Peur(s) du Noir

I have been having insane, yet intriguing, dreams lately. I even dreamt in cartoon not too long ago-- it was positively mind boggling. I had one that reminded me of Film Noir of the 1940s.

I find Film Noir absolutely intriguing. I was lucky enough to see the french take on animated Film Noir at the 2007 Rome Film Festival. The surprise film of the festival was the premiere of Peur(s) du Noir (Fear(s) of Darkness), which I covered for the John Cabot student online newspaper. I have been trying to get this film, but it is proving a bit difficult. Anyhow, it is amazing and you should see it if you can. I'll include the article I wrote about it in the JCU newspaper.

FilmFest: French animators probe our fear of the dark

By Courtney Smith

ROME, 26 Oct. — What lies in the shadows, in the unknown abyss created by imagination, that causes one’s heartbeat to quicken and triggers the imagination?

It is in this obscurity that fear finds us, as depicted in Prima Linea Productions’ animated film "Peur(s) du Noir" (Fear(s) of Darkness) chosen as the "surprise film" in the Cinema 2007 section of the Rome Film Festival.

Peur(s) du Noir combined the impeccable artistic talents of world-respected graphic artists and cartoonists, under the art direction of France's Etienne Robial, to create their own unique images of terror in darkness.

The director, Blutch, plus collaborators Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Pierre di Sciullo, Jerry Kramsky, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire, Michel Pirus, Romain Slocombe each brought to life his or her own nightmares and phobias to create an almost Poe-like vision of fear. The film, intended for adults, clearly shows that children are not the only ones afraid of the dark.

The absence of color in this film illustrates the austerity of light, but more importantly illustrates the threatening shadows of darkness. Although it is risky to make an animated film in black and white, the producers, animators, writers, and directors of the film felt that it was necessary in order to establish the dark, fearful experience of the film.

According to Geoffredo Bettini, president of the Cinema for Rome foundation, "Peur(s) du Noir" is an excellent completion of the Cinema 2007 line-up. “We are proud of a title that completes…our line up with an experimental intelligence where art and entertainment unite and enrich each other" said Bettini, as quoted on the official "Peur(s) du Noir" website.

An exhibition of the film process (from the writing stage to the animation stage) was set up in 2006, and a virtual tour of this exhibition can be taken via the film’s official website, where a trailer of the film can also be viewed.

"Peur(s) du Noir" will be released to the public on February 13, 2008 throughout France. More information on the Rome Film Festival can be found at www.romacinemafest.org.

Posted on October 26, 2007 in Rome Film Fest | Permalink

These ain't yo' gramma's groceries

With the realization that the biodegradable bags they have been providing aren't so green after all, retailers are calling for shoppers to weave their own bags using recycled materials.

Grocery stores across the nation are hopping aboard this green craze by providing their customers with a unique alternative to paper or plastic: crochet patterns.

"We have found that the biodegradables just aren't cutting it. So instead of providing a paper or plastic option, we are giving shoppers free crochet patterns so they can make their own bags out of recycled materials," said the manager at a local co-op, Nature's Nectar.

Shoppers can choose from the following patterns: brown and white totes made out of reclaimed fabric, or plarn totes made out of yarn from recycled plastic grocery bags. With each tote pattern, shoppers are provided with a bonus pattern for a plarn wristlet to carry those last minute items like gum, mints, candy bars, etc.




Until enough patterns are handed out and people get weaving, stores are asking for their shoppers' cooperation.

"It is taking a little longer than we expected for people to get started. In the meantime, shoppers might want to consider temporary options. You know, clothes with big pockets. Fanny Packs. Pillowcases. Anythings like that," local Nature's Nectar manager said.

Talking Trolls to be jewel in media's naval

Anything but cave banter, the new blog Talking Trolls ranges from celebrity and socialite gossip to the hottest and trendiest snacks seen with those binging (most likely followed by purging) trend setters.

According to Wikipedia, the most credible online source in the world, an internet troll is someone who posts controversial and usually irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, with the intention of baiting other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

"We don't necessarily consider ourselves to be internet trolls. We are just regular trolls, with big eyes and a dream," said the Talking Trolls spokesperson modestly.

Although perhaps controversial, the material on Talking Trolls is anything but irrelevant. The extent of the trolls' insight to the lifestyles of the rich and famous was definitely a blow to many.

"They really pulled out the big guns. I mean, leaking the LC and Dave Annabale hookup on their first day? I did not expect something like that,” said a fellow lifestyle blogger, who wishes to remain anonymous due to the now-realized mediocrity of his own blog.

These trolls are ruthless, having published ten posts already today, with more on the way. Talking Trolls is not just an every day blog-- it could drastically improve the media world as we know it.

"People really underestimated our journalistic capabilities; I realize that now. I definitely understand what those cavemen from the Geico commercials are going through," said the Talking Trolls spokesperson. "Hopefully our presumable success and international acclaim will give them something to aspire toward."

Big things are expected from these blogging trolls. They are the gem of lifestyle blogging and, to say the least, a force to be reckoned with.