Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 4: Full Moon Over Austin

Above Image by Meghann Sumner

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 4: Full Moon Over Austin

The following images were taken from the Hill at Butler Park, next to the Palmer Events Center and Dougherty Arts Center, overlooking the River. They were photographed by Meghann Sumner and Tod Gorman (me) on an extraordinary Austin night - filled with sounds of children and family, English and Spanish intertwining musically, under a full moon, and the lights of the fountain glowing and encouraging communal amusement.

This unique park features a fountain that displays programmed morning, afternoon and evening water shows, an observation hill overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a children's garden and a meadow.The park consists of a total of 22 acres.

Butler Park is one of Austin's first "green" parks. The park is irrigated with non-potable water from Lady Bird Lake. All the equipment purchased to maintain the park is "clean" - either powered by propane or electricity. For more information: Austin Parks and Recreation.

Images by Tod Gorman and Meghann Sumner:

Savage Chickens - by Doug Savage

savagechickens.com

Relevant Quotes: Tracy Morgan

"Freaky deakies need love, too. Freaky deakies need love, too."

~ tracy morgan

McCain Calls Pentagon's 'Don't Ask' Study Flawed (NPR) - and Subjective Commentary

Sen. John McCain (right) delivers his opening remarks during a hearing Thursday on the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The Arizona Republican is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Sen. John McCain rejected a Pentagon study on "don't ask, don't tell" as flawed and said it would be dangerous to allow gays to serve openly in the military during a time of war.

For the continued article, follow the link: NPR, McCain on 'Don't Ask'.

It's official... though there was a time when I wasn't absolutely certain (before campaign Palin 2008, Arizona Immigration Legislation, and DADT debate), but I should have known - all of the significant signs were there. Here it is (my commentary), a revelation to some and common knowledge to others -

John McCain is a complete Douchebag!

Blogs of Interest - Flickeringmyth.com, and The Frustrated Ramblings of an Aspiring Filmmaker

Frustrated Ramblings: 3D - The Future of Cinema?

DJ Haza with more "Frustrated Ramblings Of An Aspiring Filmmaker"...

3D seems to be the next big thing in cinematic leaps forward, but is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Bullets seemingly fly past your head, explosions leap off the screen and the film world surrounds you in three different dimensions. Or so we are led to believe. Is 3D the eye-watering future of cinema or a cinematic gimmick that just makes your eyes water?

There have been some real big endorsements of 3D in film with James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) smashing all box office records and Martin Scorsese telling The Guardian of his admiration for 3D. The Oscar-winning Mr. Scorsese told Mark Kermode, “I always liked 3D. I mean we are sitting here in 3D. We are in 3D. We see 3D. So why not?” Scorsese has just finished shooting his most recent project, Hugo Cabret, which unusually for him is a family friendly film and his first shot in 3D. Scorsese has stated that it has allowed him to “rethink cinema” and has “liberated” his filmmaking. He continues by assuring film fans that he hasn’t resorted to using the new technology as a “gimmick”. Only time will tell.

James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) is hailed by some as the pinnacle of 3D after its huge success at box office’s worldwide. Some even say it redefined cinema and dawned a new age of 3D filmmaking. However, the story was appalling in my opinion and no matter how much CGI, 3D or other effects were thrown at me I was bored. Five minutes in I had lost all faith in the film and it was never reinstated. My eyes grew sore, my patience thin and I wanted the film to end as soon as possible. To this day this is my only real 3D cinematic experience and I couldn’t care if it was my last...

To read more, follow the link: Flickeringmyth.com

For more from DJ Haza, you can follow the link to his blog: The Frustrated Ramblings of an Aspiring Filmmaker.

Always happy to have insightful support on one of my paramount (pardon the pun) vexations with contemporary cinema. Indeed, Cameron is a gray-haired techie with an elementary mind for story (to say the least) and a 4 yr old's egocentric sense of self. He has never, by any stretch or assertion, aspired to artistic innovation or thematic wisdom (except perhaps in his own mind's eye). Yet, his cause for 3D imagery and video game ascetic has universally captivated the studio interests - and giving lobotomized children a warhead, calling it a toy, and asking them to be creative with it is never a good idea. As for Scorsese, Burton, and other self-aware filmmakers embracing the new notion of three dimensions in cinema, i am bewildered and a bit saddened. The illusion has always been there, by the way (an integral function of cinematic artistry) - the new 3D simply puts your creative mind to rest with less participation and honest stimulation. That's right, Cameron and the studios are assuming the audience (YOU and ME) stupid and inadequate to play a participatory role in the cinematic experience, and, as of yet, they have not been proven wrong by the masses. Thanks to DJ Haza and Flickeringmyth for the "Frustrated Ramblings." I feel your pain.

