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Fashion

A Small Gem

Photo call and press conference of the film "Shockwaves - Diary of My Mind". Berlinale 2018. Berlin, 19.02.2018.

Shockwaves

(Warning: There are spoilers in this review)

Television is having a Golden Period now. Fortunately, quality programs are not exclusive to the United States or Great Britain.  

I met a Berlinale film festival colleague for an evening drink. We started talking about the past festival, our dislikes then our few likes. The Berlinale is a festival where you find unintended treasures. I was reminded about one film from the Panorama section there was a screening of a Swiss TV anthology crime drama “Shock Waves”, four stories revolving around young men. Switzerland is not a country associated with violence, when I learned the festival had secured screenings two episodes of an anthology crime show from the Alps, I was skeptical, in my mind I imagined an antiseptic CSI episode of a stolen cow and milking machine gone wrong, causing social havoc came to my mind at the Saturday Press screening.

I was in walk out mode, instead I was rewarded for staying in my chair. A television crime  show better than many films at the festival.  

Episode 1.

First name: Matthieu is the brutal story of 17 year old male rape victim Matthieu Reymond.

Lionel Baier (film director and screenwriter).
Photo call and press conference of the film “Shockwaves – Diary of My Mind”.
Berlinale 2018.
Berlin, 19.02.2018.

Director/ Writer Lionel Baier does not go for the easy explicit scenes, instead untangling the story through the victim’s emotional trauma as he, his family, and country come to terms of the sadistic crime. Maxime Gorbatchevsky’s subtle wounded performance stand out along with Ursina Ladi’s as his mother who tries to go about life in denial as if nothing happened.

Based on a true story from a series of murders in Switzerland from 1981 to 1987 committed by a natural born Swiss citizen. “I met the killer in a small room in prison”. He knew he would be caught. He thinks he feels sorry, for himself and family but not able to understand to everything.”

Episode 2.

Shockwaves-Diary of my Mind explores the sudden burst of a violent act in what seemed like a normal existence.

This episode is brutal, as an American, I find the tale more relatable. Director Ursula Meier’s

Fanny Ardant (actress).
Photo call and press conference of the film “Shockwaves – Diary of My Mind”.
Berlinale 2018.
Berlin, 19.02.2018.

70 minute episode feels like watching a live feed on CNN. Why would a middle class young man murder his parents? Could a high school literature teacher have the answer? Fanny Ardant’s stands out as an emotionally wounded literature teacher in perpetual pain mode. Viewed by the police as an enabler of the perpetrator because of a writing assignment. Her closed off world is suddenly shattered by a crime a student’s horrific crime. “We do not know anything about my character. She is alone. No family”, She is at the end of her career, says Ardant. Kacey Mottet-Klein turns in a fine performance as a troubled young man plotting parricide. We spoke about the character, states Meier. We worked together in the past so we know each other.

Production values for the Swiss TV program are top. 

Screened in the Panorama section at the Berlinale in January. 

Shockwaves can be seen on Arte. Check streaming services.

#Thisberlinale18 sponsored by Canon Camera and Pringle of Scotland

Categories
Fashion

Has Gucci Gone Too Far?

Cap

Has Gucci gone too far? A recent the New York Times article asked the question, “Is Gucci stylish or tacky?”  The answer could go in both ways according the perspective. Gucci embraced the modern. In many ways the looks reflect the “Selfie Times”.  See me! This is what I got! Instagram posting moment! Because life is not about being subtle.  Because these designs are made with social media in mind, it is all about the post. During Fashion Week Milan in February I got an up close and personal go see of the entire collection at the Gucci Campus in Milan.  Creative Director Alessandro Michele has taken the brand into new areas unashamed personal expression. For those who like the subdued, buy a British Heritage Brand.

Cap

This Fall Collection mixed with pop references and styles. There is no one silhouette. It is about being photographed in the here and now, no matter what is worn. The aesthetic is classic meets frivolity, everyday items charged with bling. The pieces can be mixed and match with streetwear for a standout effect, casual jeans with a baseball cap emblazoned with a “G” on top. For bag fanatics in all of us with the urge to show off, the exotic skins and shapes with shining details are there. You cannot help but get noticed with this accessory hanging on your arm. The details are many, such as embroidery, logos, and prints.

What I liked the most was the overcoat with a twist of three visual styles. One half was traditional gentlemen’s gray while the other mixed tartan with an animation print on the bottom. The gender look is menswear but in reality it could be effortlessly worn by anyone. Honestly, I would not wear an entire Gucci look. It would overwhelm me. One piece would be enough for an entrance.

Gucci Fall 2018 looks are available in stores.

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Fashion

Berlin Press Days 2018

I am a fan of Press Days because there is the opportunity to see many things up and personal then ask questions. It is a fashion meet and greet between agencies and editors.  What is new? Trends? During these two days it is a chance to meet designers or discover new labels and brands.P

Images by Canon Camera

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Fashion

What Comes Around

A Black and Paper interview with director Reem Saleh. The filmmaker’s documentary “What Comes Around” is a glimpse into the lives of people residing in a poor area of Cairo, Egypt neighborhood.

