A Series....

Of Unfortunate Events are a series of 12 children's books written by Lemony Snickett. They centre around the ' unfortunate events' that occur for the Baudelaire siblings in an incredibly dreary and dull world.

I feel here that Lemony Snickett has got it 100% right in every element of his work; literature, film, web design, illustration and overall representation of his own character as the writer. There is fantasy in the way he writes and also as the writer where he has developed his own character to be intertwined amongst the stories. As sad as it sounds, I frequently find myself on the website, to see what's new and to take in any additional material posted there. Snickett has adopted a fearful, nervous concept where he warns his readers that his stories will not make you happy but rather sad instead. I find it interesting that such negative literature can entice children so well, there is a great deal of sorrow in the stories where the characters try to overcome the terrible situations they are in.

The books are illustrated by Brett Helquist, who has a distinct pencilled illustrative style. I love his beautifully intricate work which seems to work entirely in sync with the concept.. the website has a whole section on Helquist.

This series was recently made into a film, where all twelve were condensed into one movie featuring Jim Carrey. Directed by Brad Silberling, the movie captures the style perfectly with its own eccentric influence. I like that you can't tell what time it is set in as there are many contradictions in place to throw you off a bit, for example the characters are dressed in victorian dress yet there are many mod-cons used in the set design etc. - this makes it truly imaginative.



http://www.countolaf.com/ an AMAZING website displaying the character Count Olaf; fully interactive and engaging.

http://www.lemonysnicket.com/ captures the whole concept, every detail considered.

Big Fish

Based on the 1998 first novel by Daniel Wallace II, Big Fish is a magnificent tale told through bizarre scenarios and peculiar characters. I first saw this film at the cinema a few years ago where it made a real impression on me, so much so that I rewatch it frequently and recommend it to friends.. perhaps it was this work that cemented my Tim Burton fixation?!

I really value the fantasy/mysterious components in film, as the viewer you are transported to that world and it becomes believable. In this genre of film, there are no restrictions on creativity and anything goes.

"The story revolves around a dying father and his son, who is trying to learn more about his dad by piecing together the stories he has gathered over the years. The son ends up re-creating his father's elusive life in a series of legends and myths inspired by the few facts he knows. Through these tales, the son begins to understand his father's great feats and his great failings."

tweedledee and ...

an alternative treatment on a concept at its best.

cannot wait.

let them eat cake : with pink icing

a highly inspiring, opulent adaptation of the story of Marie Antoinette during the French Renaissance. excellent production, set design and attention to detail in enabling the viewer to become immersed in this world of magnificent grandeur.

tbc...........

Watchmen

This film has made an impact on me, in more ways than one. At first I came away not getting it at all, it was a spectacle of remarkable CGI and production which I appreciated, but I didn't get anything from the story. On the second viewing, it all seemed to click into place, now I see that its not just a superhero action movie.. ! Zak Snyder (another of my favourite directors) is known for his adaptations of graphic novels into film, having successfully reworked Sin City and 300. Again, his artistic approach is heavily stylised in his use of conceptual art direction including colour, slow motion action shots and lighting. In Watchmen he depicts a clever and consequential scenario which is particularly relevant in modern society, whilst remaining true to the original Marvel/DC graphic novel. Many parallels can be drawn from this story; the political climate when the graphic novel was written can mirror today's global situation and question the presence of government and its effects on humanity.