The Naked Truth is Out!

Naked Truth.

Well, I recently finished and uploaded the shoot of Jane and Charli to Deviant Art, the edits came out beautifully if you ask me. But then again, I spent a few weeks working on them.

But anyway, here is a sample of the shoot, and the link is preacher-man-x.deviantart.com/gallery

Go and check it out!

(Also, I will be uploading my 8th film online and soon to be starting on a new one to fallow it up with. Yay for me.)

- A.

Punk Film - A Open Ended Essay.

The two words Punk and Film are a sharp object when combined together. Reason being is that people try to define it by the way the a filmmaker approaches filmmaking and where that maybe true in some cases, I think it’s only part of the case. Some people could say that a Punk Film is about punks, which could also be taken as true and seen only as that. But it’s deeper then that.

First off - Punk means a lot of things to a lot of different people with different opinions, anywhere from you’re a-typical-punk-stereo-type to your “I don’t give a shit how I dress” punks to your local hot-topic-punks to your “I’m more punk then you” types to the elitist punks.

It’s a mess of people who have ideals and they’re not to be f--ked with and understandable so because who wants to untangle that mess of theories, possibilities, and life-styles.

Second off - who is anyone to say what is or isn’t punk, especially when it comes to film.

What I am getting at is that there is a feel to a film that makes it punk. Now I am sure your thinking “if it looks, sounds and acts like a punk, then it’s punk.” and that’s true. Now how do you know what a punk is? Is he the guy with a mow-hawk over in the corner with 55 piercings in his face with the leather and spikes? Or is it the guy in the polo shirt, blue jeans and the combed back hair and dirty sneakers? I’d go with the polo shirt kid simply because of the diversity of the music, yes, diversity.

Now with that being said there are a list of “Punk” films, from 1977’s Jubilee to 1999’s SLC punk. Now those films are with out a doubt “Punk” films, since A: probably made by people who love and respect punk music, and B: because the characters in them are “punks” and there is also music in the films that is also Punk.

But again, not what I am trying to get at. There are films that fit the “Punk Film” term due to feel, look, sound and so on.

My first example is Martin Scorsese’s 1976 masterpiece Taxi Driver. Now you may think - “how is that punk? Because he shaves his head?”. No, absolutely not why. Actually that couldn’t be further from the point I am working at. The film, the character of Travis Bickle and the whole feel to the film is not only very troubling and alienated but it also very punk. Watching Taxi Driver reminds me of Black Flag, a 1980’s american hardcore band, not the insect killer.

Now, anyone can get any vibe from any movie that want to get a vibe from. If I went into Taxi Driver looking for religious symbolism, I am sure I could find it.

Second example is Ridley Scott’s 1982 magnum opus Blade Runner. “How is that Punk, because Roy Batty is so rebellious?” Nope, Again because of the feel, the atmosphere and about a ton more reasons. Blade Runner is even apart of a film genre called Cyber Punk, much like the first Matrix film is and so is 1998’s PI by director Darren Aronofsky, which is also a Cyber Punk film.

Same could be said for 1979’s Alien, 1981’s Escape from New York, 1983’s Videodrome, 1987’s Robocop, 1989’s Tetsuo : The Iron Man, 1995’s The City of Lost Children, Hackers and Strange Days. All prime examples of “Punk” films but they’re “Cyber Punk” none the less.

But again, back the subject - Punk Film is a real thing outside of the “archetype” films which is widely known about - if you look you’ll find more that fit into the idea of “Punk”.

Hmm, I am surprised that this didn’t have a better ending. Just goes to show that I can’t write for s---t! Haha! 

Cameron Crowe, The Albums?

Albums you may ask, he does music too? No, well maybe, not sure. Be awesome if he did. But not what I am getting at. His films feel like albums, a bold statement - I know, but I don’t care. His films are important cinema, the kind of cinema that I can believe in. His films are beautiful, deep and touching, their reflections of times past and present, much like a good album, a classic album, an album you can put on a turntable and plug in some clunky headphones, hear the cracks and pops from the vinyl and listen to the album that you’ve listened to hounded times over. His films feel like a summers day afternoon where the wind blows through your hair and you feel that absolute feeling. It’s hard to describe but I am sure everyone knows that feeling. Or I could be wrong but I am getting off track here.

