The FILM CLUB discussions, for me, are demonstrating ways to balance emotional responses to films with critical analysis and greater objectivity. It’s extraordinary to listen and learn. And I can see that listening to the discussion of AI’s creepy trajectory and the things people are doing to curtail it is helping me, firstly and at an absolute minimum, to bust out of the pathetic, ridiculous trap of like/dislike/react I’ve allowed myself, in certain arenas, to settle for. An artist whose creativity and talent I respect has begun publishing AI-generated works, and while the collection (intended not as a series but as individual releases on behalf of different other artists) has an unusual look, the pieces do not hold up individually – meaning that they seem formulaic. Yes, each of them has unique elements, but they seem like “cranking out content”. They look familiar but not organic. Recycling seems at their core. Regurgitated. It takes me back to the idea in FRIEDKIN UNCUT of remake vs. a new version, a new take. This gives me an uneasy feeling. I believe in what Friedkin said, that there are hundreds of takes on Hamlet and each one is not a remake, per se. A photographer and a videography enthusiast, I love nostalgia and it guides me often in personal projects. Maybe I am underestimating my abilities and thus feel the need to rely on a well-established, well-loved and accepted look or feel. I often believe that, to a degree, I am pushing the edges when I’m working, but the question lingers as to whether I have the ability to create something entirely original. I was excited a few months back to have learned that I could use a green-screen effect to create something I couldn’t imagine replicating in real life. About that same time, I attended a lecture here in Portland by the well-published photographer and short form filmmaker Holly Andres. She spoke enthusiastically about her switch from film to digital and never looking back, touching on some of the editing techniques she’d used. But I was intrigued to learn that one of my favorite photographs in her series The Fallen Fawn, River Road: Milepost 13, 2015, took her to Southern Oregon to the property of a man who had taken in and domesticated a fawn, which Holly Andres used to shoot this most enchanting photograph. As I listened to her describe the arduousness of her daily work - and as I took in Herzog's notion of trusting one's eyes - I felt, of course, like a schmuck with regard to my little green screen tricks, however amusing and liberating they felt. I will see how this collective new awareness shapes my projects to come and will be listening intently to the ongoing discussion.
Back to today’s film, Gina Gershon’s account of having sensed Friedkin didn’t like her during filming got my attention as well. What I took away is that perhaps Friedkin was something of a “method director”, achieving the professionalism in storytelling he described, and seeming to want to place himself into the stories. Interesting discussion all around. Thank you!
Having heard you talk at the IATSE Local 80 forum last year, I'm gratified to be involved with a community of like-minded creative PEOPLE who advocate for real people entertainment. I'm just getting on here, so I have some catching up to do.
Having heard you speak at the IATSE Local 80 forum last fall, I'm gratified to have a place where like-minded creative people congregate and advocate. Just getting on, so I have some navigating to do to see what everyone has been up to.
Thank you Justine, and your comrades for getting involved and investigating all the unforeseen trivialities and unconsidered intrusions into the Human entertainment experience. I'm reminded of a quote by Freddy Mercury, the former lead singer for QUEEN and a performing Icon, who said "There will be a time when technology becomes so advanced that we'll rely on THEM to create Music rather than raw talent... The Music Industry will lose it's Soul...." And it really disturbs me to think that with this sort of "technology", those in power can choose to recreate/alter all the great Cinematic Masterpieces in their own perspectives, starred by "Actors" of their own choice, filmed by uneducated Directors... and related with little to no emotional relevance to our emotional journeys. It would be unthinkable to imagine anyone besides Marlon Brando in 'The Godfather'... or someone other than Spenser Tracy in 'Inherit the Wind'... or 'To Kill a Mockingbird'... or Gone With the Wind! And you'd have difficult time convincing me that anyone could take the place of Charleston Heston, or James Dean, or Jack Nicholson... and so many other Legendary Performers. By allowing this type of agreement into the entertainment industry's heart and soul will basically destroy all the History and Honor of the Entertainment Industry's Legendary works! And what about the Hall of Fame?
Hi Justine really interested in your posts regarding A.I and the strikes. It is a difficult dialogue. I have one 23yr old son who is a professional actor and another 21yr old son who is completing his computer science degree. I want them both to do well in their fields . As a Dad, with sons on either side of the argument, it can be very difficult. Thank you for raising awareness and I hope we all move forward positively.
Kudos on CREDO 23. You’re an inspiration for the Industry and for artists everywhere. Thank you.
