Blog.GuyPhenix.com

Grabbers (2012) - A follow up #filmmaking #ireland #film

2012-02-06T15:37:00.003Z

You may remember a post I made in early December regarding the Irish Film Board funded Grabbers and Shadow Dancer. I was glad to see Irish film being represented at Sundance, its a great festival and an amazing platform for any countries cinema talent to be shown off. My issue with the two of these films was the films. Now now I know I hadn't seen the films but a film about a monster allergic to alcohol invading a rural irish village and a "troubles" film is not how I want Irish film represented. I think we are a bit better than that.
I got some stick and rightly so, people put a lot of effort into making these films and they should be proud of what they have achieved. It has now thought come to the stage to take a look at the reviews that have come out of Sundance.

"Hilarity should ensue, but the humor drummed up by Wright and scenarist Kevin Lehane is pretty tepid, middlebrow stuff; despite the idea's potential, this doesn't come within spurting distance of "Evil Aliens," "Shaun of the Dead," et al" Link

Dennis Harvey reviewed for Variety and gave the film a pretty rough ride. He puts one small plus point to the film being,

"Trevor Forrest's widescreen lensing of County Donegal scenery"Link

Next review and I shall give you one quote from Fearnet.com, I shan't link.

"So it's an Irish monster movie about a monster that can't eat drunk people. Come on, that's pretty cute."

They seemed to love it. Not really much to get from the review as they analyse "the talkier bits". Next review. This final review gives the film a pretty good dressing down. It is the only review with a rating and it comes in at a 1.5/5. Nicholas Bell reviews for Ioncinema.com

"Intentionally goofy, and drearily written, your reception of the film will all depend on how high you set your stakes. ThinkTremors (1990) was a classic? Maybe you’ll enjoy this tired flick." Link

I was rather surprised to see such a harsh review. Did not expect the writing to be so badly received. It is a low budget horror after all.
It seems that overall Grabbers has had a pretty bad reception and with its constant referral as

"but even if you have to see it sober, it’s a fun, small British film, complete with the requisite British humor and characters actors" Link

This goes ahead and opens a brand new can of worms as to what is an Irish or British film but a film made in Ireland, funded by the Irish Film Board with Irish actors, Written by an Irish man, Directed by a Northern Irish man but yet, not made in America? British film then.
Come on people Ireland can make films! Let us get out there and show it.

Coriolanus (2011) - A view

2012-01-24T16:00:00.000Z

Having not watched a Shakespearean film/tv adaption since that glorious 1997 adaption of Macbeth with my old favorite, Brian Blessed. Coriolanus had a tough act to follow.
I am not a Shakespeare fan so this story was unknown to me but it soon neatly unfolded with weird mother son connections and betrayal as one would expect from an Englishman's pen.(I jest)

Coriolanus

The story that we see is that of the soldier Coriolanus fighting to protect Rome from its enemies and then be rewarded by being put forward as the senate. At this point in the film I was beginning to sway (mentally not physically) as to if I would enjoy this, it started to dry up and the long rambling Shakespearean dialogue was beginning to take its toll as I would frequently zone out.
Then came along Jimmy Nesbitt. Have to say I was impressed by the full cast, some great performances but for me James Nesbitt really caught my eye and ear. The Northern Irish accent seemed to suit the Shakespearean dialogue so well and his sneaky role was played to perfection.
There then is a bizarre Jeremy Kyle style TV debate and it is decided that Coriolanus is to be banned from Rome. It all happened so quickly and some bizarre character changes happened far to fast but what happened next for me was the best bit of the film. We see Coriolanus as he is by himself heading to find his sworn enemy Aufidius. Throughout the film we have had close up shots of Coriolanus in battle or in anger showing his aggression, concentration and frustration but now we get wide open shots but beautiful delicate diegetic sound of footsteps and birds. This is framed by beautiful greys and blue as he walks through open landscapes and depicts his confused, lonely and betrayed character.