"It Gets Better" — Love, Pixar

And Pixar just continues to impress... and it is no wonder, with employees like these. It is rare that i get to say that about a studio or corporation of their economic stature. I hope they continue to impress well into the future.

Neil Young - Le Noise - The Film

Neil Young recently released his latest album, Le Noise, along with an accompanying 38 minute black & white film. Directed by Adam Vollick, the film features live performance of the full album recorded at the studios of Daniel Lanois in L.A. The film officially debuted in late September, but you can watch it online - just follow the link above (embed html was blocked, but it will link you to the film). I've also embedded the video short, doc style intro that covers Neil on the day of the premier.

Note: the album itself can be streamed online at NPR's First Listen.

All of this information can also be found by visiting Neil's Garage at neilyoung.com.

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 3: Nature, Wildlife, and Critters

above image by Meghann Sumner

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 3: Nature, Wildlife, and Critters

The following photographs were taken between Zilker Park Botanical Gardens and McKinney Falls State Park, both are beautiful natural preserves of Austin that i highly recommend. There are no limits to the green spaces and natural outlets provided by (and surrounding) this city. Zilker is right in the city and is an amazing park complex that seems to stretch forever, and McKinney Falls is close by to the south. As with the previous photo journals of Austin, they were photographed by Meghann Sumner and Luke Bruehlman. Enjoy.

Images by Meghann Sumner:

Images by Luke Bruehlman:

Vincent Gallo - Relevant Quotes/ Recent News/ Featured Artist

"I don't trust or love anyone. Because people are so creepy. Creepy creepy creeps. Creeping around. Creeping here and creeping there. Creeping everywhere. Crippity crappity creepies." - Vincent Gallo

"I`m not an artist, I`m a hustler. As a hustler I`ve done many things. You should really believe it when I tell you that, `cause I`m not being sarcastic. I`m a total hustler. What that means is I`ve hustled to make a buck and I`ve hustled to change the world and I`ve hustled to take revenge - but it`s always hustling. I`ve never had a career or a single goal. I`ve never been formally educated. To get things together, to make a living, I constantly have to hustle."

"The good thing about bicycling is that, since I`m a public figure, I don`t have to interact with people. If I walk from here to West Broadway, 50 people will stop me. On my bike, I can just wave. More public figures should ride bikes. It`s a good way to deal with people."

"I`m the happiest the saddest guy in the world can be."

"I never wanted to be an actor. I never want to be an actor. I want to be a movie star. The whole idea of having to act is too gruesome. It`s too ambitious for me."

"I stopped painting in 1990 at the peak of my success just to deny people my beautiful paintings. And I did it out of spite."

- Vincent Gallo

Outside of being one of the more interesting characters to emerge from the bohemian sublayers of 70's/80's NY scene, and that is saying quite a bit in itself, he has managed to become one of the true renaissance men of underground/indy pop culture - an intriguing existence indeed, good and bad. He had a shared musical project with Jean Michel Basquiat and was part of Warhols inner circle - what else need be said. On the other side, arguably aware or not, he has become renowned for comments that express less than scrupulous social perspectives, often provoking criticism for the seemingly tactless ignorance and anarchist flare. He has also left a bold signature on the world of cinema as a filmmaker and an actor, undeniably, regardless of a somewhat contentious and often incredulous reception (aka. Brown Bunny). However, let us not forget Buffalo '66, one of my favorite cinematic love stories of all time. He has been accused of being a provocateur (well, he has been accused of a lot less flattering things, and always manages to ignite it into fuel). I would argue that, IF this is a valid accusation, it is rooted in a basic artistic premise that is honest and intrinsic to Gallo's life experience - hence justified - as if he needs any F'n justification!

Gallo was recently awarded the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor at the 67th Venice Film Festival, for his performance in Jerzy Skolimowski's film, Essential Killing.

He also has a new film, written and directed by, as well as acted in, Promises Written in Water, that debuted at Venice and Toronto. Admittedly, I have not read much on it, but am intrigued by the concept and, of course, Gallo as an auteur.

Below is a link to Gallo's Official Website and i highly encourage that you explore his work, and perhaps his character, further. Other links of related interest follow as well. Regardless of critical dispute and public discrepancies (who cares anyway), his work captures the originality of HIS reality - and what else can we ask? This is intended as neither a statement of consent or condemnation (i know him by his work alone, and barely credible press), but merely a recognition of intrigue and originality in his work and life.