His films, any of them - from Say Anything to Elizabethtown, and probably his future films are like albums. I admire his filmmaking, he’s one of my favorite directors that I rarely talk about, out of all of his films I haven’t seen one that I didn’t love. I am use to talking about David Lynch, David Cronenberg, Terry Gilliam, Kevin Smith, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Stanley Kubrick, Hayao Miyazaki and Park Chan-Wook, but not Crowe and I think I understand why…

I was introduced to his film Jerry Maguire first, though at the time it didn’t sink in or touch me in any specific way at the time, I was relatively young when I had seen it. Around 2000 though, in October I went and saw Almost Famous for my birthday, this film became my favorite movie, I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it since, then I saw Vanilla Sky, then Say Anything, then Elizabethtown, then Singles, then Jerry Maguire again. But I rarely mentioned my admiration towards his films or his filmmaking, which I am regretting more and more. So now is my chance to make up for that. Though there is more then enough reason to talk about his work, simply because it’s amazing.

His films are normal, not in a bad way by any means. Their not strange, experimental, weird or distant. Their every day kind of films about normal every day people who you wish you knew and the ideas of the films aren’t to distant from reality, these things can actually happen. Something most films cannot even claim to have the ability to say, which isn’t bad at all.

His films deal from romance, to life trouble, to surrealism, to fame, to music, to life, to love, to family, to honesty, to his own life. He has a way with cinema that makes you feel like your at home, or in comfy jeans, or whatever your analogy is… Don’t miss out on this man’s talent. And I am sure I am one of many who boast about him, but I figured why not write one more, to add to the list of Crowe lovers.

Someday, whether it be now or 30 years from this very moment I am writing this, his films will be seen as classic films, like they see classic albums like Bob Dylan’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Or the Door’s Strange Days, or Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti.

His next project is unknown at the time, but has the promise of his touch to it. The fallowing project will be a retrospective look at Pearl Jam, which to me is like a nerdgasm. Favorite band = Favorite Director, makes for tasty mixture. I am very excited about it also, not very often you see Pearl Jam doing something like this, especially with how they handle their “Fame”. But understandably so, they have every right to do whatever they please. Anyway, I’ve lost track of what point I was trying to get across other then what I said about his films being more like albums. Well, oh well. Looks like I failed at being a writer. Tough cookies…. Hah.

From 1989’s Say Anything , 1992’s Singles, 1996’s Jerry Maguire, 2000’s Almost Famous, 2001’s Vanilla Sky, and 2005’s Elizabethtown, you should see them all if you can. You won’t regret it, or you will, or you’ll not care either way, all possibilities of course.

What the hell, take a chance and not watch TV shows… rent a soon to be classic like any of his films.

- Andrew.

Define a Cult Film.

Easy, a film - regardless of how it was released or when, or why, that has a strong fallowing for whatever reason. This includes films like Lord of the Rings, which is in essence a cult film, same as Star Wars, or maybe even Terminator. There is no limit to “a cult” film, because any film can have 9 million fans, or just 60 people.

I love them, I love the idea that a film as obscure as Begotten can gain a cult fallowing, even the highly controversial I Spit On your Grave (Day of the Woman), has a cult fallowing. Even television shows have cult followings, just look at the show Daria, a small animated spin-off to Beavis and Butthead, gained a large cult fallowing when it was aired, there are even petitions to get the series officially out on DVD rather then bootlegs. Same with shows like Family Guy, Serenity and Futurama, whom all had such a strong fan appeal to gain either the show back on air, or a film (s) released theatrically or even on DVD.

Now when you hear the word Cult, you might get scared and think to yourself “that’s something to stay away from!” but it really isn’t. Chances are, the films you love the most maybe a cult film, you can never tell how many people will flock to a certain film. So it’s nothing to fear, unless you go digging for cult films and pick up Pink Flamingos or Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which either film could put off some of the outsider film-fans who want to peak into the “seedy” world of cult films.

Some movies like Mystery Men or Billy Madison or even Cinderella (yes, the Disney film) are cult films. And it surprises me that people neglect to see it that way. I think maybe because of the stark contrast between a “mainstream” film and a “underground” film. Both are radically different from each other. And both have their fans but they both have their devotee’s.

So what is the point I am working to? None, it’s 12:21 AM, I am bored - Listening to the Flaming Lips and feeling like writing something I give a damn about. Right now and several minutes ago it is Stanley Kubrick and Cult Films. I think someone, whom ever reads this dribble will get a kick out of the fact that I am stating that any film in this world has the potential to become a cult film, however small or however big it actually is. If there are die-hard fans, then it is a cult film.

But to argue with myself for a moment, A Cult Film is a Cult Film, because it is not mainstream and is underground and is seen as a cult rather then a group or “Fanboys” or whatever you want to call them. Which I agree with also, so basically I just destroyed what I mentioned above. Go figure…

- Andrew.

A Note on Kubrick.