Coriolanus then gives his life over to his enemies and asks that he may seek revenge with them upon Rome. People come ask them not to, his mum, wife, son and cleaner arrive, crying talk of wombs etc and then he decides to sign a peace treaty. Its all very nicey nicey. Oh yeah and then he gets stabbed to death by the men he had just fought along side. Thee End.

Overall as I said before a brilliant cast and was only disappointed by Jessica Chastain
who plays her role as Coriolanus's wife perfectly but it is pretty much the exact same role as Mrs. O'Brien from The Tree of Life. The loving caring wife who does no`t say to much and always seeks to impress. She is perfect for it but would like to see her in some different roles. I haven't seen her in much else though so should not be tough on her, great actress.

Over all great film, misleading trailer which literally has used only the dialogue that is not Shakespearean to make it seem a bit more relevant. The violent and gruesome scenes could be cut back a bit, no need really and they do not show some beautiful cinematography and instead focus on the fighting side. Id give it a solid B+. Trailer is below give it a watch and let me know what you think.

My Glasgow Swishblog

2012-01-14T14:03:00.000Z

My latest wee vid. A swishblog of Glasgow from my perspective. Really enjoyable video to make such a simple process can make such a fun end product. Would recommend giving it a go.

I used my Xperia Ray with 720p video and I rather like the incognito style I was able to achieve.

Moonrise Kingdom Trailer and Wes Anderson

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000Z

So finally we get a look at Wes Anderson's latest feature. A coming of age romance set in the 60's with a stellar cast of non-wesandion proportions. Ed Norton and Bruce Willis some how fit in perfectly as the camp leader and the local sherif. With a release date rumoured to be this summer I for one am rather excited.

It all of course has come from a short film, BottleRocket. You should give it a watch and get an idea where the Wes Anderson look started. The feature film that was later made based on this short is one of my favourite films and the best Owen Wilson has ever been.
For me it is great inspiration that from shooting a simple short film with a few of your mates it created so many opportunities for Wes. Here is hoping with 2012 I get a few short films out there.

Tape Recorders - a techart instillation

2012-01-12T11:40:00.000Z

On view at Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney until February 12, 2012.

Crash Corsage - The wedding crashing app

2012-01-11T09:36:00.000Z

Crash Corsage from EricSchlakmanDotCom on Vimeo.

Perhaps an all time low on the app store. My personal favourite bit is that after their app is based on stealing other peoples private* information they reassure you that you "(Don't worry, we'll never regift your email address to someone else.)" Because come on that would be terrible. Somebody's information about their wedding, now thats for everyone to see.

*open directory supposedly but thats ridiculous.

Tiny Tim

2012-01-02T10:26:00.000Z

Napoleon Dynamite meets Elvis.

Listening to some Tiny Tim to get the first working day of 2012 going.

Adventures in Oban

2012-01-01T21:37:00.004Z

What a curious wee spot Oban is. Have been informed by the SPT in Glasgow all year that it is both the seafood capital of Scotland and closer than I think.
I ventured north easterly with friends for a new years eve experience like no other. Eye opening to say the least. Bags were piped and fires certainly worked but it was getting back to the seaside that was great. A bit of north Antrim nostalgia was created and a wet exploration of castles and a folly were had. Go to Oban, eat seafood, its closer than you would think.

My year in review with a look to 2012

2011-12-31T09:36:00.001Z

2011 has been a pretty big year for me. A lot has happened and a load of life changing decisions have been made. It started off with a 365 photo project. That lasted January.
2011 jumped in half way through my final year of media studies and production at the university of ulster, coleraine. This was my dissertation year where I looked at the influence of the Lawrence collection on Irish photography. I also did a practicle piece using rephotography. A big thanks to Dr. Gail Baylis for keeping me sane. Loved studying and final year was a dream working on such a big topic
I graduated with a first, moved country, got a job and got my first film commissioned "VINYL TOUCH", as the rest of the year continued in sunny Glasgow.
I have managed to do so many things this year that last year I couldnt even have dreamed of so I will give a brief look at 2012.
2012 I will still be working away at a job I love and on the side keep working on my short film script writing this year and hope I can further develop these.

