Category: Futile

One Instant on an October Day in Minnesota

Excited to finally decide that today is absolutely the day I will take my second One Instant photo. The camera I will be using is a Polaroid 250 in very good condition that I found on eBay about a month ago. I have rewatched the loading video (will watch again before I finally load!) and am excited to pick a spot to shoot. I’ll probably chose the old Winona Senior High but I have not completely decided on it. Perhaps a photo of my trusty Schwinn ten speed that I have affectionally named “Gryngolet” in front of the old alma mater to create the perfect Vampire Weekend “Campus” photo aesthetic.

I eagerly wait for the moment that the lighting condition will arrive. I plan to scan the print and post it to my blog when the mission is complete.

  • IMG 4529 768x1024 One Instant on an October Day in Minnesota
  • IMG 4530 768x1024 One Instant on an October Day in Minnesota
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The Polaroid 250 and One Instant film together: A winning combination

Palo Alto: A quick review.

Palo Alto is a drama directed by Gia Coppola, niece of Sophia and granddaughter to Francis, that explores the doldrums and escapades of everyday teen life. I started to watch it in the morning (I blog now) and decided to save it for the evening family movie. I really wanted to hear my 16 year old son’s opinion on it. The movie goes about its business of painting a landscape of awkwardness and despair with Coppola’s even hand. It’s a treat to watch. We are even graced early on with a cameo by the incomparable Val Kilmer.

My son’s assessment of the movie came early, decisively– and I quote, “Basically everyone in this movie is a piece of shit.” He really doesn’t like nasty people and the kids in this movie are p nasty.

It didn’t really surprise me and my son will seldom make the critical distinction between technical ability and the content of the movie. I maintain its raw aesthetic and beauty is unmatched. It’s a whole package thing for him. Why bother with all the luxe aesthetics if the story and characters suck.

I’ll take it all though. I’m a p big fan of nihilist teenage dramas. The best thing about the movie? Well, that’s easy- the protagonist. Teddy. I’m partial. Once again, for the record, my name is Teddy. Not Ted. You can only call me Ted if you were grandfathered in before 2001. Sorry, after that I never introduced myself as Ted. I digress though. If anything, you’re gonna come for the Nihilism but you’re gonna stay for Teddy. Watch on any streaming service. I don’t think it is free. I paid out $5 to own. No buyer’s remorse. Awesome soundtrack.

09palo1 span videosixteenbynine1050 v3 1024x576 Palo Alto: A quick review.
Twee Nihilism. Teddy in repose.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre ages well

I do enjoy the holidays but it does take an emotional toll on a person, I’ve learned to offset it by enjoying some of the grimmest horror movies created. I mean, if I have to suffer, well then, others should suffer too. I mean, vicariously. A couple of days ago I finally watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre and boy there is some suffering to be had in that movie.

It was literally the first time I’ve ever watched this “slashic” and although I wouldn’t say it’s terrifying or even particularly gruesome (a friend suggested horror aficionados are desensitized, I don’t think that’s necessarily true) it’s just an old film. In fact, I thought it was tame and I told my wife that (who did not watch) that she had seen much worse on AMC’s Breaking Bad, the story of terminal cancer patient normie, Walter White, who enters the violent underworld of crime to make high-grade meth. A notable low point of the series, one of Walter’s henchmen kills a boy and stuffs him in an oil drum to dissolve in acid. OVER THE LINE.

Anyway, I digress. Does Texas Chainsaw Massacre hold up though? Hell yeah. It’s an absolute classic and brilliant piece of cinema that sets the bar into the heavens. TCM doesn’t strike me as horrific – it’s more bizarre and terrifyingly realistic than anything. A sonic mechanical roaring that cuts into the flesh of cinema for years to come. The last scene is so transcendent and freshly horrific that it leaves the viewer breathless.

Leatherface swinging his chainsaw during the sunset.
A Texas Sunset. Final scene.