Stanley Kubrick is an Artist. Once a photographer, now a filmmaker, forever seen as a legend, a messiah, a true visionary. Stanley Kubrick… Born in 1928 on July 26th, Passed 1999 March 7th. Now I know there are millions of Kubrick fans, from you’re a typical film fan who indulges in film every so often, to your film-elitist - whom can not breathe without any Kubrick, to your would-be-filmmakers, to people like Steven Spielberg, who was ’friends’ with Kubrick. Every one knows the name and his art, much like everyone knows a painting of De Vinci. His name is household and on many, many peoples favorite lists. From a Clockwork Orange to The Shining, every one knows his name, From Lolita to 2001, every one knows his name, from Spartacus to Dr Strangelove, every knows his name. I was introduced to Kubrick ages ago when I had watched The Shining on a Free HBO day on cable. I never forgot the film, but at the time “STANLEY KUBRICK” never meant anything to me. It was a name, in a list of names who where in a film that I as a young one, was watching. Then some years later, I had heard of A Clockwork Orange, a film that had quite a bit of controversy around it, at this time I had been watching more and more Cult films like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Taxi Driver, Blade Runner, Fight Club, and it was only a natural progression to head into Kubrick land. I had rented it from Blockbuster, I watched it and was lost in it, I had no idea what was going on and it made me feel something only a few films had at that point. It made me feel hopeless and disgusted. I didn’t know what the think and I never went back to it. Eventually, a friend of mine was (and probably still is) obsessed with A Clockwork Orange, she admired the film for her reasons, she had read the book, she had watched the movie, she could quote the book or the film with her eyes closed and out of nowhere. Reluctantly I decided to give the film a second chance and on a whim, I bought it. Now why would I buy a film which disturbed me? I couldn’t tell you, maybe it was the need to show my friend “That, Hey! I’m cool too!” or maybe it was something more real, like I wanted to know why it bothered me. I watched it again, and again, and again, over time It grew on me, much like Taxi Driver did, and Blade Runner. I finally understood most of the film at this time (at the age of 16). Then eventually I would end up owning the book. But I needed more of that feeling, it was like an addiction and still is. I ended up watching the Shining again, and loved it, I ended up watching Full Metal Jacket and loved it, I ended up watching Eyes Wide Shut and loved it, Every movie this man put out was like gold to me at the time. He quickly became one of my favorite directors and had given me a lot of influence in filmmaking and photography which is something I now notice. Stanley Kubrick is an artist and I thank him for disturbing me enough to fall in love with his work. Where ever he is, I hope he is enjoying his solitude. And as for me, I am off to write something else that has nothing to do with anything important. And I don’t need to recommend or even boast about Kubrick, everyone else does and those people have better things to say. Again, thank you for reading.

- Andrew.

Miscellaneous News 002 - Naked Truth Update and other Bananas

Recently, on Monday of march 30th, I had worked with two models on a photoshoot, which turned out to be a very epic shoot by my standards. So now I am working on the edits of the shoot, hopefully I’ve have it done soon to be able to put up the edits on Deviant Art dot com. So I will keep you posted on that, ALSO in other non-me news…

Sam Raimi’s latest film “Drag Me to Hell” has a trailer posted at Apple dot com slash trailers, I suggest you go check it out, because it’s simply nice to see Sam doing something not Spider-Man before he does another Spider-man film.

Also, Where the Wild Things Are, also has a trailer on Apple dot com slash trailers, which you should also check out, so far - just from the trailer, it looks stunningly beautiful and I am eager to watch the film when ever it is released at the cinemas. Score one for Spike!

Side note, I am getting aggravated due to two things. One a Disc Reply closed down, one of the two I frequently go to, I will have a moment of silence for it soon, but It bothers me that when a second home closes down, that I am the only one to shed some tears. Oh well…

ALSO! Dang it! I can never find any freaking Fugazi or Husker Du or even Napalm Death at any resale shops or even bust buy’s or FYE’s…. Sorry, I felt I needed to rant.

- A.

Calculated Chaos - Dillinger Escape Plan : Counting Infinity (Review).

Welcome, before I get heavily into reviewing this album I wanted to give you a little background information as to why I am even trying to review anything. Back around 2004 to 2005ish, I had become bored one day and as well as sick, I had nothing to do at home. I had recently purchased Rage Against The Machine’s The Battle of Los Angeles, their third album and was obsessed with the band at the time. So I sat down and wrote about it, I did this for the next fallowing months for several albums, including Hatebreed, Marilyn Manson, Cypress Hill and Various others over a short time, only so many where actually read. I use to send it out under “Abuse Method News” due my old e-mail Address being Abusemethodeleven. Now, nearly 5 years later, I am writing my first review since that area. And I figured why not try it again, see how it feels and it felt pretty damn good, so I just hope it’s worth reading.