In 2012 creativity I want to~>

Make atleast two short films over 5mins.
Have a photography project exhibited.
Get working in some major film productions.

Grabbers (2012), Shadow Dancer (2012) and Irish Film- A pre View

2011-12-09T11:21:00.000Z

Now I am not a big fan of horror, it is one of those genre's I find cheap, tacky and inappropriate. In recent years films like Saw, Paranormal activity and HC (Not even gona write it) have flown past me without as much as a glance to see any. I have no interest in seeing that sort of gore, perhaps from my moral standpoint but also because watching people getting killed aint really that great.

This whole viewpoint may be turned upside down however, staying away from stereotypes, cliches and that cheap tacky look comes an Irish Horror, Grabbers.

"When an island off the coast of Ireland is invaded by bloodsucking aliens, the heroes discover that getting drunk is the only way to survive." Grabbers (2012)

Oh wait nope, I was wrong. Here is hoping there are a few dopey Garda, loads of sheep, a few leprechauns and a member of the IRA. It wouldn't be so bad if this was another Shrooms (2007), you remember it? No? Good.

The issue I have is that this is representing Irish film along with Shadow Dancer (2012) at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival . Shadow Dancer is set in Belfast so I dont have to confirm that indeed it revolves around the IRA.

When is Ireland and Northern Ireland films going to get away from its tacky stereotypes and make a real leap into the future. There are enough films about the troubles or about rural Ireland with dopey Garda and weird locals. Its about time we stood up and took ourselves seriously because its sure nobody else will if we keep churning out the same stuff.
I know there are a lot of people making some great short films in Northern Ireland but they aren't getting the same sort of funding as these stereotype films. Maybe I am wrong in thinking we need this? Its just my thoughts as I am sick and tired of seeing pretty big budgets going into rural or trouble films.

Anyway I havent even see as much as a trailer for either of the films and I am sure they are rather entertaining, but I shant be rushing to watch either but will be interested to see the reviews from Sundance.

Battle of the christmas ads

2011-12-07T11:33:00.000Z

So John Lewis get a Smiths song covered, cute kid, loving family and its all about being excited to give more than receive awwww, as seen below.

Very cute blah blah but really it aint all that and a bag of chips. If you spend your whole time watching videos of kittens in 240p on youtube of course your gona get emotional when you can actually tell what somebody's facial expressions are in some form of quality in a video. It has surely been blown out of proportion that this is the height of festive feeling, I didn't even twinge, just paused it and went to listen to the Smiths original.

Now on the other hand(four fingers and a thumb, bada boom) We have the festive advert representation from a bit of a higher cliental, Harvey Nichols. What a festive treat this is.

Seriously not a clue what they were thinking. Whats the message? Your a slapper, your gona be walking home after sleeping with some randomer, you need a Harvey Nichols dress, you will then look like you spent a lot and might get in with a postman, if you're lucky. DONE.
Should have just recreated the video for "Last Christmas" by Wham! with Harvey Nichols clothes, to be fair remaking "Club Tropicana" would be more festive that this.

Love Through The Viewfinder

2011-12-06T16:17:00.003Z

So I made this last friday. Its a #faketrailer for the @Vimeo weekend project.

Shot entirely on a Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray on 720p. The whole thing idea to export took about 40 mins. It seems like the creative testing due to lack of equipment is going to continue for a while longer. Something I am beginning to live with and I think perhaps even enjoy slightly. No need for Epic's or 5d's here. Just good old fashioned story telling. Here are a few photos of my beautiful custom made blutactripod. Drop me a comment and if I get enough interest may start selling them on ebay.

RRP £40 my price £20*

*Phone and tripod not included

At least with this equipment hiatus I am able to focus on writing and currently am working on a number of different shorts that I hope to make during 2012, A few comedies, a romance and a thriller. Hopefully it shall be a big year for me creatively and work wise but I guess the two tie in nicely.

