Thursday, July 21, 2011

Damn Artsy


Yesterday afternoon we went to the movies to escape the heat and saw Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life, the most sorry piece of pretentious claptrap I have yet to encounter.

a bus under the scaffolding on London Terrace with art reflected in the windows

Gosh, Malick tells us: childhood is magical, our youths are endowed with a roseate glow.....everything inspires awe (swelling symphonic/operatic music!) Throw in the Book of Job....and a National Geographic special about dinosaurs, some retro furniture, various kitchen sinks...

the sky captured in buildings on 57th Street

Not to mention Sean Penn looking miserable and pensive amidst tall buildings with reflections. Oh my!

mural 21st Street,Chelsea

(This lovely has a teapot balanced on her head, I think.) Anyway, what was most depressing about the Malick movie was the waste of it all. Such talented designers, photographers. Such un-engaging characters. In short: it was dreadfully dull. See Anthony Lane's perceptive New Yorker review here

musicians at Columbus Circle


My thesis for this little rant is that we are much more interested in people than artsy intellectual posturing. 'Nuff  said.



11 comments:

  1. Quite right Elizabeth...I couldn`t agree more although I have a soft spot for Mr. Penn. Is that allowed?

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  2. I love the reflections picture and the geisha is gorgeous!

    I think it's lovely to find something artistic where it's least expected.

    You capture it perfectly.

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  3. I am so with you, Elizabeth. I love the idea of escaping to the two-hour chill of a movie, and might get myself over to the final Harry Potter myself.

    The Malick film...I saw that one coming. Not a chance of my buying a ticket, even with my senior citizen discount!

    Hoping this heat ends soon. I am off to the Met tomorrow to enjoy beauty at an acceptable temperature.

    xo

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  4. I haven't seen the movie, and now I'll make sure I won't.
    Love the photo of the mural on Chelsea.

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  5. Everything I have heard about the movie was not good in anyway. Pretentious was a word used a lot.

    This movie isn't even on my radar for a possible netflix.

    I loved your comments on the movie with your wonderful photos of your New York.

    cheers, parsnip

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  6. I love visiting the City with you!




    Aloha from Waikiki;


    Comfort Spiral

    ><}}(°>


    > < } } ( ° >

    < ° ) } } > <

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  7. Nice idea of watching a movie. And i totally agree with you.

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  8. I quite like the pictures on your post. They are highly creative.

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  9. Still to see it - this is one review that will stick in my mind!
    Love that subway (?) shot.

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  10. ¡D'acuerdo!

    Your photographs are what is awe inspiring. Glad that I am not likely to see the film and I am pleased that you interspersed your irate emotions with art inpired photography.

    Will email; still reading story!

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  11. I learned a new word: claptrap!
    The Geisha mural is great! It's so nice to visit your blog, you know!
    Have a nice weekend ahead, and greetings from D'Ora to Buster!

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I look forward to hearing from you!