Album Info.

Dillinger Escape Plan, Counting Infinity (first full length album.)

Released on September 28th, 1999.

BAND.

Ben Weinman, Guitar, Bass, Synth, Producer.

Chris Pennie - Drums, producer.

Dimitri Minakakis - Vox.

Adam Doll - Bass.

Brian Benoit - Guitar.

Other Credits.

(Steve Evetts - Producer, Engineer.)

(Alan Douches - Mastering.)

(Aaron Harris - Assistant.)

(Jason Hellman - Assistant.)

(Matthew F. Jacobson - Executive Producer.)

(Adam Peterson - Graphic Design.)

TRACK LISTING.

1. “Sugar Coated Sour” - 2:24.

2. “43% Burnt” - 4:31

3. “Jim Fear” - 2:22.

4. “#” - 2:41.

5. “Destro’s Secret” - 1:56.

6. “The Running Board” - 3:22.

7. “Clip the Apex… Accept Instruction” - 3:29.

8. “Calculating Infinity” - 2:02.

9. “4th Grade Dropout” - 3.36.

10. “Weekend Sex Change” - 3:12.

11. “Variations on a Cocktail Dress” - 7:56.

Intro.

I’ve studied many forms of “Heavy Metal” over the last how ever many years, not out of need, but rather out of want. I’ve come across a few select bands that really stand out to me as pioneers, one of them is Dillinger Escape Plan, they’re methods nearly defined the very (as of now) loose genre known as Math-Core or Math-Metal. Typically an offshoot of Grindcore and Metal, but now is being realized into a more defined genre. Dillinger along with The Locusts, Converge and many others have put they’re own stamp on “math-metal”. Technically other bands also fit into this genre due to the “calculated chaos” you experience during an album by either Dillinger, Locusts or Converge, but also Meshuggah fits into the genre due to they’re odd and complex time structures. Given Meshuggah belongs more to the Experimental / Progressive tree, but I believe strongly that Math-Metal fit’s under that tree just fine.

The Feel.

Dillinger’ first album sounds raw, planned and organized with a careful ear. They’re not sloppy nor are they Unforgiving with their assault on the ears, the album feels much like 3 to 4 different albums from the same band played together in sequence, with the perfect timing by each. A lot of the sound relays on technical abilities, surprising that some people having claimed this band as industrial metal. As an over all, the album feels complete, masterful and original. Though it isn’t every one’s cup of tea. 

Package.

The packaging is very important to me, I don’t know nor care how important it is to some music fans but I know I am not the only one who likes to open up a booklet and read something interesting, doesn’t have to be lyrics, could be poetry, could be commentary, could be random tidbits of information. Anyway, the packaging is crisp. Simple, yet not to complex, easy on the eyes. Track listing is easy to read, so is the font on the inside of the booklet. The booklet, however is something interesting which I haven’t seen much, the booklet comes with a “slip-sleeve” that only covers most of the book. You can view the image of the album almost in widescreen due to how it is designed. The interior artwork is simple but fits with the rest of the packaging. The booklet contains lyrics for the songs, as well as a message from Adam Doll (band’s bassist), as well as a thank you note. The interior photographs are quite lovely as well. Over all, very simple and perfect to the rest of the album.

Sound.

Is F---king chaos, it’s loud, in your face, messy, obscure and takes so many turns, you could loose yourself in the mixture of what is going on, before you loose your breath, take a minute and relax. This album is a rush to listen to and it’s over before you know it. The guitars, drums, bass, and everything else fits perfectly, nothing is out of place or makes you feel like the band stubbed their toes on anything. Interestingly enough, this is one of three releases with vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, whom departed for various reasons , his screams are fluent with the music and his sound is sour and near violent, but doesn’t seem to change much through out the album, but it’s forgivable due to him being able to keep up with the band. The sound is like a choppy river, and it even has it’s lucid moments, time for you to breath and make sure your still on your feet.  

Final Thoughts.

Overall, I give my recommendation to anyone who wants something fast, brutal and calculated. This album is a masterpiece in a band’s catalog of masterpieces. I think if you want something new or just not mainstream, I suggests picking this up. I’d give it a rating but I dislike ratings to much, I rather just go on and yap about it as long as I can. So I say it’s good, though it’s up to you to find out if it is really your cup of tea!

Related Bands.

Mister Bungle, The Locusts, Converge, Meshuggah, Fantomas, John Zorn’s Naked City.

(if you have an album you want me to review, let me know, I’ll see what I can do, till then, I’ll just review whatever the heck I want to.)

- Andrew.