Interesting, scholarly, but eminently readable piece by literary "anti-theorist" Franco Moretti that methodically details in which nations American films are popular, and what kind of films are popular there. For example: Jamaicans seem to love American action films; they're Jamaica's favorite movie genre. At the other end, Austrians could care less.
pieces of tattered celluloid
January 30, 2004
January 25, 2004
Oohs and Ahhs
Just how far can special effects go, merely as an end to itself? There appears to be a very fine line between something that can be awe-inspiring, eliciting oohs and ahhs from the sugar-drunk masses, and mere ludicrousness (a racing bike whipping around a palm tree in Torque). One can lament the the dearth of the human element in movies, but spectacle is probably cinema's oldest tradition, dating back to its origins in exhibitions in carnival tents, spectators ducking and scurrying as the Lumières' train pulled into the station at La Ciotat, the magic tricks of the illusionist Méliès. One can rail against the carnival ride aspect of a lot of modern movies, but that would be as fruitful and wise as charging Hollywood with putting a dollar before art, which is the same as complaining about the weather.
January 24, 2004
TV Archeology
An incredible piece of television archeology. Read about the star studded extravaganza the Ford Motor Company sponsored on CBS in 1957, The Edsel Show! Then marvel at the perseverence and success of one man's search for the program's original video tape. Then feast your eyes and ears on a Quicktime snippet of the show's opening. The sound quality of the broadband version is quite incredible!
January 23, 2004
Vampire Bubble Gum
For only a penny Vampire Bubble Gum can be yours. Maybe these monster candy cigarette packages can be yours for the same price. A lot of fun stuff at Tick Tock Toys.
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