Little Chef

2011-12-06T10:49:00.001Z

A lot can be said about that motoway magician, little chef. Food indistinguishable, served lighting quick and with a questionable meat ratio. It may have been the 18 hour day talking but I came across this beautiful design relic in the toilet. Somebody sat down and was told "design a tile that will brighten the toilet experience for weary traveler, sleepy drivers and hordes of mothers unions". That person took that task to hand and came up with the below tile and you know what, my mood was lifted. So for that sir I slow clap you.
More than likely though this tile was just the cheapest at tile market.

Iphonography and the hipster photographer

2011-12-02T22:58:00.003Z

The debate has been raging for years regarding iphonography. That style that is seen cluttering up facebook profile pics, war photography and people looking up at buildings. You know the type created by hipstamatic or instagram.
I however have been living in the dark ages. No smart phone for years and touch screen was something I did to wipe off dirt. I however have recently gained a smart phone of the android family free via a contract. This has opened up a brand new world as shown in my movember pics.
This I feel gives me the right to discuss this topic. I have been a keen TTv'r for A while and I have to admit that although the process is easier, quicker and the end result is pretty similar, I seem to have a mrs.doyle misery style (link) love of carrying around an old camera, trying to balance and focus the shot while trying not to look like a complete weirdo staring into a cardboard box. Its just far more satisfactory. Its like comparing growing a tree, cutting it down, chopping it up into sections and shaping it into a glorious chair or go to ikea and follow five steps with some pva glue and get the similar chair. Just that little bit less satisfying. Below is a few of said unsatisfactory photos.

#movember 29/2011

2011-12-01T00:25:00.001Z

Have got to stop using these filters etc.

#movember 28/2011

2011-11-28T23:27:00.002Z

Would appreciate a donation for mens health month movember. DONATE

#movember 27/2011

2011-11-27T23:49:00.001Z

#movember 26/2011 @helloiain

2011-11-27T00:47:00.001Z

Iain and I rather filthy and nasty.(location hint) Donate at http://guyphenix.com

#movember 25/2011

2011-11-26T02:28:00.001Z

Guess the location for 200 monopoly pounds.

#movember 24/2011

2011-11-24T23:06:00.001Z

Behind me wales and the sea. In the beautiful north wales. Belfast tomorrow.

#movember 23/2011 mo-ile high club

2011-11-23T15:48:00.001Z

Keeping it classy in the plane toilet.

#movember 22/2011

2011-11-22T23:23:00.001Z

Big day ahead, next few mo pics will be located across uk.

#movember 21/2011

2011-11-21T22:11:00.002Z

#movember 20/2011

2011-11-21T22:07:00.002Z

Look at that stare and tache, get me on an train iv wesandersoned.

Management (2008) - A View

2011-11-20T19:55:00.000Z

This 'touching' rom-com, as its tagline portrays it stars Jennifer Aniston (of use to be married to Brad Pitt fame) and Steve Zahn (of no fame). It is about Mike (Steve) falling in love with Sue (Jennifer) when she stays at the hotel his parents own. This is the part of the review where I fill in what happens in the rest of the film but you get the idea. She aint keen, then she gets more interested then there is distance, then there is dramatic traveling and surprise visits, mixed with something about morals and stuff, then there is an old love interest blah blah cliche cliche cliche and then all happy in the end, mush mush mush.

Back when Brad was kewl.

You may not think it but this film really got me asking questions and thinking. The biggest of all these questions is about Jennifer Aniston. Is it a case she cannot read or that she couldn't be bothered reading over a script before deciding to do it? I am yet to see her in a half decent film. They all are complete stinkers. Anyone know of a decent film that auld Jennifer has been in? Maybe she just hopes if she does enough films one of them will be decent. I truly aint sure what she is thinking especially with this film. Its terrible. Some of the dialogue is just awkward and pointless. If I want a motel based Rom-Com I will watch Bottle Rocket or even Pyscho, as it is a better option than this serving. Poor poor Jennifer. At least she is better than Angeline Jolie.

A big 1/5. Not worth a watch but it is only and hour and a half of your life lost.