Dear Kirsten Dunst,
I loved your work in the film ‘Melancholia,’ which I just got around to seeing last week. While your acting was quite amazing, the thing that struck me most about the film was its opening sequence. The first eight minutes of the film are so beautiful and enthralling they could stand alone as a short film.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQ2YZG8kcA&feature=related]
The imagery in these opening scenes will probably seem familiar to anyone who has seen the work of Gregory Crewdson, a photographer who specializes in dramatically lit, color-rich, surreal images. I didn’t really make the connection until a friend of mine (who has an incredible memory for artists’ names, which I totally don’t) mentioned how evocative the cinematography was of the photographer’s work. To my knowledge, Crewdson was not actually involved in the making of this film. However, his influence is quite evident in the work of cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro. You can see the aesthetic connection below in this collection of some of my favorite Crewdson photographs.
I’ve always loved Crewdson’s images so it was exciting when the film (and my artist dictionary friend) reminded me of their existence. A fun fact about myself is that I spent four years of my life studying photography in college. Whenever I see things like ‘Melancholia,’ I’m inspired to make photographs again. Someday…
Love,
Orlando
totally off topic, but, oh well. So, I was at the Long Beach Flea Market this weekend and saw you! So if you heard a crazy animal like shriek when you were returning the dolly to a vendor that was me. I was about to yell your name but then I started daydreaming of you taking me to meet Emily and the three of us sharing design stories over tea and crumpets. Followed by Emily offering me a job even though I have no formal design education. Really, I was just embarrassed, although I did cause a scene as I whispered “Orlando, OMG its Orlando” a few times. Anyways, Hi! You’re great and I enjoy reading your blog (that’s what I would have said).
Yes! Thanks for this it totally made my day! Did you find anything fun at Long Beach? I found some great chairs I’m going to post on Emily’s blog soon…
Long beach was a big dud for us. Not one single item, which blows considering we drove 5 hours from Modesto. Oh well, we had fun. That’s really all that matters.
Lovely images. Wish I’d seen you at the flea market!
Oh yeah, Crewdson is one of my all time favorite Photographers today. There was an interesting documentary/feature about him and how he found this little township in NY and collaborates with it’s residents in creating his art.
Kristen and emily are identical twins. Seriously, I just watched All the Good Things and her character was eerily similar to E. Have you seen it? Does she hear that all the time?
Well, on your recommendation, I watched it! Lots to see, lots to enjoy, lots to think about. Thanks for pointing it out!