Links:

Official Website for Vincent Gallo by Vincent Gallo: vincentgallo.com

The Warhol: www.warhol.org

Basquiat: basquiat.com

Bressonian Quote #14 - Notes from a Master Filmmaker

- The next few Bressonian quotes posted will all address his rigorous and innovative concept of 'human models' as an alternative to the classic actor - which accounts for much of the unique, raw, minimalist performance style that has become a signature of Bresson's films.

"Human Models:

Movement from the exterior to the interior. (Actors: movement from the interior to the exterior.)"

"The thing that matters is not what they show me but what they hide from me and, above all, what they do not suspect is in them."

"Between them and me: telepathic exchanges, divination."

- Robert Bresson

Albino Squirrel Eating Some Nuts - Motion Image of Intrigue

Albino Squirrel Eating Some Nuts - Video

Just follow the link to maniac world and enjoy. Now, i must explain - i typically have quite abhorrent sentiments toward the you-tube culture of culture-lessness and the mind-numbing amount of time that is spent zapping our brains away as a collective group. So, I first and foremost must apologize with a guilty conscience for posting this and playing an active role in the mumble-media cycle - but just this once. Hence, I usually turn a blind eye and refuse to participate when friends are clustered around the computer giggling endlessly at some car salesman from Fife, Alabama, and then repeating it 10 more times (i truly don't understand). Though i thoroughly respect the innovation and potential of you-tube as a concept, i am bewildered by the infinite supply of aimless, unapologetic, amateur media that absorbs the attention of the masses as of recent years (an unfortunate byproduct) - so, i usually simply refuse to watch. Final note: free and uncensored outlet for independent media exhibition - good! / mind-numbing, pointless, refuse of home videos and untalented exhibitionism reminiscent of Idiocracy (dir. by Mike Judge, based out of Austin, by the way), and those that perpetuate it - Bad! With all of that being said, haha, the link will take you to one of the most inexplicably entertaining videos that i have viewed in recent years, and I watch a lot of film and media. Of course, the entertainment value may have something to do with the fact that i am somewhat obsessed with Squirrels and anything albino. So, maybe just watch if you share this unique duel interest - Enjoy.

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 2: Natural Landscapes

above image by Meghann Sumner

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 2: Natural Landscapes

The following photographs were taken at McKinney Falls State Park, just 10-15 miles South of Austin, which served as a brilliant welcome and a wake-up to the Texas terrain. Our new natural frontier is both familiar and foreign to me in many regards, but is indeed, without a doubt... Texas (an easy to forget notion when living within the city lines of Austin, but hard to deny when stepping 5 miles out.) I highly recommend the park to all visitors and locals, but must warn against the mundane and poorly marked hiking trails. Otherwise, the public access areas that you see below were extraordinary and excellent for natural photography (also, imagery that begs to be shot as location for motion film) - and we visited during dry season. Austin has no lack of public water access, many of which are natural sources, and all of which are well maintained - an excellent city perk. Enjoy the images and thanks to Meghann and Luke for the contribution.

Images by Meghann Summner:

Images by Luke Bruehlman:

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 1: The City - Urban Landscapes

above image by Meghann Sumner

Photo Journal of Austin Series, Part 1: The City - Urban Landscapes

The next few postings will be a Photo Journal Series of Austin - as recorded by friends (and film collaborators), Meghann Sumner (camera dept) and Luke Bruehlman (prod/writer/dir). Luckily for me, they are also both aspiring still photographers with quite nice cameras, so I have had my pic of intriguing photos to document the exploration of our new town. Sadly, i am always jealous that I am not holding a slick camera of my own, so I scrap around (just like a director) trying to convince them to shoot my framings - they usually opt to continue with their own inspirations, slightly annoyed, and reminding me that we are not on set - and somehow it always comes out for the better - hmm. Both, now shooting regularly, have a natural eye and keen ascetic sensibilities, but are quite unique from one another - both are just a few prime lenses away from taking the big leap, so i think you will enjoy their images. I also should note that most of these images are in their original form (i nabbed them pretty quickly after the shoots), so have yet to pass through the tedious eye of post production.