The FILM CLUB discussions, for me, are demonstrating ways to balance emotional responses to films with critical analysis and greater objectivity. It’s extraordinary to listen and learn. And I can see that listening to the discussion of AI’s creepy trajectory and the things people are doing to curtail it is helping me, firstly and at an absolute minimum, to bust out of the pathetic, ridiculous trap of like/dislike/react I’ve allowed myself, in certain arenas, to settle for. An artist whose creativity and talent I respect has begun publishing AI-generated works, and while the collection (intended not as a series but as individual releases on behalf of different other artists) has an unusual look, the pieces do not hold up individually – meaning that they seem formulaic. Yes, each of them has unique elements, but they seem like “cranking out content”. They look familiar but not organic. Recycling seems at their core. Regurgitated. It takes me back to the idea in FRIEDKIN UNCUT of remake vs. a new version, a new take. This gives me an uneasy feeling. I believe in what Friedkin said, that there are hundreds of takes on Hamlet and each one is not a remake, per se. A photographer and a videography enthusiast, I love nostalgia and it guides me often in personal projects. Maybe I am underestimating my abilities and thus feel the need to rely on a well-established, well-loved and accepted look or feel. I often believe that, to a degree, I am pushing the edges when I’m working, but the question lingers as to whether I have the ability to create something entirely original. I was excited a few months back to have learned that I could use a green-screen effect to create something I couldn’t imagine replicating in real life. About that same time, I attended a lecture here in Portland by the well-published photographer and short form filmmaker Holly Andres. She spoke enthusiastically about her switch from film to digital and never looking back, touching on some of the editing techniques she’d used. But I was intrigued to learn that one of my favorite photographs in her series The Fallen Fawn, River Road: Milepost 13, 2015, took her to Southern Oregon to the property of a man who had taken in and domesticated a fawn, which Holly Andres used to shoot this most enchanting photograph. As I listened to her describe the arduousness of her daily work - and as I took in Herzog's notion of trusting one's eyes - I felt, of course, like a schmuck with regard to my little green screen tricks, however amusing and liberating they felt. I will see how this collective new awareness shapes my projects to come and will be listening intently to the ongoing discussion.
Back to today’s film, Gina Gershon’s account of having sensed Friedkin didn’t like her during filming got my attention as well. What I took away is that perhaps Friedkin was something of a “method director”, achieving the professionalism in storytelling he described, and seeming to want to place himself into the stories. Interesting discussion all around. Thank you!
Two big thumbs up for CREDO 23. Also REALLY enjoying Friedkin Uncut! Thanks for the assignment and looking forward to the discussion.
Having heard you talk at the IATSE Local 80 forum last year, I'm gratified to be involved with a community of like-minded creative PEOPLE who advocate for real people entertainment. I'm just getting on here, so I have some catching up to do.
Having heard you speak at the IATSE Local 80 forum last fall, I'm gratified to have a place where like-minded creative people congregate and advocate. Just getting on, so I have some navigating to do to see what everyone has been up to.
Thank you Justine, and your comrades for getting involved and investigating all the unforeseen trivialities and unconsidered intrusions into the Human entertainment experience. I'm reminded of a quote by Freddy Mercury, the former lead singer for QUEEN and a performing Icon, who said "There will be a time when technology becomes so advanced that we'll rely on THEM to create Music rather than raw talent... The Music Industry will lose it's Soul...." And it really disturbs me to think that with this sort of "technology", those in power can choose to recreate/alter all the great Cinematic Masterpieces in their own perspectives, starred by "Actors" of their own choice, filmed by uneducated Directors... and related with little to no emotional relevance to our emotional journeys. It would be unthinkable to imagine anyone besides Marlon Brando in 'The Godfather'... or someone other than Spenser Tracy in 'Inherit the Wind'... or 'To Kill a Mockingbird'... or Gone With the Wind! And you'd have difficult time convincing me that anyone could take the place of Charleston Heston, or James Dean, or Jack Nicholson... and so many other Legendary Performers. By allowing this type of agreement into the entertainment industry's heart and soul will basically destroy all the History and Honor of the Entertainment Industry's Legendary works! And what about the Hall of Fame?
Hi Justine really interested in your posts regarding A.I and the strikes. It is a difficult dialogue. I have one 23yr old son who is a professional actor and another 21yr old son who is completing his computer science degree. I want them both to do well in their fields . As a Dad, with sons on either side of the argument, it can be very difficult. Thank you for raising awareness and I hope we all move forward positively.
Kind regards Matthew
Thanks for all you do, Justine