To explore more art forms and view examples of practises, I have visited a moving image exhibition titled ‘ Strange Days, memories of the future ‘ intertwining various art forms, such as moving image, art itself, graphic design and paintings presented through a walk through exhibition. There were many visuals accompanying the work, such as the various use of neon lights in the staircase and hallways between each screen of work, along with the screens presented in dark rooms and the main source of light being the projector. Some screens also had visual effects, such as one by the an artist with a flashing projector effect repeating every minute creating a overall aesthetic visual.

What I liked most about the exhibition was the visuals, the best in my opinion being a landscape photography based screening, cinematic shots that were moving and overall based around waterfalls, details of rocks, high mountain views etc. I liked it because it intrigues me and links to my common area of interest, along with a projected viewing of visually pleasing patterns projected onto the top of a room at the ceiling, making participants look up and lay down on sofa’s, giving an overall relaxing vibe.

Besides the visuals, some parts I did not like included the actual screenings – one in particular that made the participants wear headphones for a human activity based screening. The screening was a recording of people in a house with bright colours,  filmed as though they were intoxicated. Though creative and intriguing, the visual did not match what I typically like.

I went to the exhibition with classmates and the event was based in Holborn, London. I have not attended a moving image exhibition before, this was therefore new to me. The actual art and way in which the whole exhibition was set up was unexpected, the art being different to anything i’ve seen and the walk through aspect being something I have not done before.

I have learnt to be more experimental when working under art forms and be more creative in ways that I might actually present my work, e.g the layout -like the way the exhibition had bright screens and other aesthetic lighting.  I have further understood that the presentation has as much impact as the actual work towards an audience.

 

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As part of overall learning more about the industry and applying my understanding to viewing other made films, I attended London Film Festival on on the 13th of October In Leicester square. I watched the film Beautiful Boy, starring protagonists Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet, based on a true story following Nic Sheff’s drug experience and his father David Sheff dealing and helping his son. The source material is based on the Sheff’s memoirs and the film is directed by Felix Van Groeningen, following the relationship between the father and his son.

The art event took place in Leicester square Cineworld and included the experience of seeing the actors, director and writer of the film and viewing their piece for the first time. Film itself was involved as an art form in this event.                                                     My review of the whole experience includes many positive emotions. Excitement as this was my first film premiere to viewing other fans of the actors. I found the amount of people overwhelming and thrilling.

The main storyline intertwined both deep messages and meaningful emotions, including heartbreak and devastation from both Chalamet and Carell’s performance. The camera follows the sons actions (Nic) and begins to compel the audience into the struggles of his drug addiction, mainly consisting of crystal meth, heroin, and cocaine.

What I liked most within the film was the on screen connection both protagonists had, successfully allowing a heartwarming family relationship to be built in an emotionally attaching way. These moments occur in the setup, where David Sheff, the father, researches his son’s increase use of meth, along with always keeping an eye as to where his son is & getting him help. The gripping scenes of relapse from Nic are heartbreaking however are powerful in presenting the real and raw side of addiction.                                 I also like how the story emphasises the idea that those affected don’t always get better straight after rehab, therapy, etc.rather that relapse occurs and that the issue is important to voice in modern society. Another interesting aspect in the film included the manner in which Felix Van Groeningen directed – in which he had David, the father, never judging his son, even in the lowest times of struggle, along with mostly framing the point of view from the father, rather than directly from the son. This adds further emotion by making the audience feel pain not only from viewing the struggling addict, but from the fathers self doubt and worry.

Aspects of the film in which I disliked included the scenes roughly after the middle, near the ending, where Nic meets Lauren, a previous drug addict, played by Kaitlyn Dever. The cycle of the story seems to get repetitive and tiring at this point, and has possibilities of losing audiences interests.

However, I personally overall enjoyed the film and feel that the setup began with compelling acting, resulting with heartbreaking and thought-provoking messages. Though some tiring recurrence in the middle, the storyline proved to be impactful and authentic.

A favourite aspect of mine within the film includes a cinematic shot of the “Beautiful Boy” driving down a long, free, Californian road when sober. The idea that he’s free from reality without a drug is captivating, however ironic that he relapses soon after the scene giving that element of frustration. As cinematography is a main key in film that intrigues me, I found the shot inspiring and aesthetically pleasing,similarly with the overall cinematography of the film which holds interesting connotations -Groeningen’s choice of cinematic locations surrounding David and his family, from their house next to the beach to drives down long roads, contrast with some of Nic’s surroundings, overdosed in darker streets and dosed on unknown floors.

Thoughts I would take away from viewing this film include different views on addiction and  hope that the story has impacted audiences and will give a voice to those who require as such and to this topic as a whole.

To gain feedback from my review, I have asked someone to watch the trailer of the film as well as read my review.

Link to a voice note of their feedback:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zS71uRVZOkAl-kc4vrFxi1ekSrsX2BNP/view?usp=sharing

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