Meghann Sumner:

Cinematographer, Camera Operator, Still photographer - and good friend to boy in a box. You can follow the links below to her blogs, which should be updated shortly with a photography portfolio and a link to her website.

links: The Unexpected Artist, Blue Eyes Blazing

Luke Bruehlman: Producer (um, of my last and next film), Writer (with impeccable wit), Director (so he tells me - haha), and, now, Still Photographer... This man also speaks damn near fluent Japanese and does a bit of acting and music on the side - where will it end... Follow the link below to his blog, though i am not sure how regularly he posts.

link: Adventures on the 40th Parallel

Images by Meghann Sumner:

Images by Luke Bruehlman:

Boy in a Box: A return from hiatus... now from Austin, TX

above photo by Meghann Sumner - McKinney Falls State Park

Well, alright then. It has been quite a while indeed, and to my loyal readers (i think i know most of you by name, haha) i send my apologies for denying you the exquisite exposure and insight into the media arts that i typically offer... and i know that you have become accustomed to... ha - but, in all seriousness, i have been quite remiss in my blogging as of recent and am very happy to return. I have truly missed the blog world (finally becoming a faithful believer in the potential of independent communicative outlets of this sort) not just from the perspective of my own postings, but i have greatly missed the insight and unique information/inspiration that i draw from other blogs of interest (reference my "blogs of interest" list). I am anxious to catch up with some of my favorites and, of course, borrow a few ideas (as always in our fields of interest).

I have so many good bits and pieces to post that have collected over the past month (mostly sent by friends and colleagues), as well as a fresh, new, proactive film community to explore - and a unique city that i am completely charmed by. I have no doubt that i will focus quite a bit of energy to the Austin Film community (AFS), production, and events (as well as Austin music events) in upcoming postings. I will also dedicate more time to the exposure of independent artists, studios, musicians, exhibitions, etc. As we all know, one must write and explore what is true and real to there subjective experience in film, art, literature, etc. (this is where we find truth, so says Thoreau), so why not in blogging.

However, this is not to say that i will neglect the broader interests within the world of cinema, media, and music. I am quite anxious to catch up on film festival news world wide, and i will share posts of interest from the major festivals as well as smaller, innovative, or noteworthy festivals such as Cucalorus in wilmington, nc, which wrapped this past week (yes, i do have friends and respected colleagues that serve integral roles in operating this fest, but, with all honesty, it is a truly unique and quality mid-size film fest that is worthy of its buzz).

Some of the upcoming posts will expose you to some intriguing independent artists of note - beginning with arkhive. photography and framing by bts, currently out of Brooklyn, and followed up by portfolio photos of installation thesis work completed in NY by Matt Braun (as promised over a month ago) - sorry, once again.

I have also had the pleasant chance to screen a few of the films from my "films of interest" list in recent weeks, such as Antichrist, Dogtooth, Waiting for Superman, Toy Story 3, etc. - and it has been a good run - i know I'm a bit behind the curve on most of these, but all of them deserve high regards within their respective intent and inspire further contemplation and study. Dogtooth was particularly effective and intense as a screening experience, so I will certainly be posting further info and commentary on these films. One of the most thrilling aspects, from a purely cinephile perspective, of the transition to Austin is the infinite access to exhibition of original, independent, and cutting edge cinema - thanks Drafthouse, Austin Film Society, Art House, UT, etc.

The first few postings will be a Photo Journal Series of Austin as recorded by friends and film collaborators, Meghann Sumner (camera dept) and Luke Bruehlman (prod/writer/dir). Luckily for me, they are both aspiring still photographers as well, with quite nice cameras, so I have had my pic of intriguing photos to document the exploration of our new town. Sadly, i am always jealous that I am not holding a quality camera of my own, so I scrap around (just like a director) trying to convince them to shoot my framings - they usually opt to continue with their own inspirations, slightly annoyed and reminding me that we are not on set, and it somehow always comes out for the better, hmm. Both are shooting regularly, have a natural eye, and keen ascetic sensibilities, but are quite unique from one another - both are just a few prime lenses away from taking the big leap, so i think you will enjoy their images.

That's all for now - just wanted to intro back in and offer some information about upcoming posts. Enjoy - i am glad to be back.

Austin - The Arrival

Boy in a Box has officially relocated to Austin, TX - very happily (understatement). I am still just tipping off the exploration of my new city, but more updates to follow about the enthralling Film and Music community here. Check out the lineup for Austin City Limits Music Fest (Sonic Youth, Norah Jones, Black Keys, Flaming Lips, Spoon, etc.) - so unfortunate that I missed out on tickets, but will attempt to find my way in for at least one day. Follow the link to The Austin Chronicle for info on South Austin living - my new adopted community. Regular postings will resume shortly, so stick around. Yay Austin!

Link: ACL Music Festival