality today. Must further explore because we're on to something. On the one hand genre films have their own visual grammar and conventions, on the other hand the makers try to do something original within those boundaries - thereby expanding the genre or defying it.
- Favourite row number in Tuschinski 4, 5, 6: #4
- Starting to feel a little bit disoriented already when it comes to time of day and day of the week. This should be fun by the end of the week :-)