What Comes Around avoided Western Stereotypes of People lives in the region. There were human factors, not the 2 dimension images shown on regular television.

I am happy you saw this human factor in my film, not stereotypes. The Middle East is huge. There is everything. Stereotypes do not reflect the society. The Egyptian neighborhood is Muslim, but religion does not play a role in the film. It is a film about the struggles of life.

Can I say the subjects of the film seemed to suffer from a “Poverty of Decisions Making”?

Actually No! They did what they felt. They were happy they managed to buy a motorcycle, (for the son) so they wanted to sacrifice a rabbit because this removes the “evil eye” and paying for the two weddings.

You may think it is poor decision making or a waste of money but personally I think there is nothing wrong with this. It made them feel good.

You did not judge the characters, it was presentational, true?

Yes, it is true. I followed them and their lives. There is no right or wrong. I wanted the audience to see it without being judgmental.

Are the subjects of the film trapped or doomed to their fates?

I wouldn’t say “trapped” but perhaps in a vicious circle. They are in their comfort zones, contentment. Few start climbing further. I hope this films opens the horizons for them to do things differently.

What is your background?

I am passionate about film. I studied cinema in Lebanon at the American University. I worked in TV and did some acting. I worked for the Doha Film Institute as a film programmer. I started working on this documentary in 2010. I shot over 200 hours of footage, post production took a year.

WHAT COMES AROUND was screened at the 68th Berlinale in the Panorama Section.

This interview is part of the Black and Paper #thisberlinale18 project, sponsored by Canon Camera and Pringle of Scotland.

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Cinema

#thisberlinale18 Thanks

Categories
Cinema

#thisberlinale18 Opinions

Sorry this is a bit late, but late than never!

A Fantastic Woman premiered at the 2017 Berlinale in the Competition section before going on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. That is one for the Berlinale Team.

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Fashion

Borsalino

Hats are debonair for men, the ultimate charm or dramatic accessory for women. Borsalino has been making hats since 1857. The brand’s most famous is the one worn by Humphrey Bogart in the final scene of the film classic “Casablanca”.

Black and Paper viewed the latest collection of head pieces in Milan during Fashion Week in Feburary 2018.

Image made with Canon G1X Camera

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Fashion

#thisberlinale18

Day 2 Highlights of the Berlinale

Images powered by Canon EOS 80D

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Fashion

My Tech Accessory

I used the Canon G1X for Pitti Uomo in Florence and Milan Fashion Week Men. I am not a professional photographer but the quality of pics I made with this camera were great. The look of the camera gave me an expert appearance.   It is light weight and powerful.

My full review on this product and other Canon Products I have used will come soon.

Categories
Feature Interview Travel

L’Homme Couture 2

Part 2 of the Black and Paper interview with photographer Brice Hardelin on his exhibition L’Homme Couture: A Photographic Odyssey. 

Brice and I had a good time talking about his work over a glass of white wine. His career is going forward in many directions. He had just completed a well received  male firemen calendar. He gave me a tour of his collection displayed on the wall of the hotel before continuing our interview.

How did the W Hotel in Paris become involved in this project?

My agent called to ask if I wanted to be a part of Paris Artist. It is an association of 150 artists in the city.   The Paris Artist asked if I wanted to exhibit at the hotel.  I organized a meeting. I liked the style of the W.  It is young, dynamic.  When the association asked the hotel who they wanted, the team chose me.  I know my pictures are provocative but the W Hotel was supportive of my work. There was no censorship.

What do you think of the artistic state of the world?

There are lots of things.  It is too Politically Correct.   It is more and more commercial and boring.  .  If you look at the big fashion magazines there are only places for big names and ads.  There is no space for new people. And for the big brands would stay away from images like these on the wall in front of you.  For them it is going too far. For me it is not far enough.

Is there a lack of freedom?

No! None! There is no freedom at all because they want the same pictures for their clients.  I have nothing against it because they have beautiful products but when you are a person with a different vision who likes to mix things like an African Mask with a Cartier Necklace no magazine  would publish it.

What do you think Instagram Photographers who are no considered professionals? 

I understand the platform but I have a problem with the business they are doing because they are making people think they are famous.   For me they are holiday, vacation pictures.  It is nothing! (Laughing)  It is reality television. On Instagram everyone wants to know what you are doing for lunch but no one really cares.  A person sitting on the toilet then the viewer goes to another image of another person sitting on the toilet! MEANINGLESS!   What is the purpose of having 50.000 followers and none of them can buy the product!   I use it of course like everyone else.

I am an old fashion photographer. I like prints Internet in a way is the death of photography.  I  No one wants real pictures.  They want one picture after another, quantity over quality.

What is your next project?

The exhibition runs until January. I have an exhibition in Belgium, then, I am looking for an editor for a book of my work.  I have editorials but I am thinking about a shoot in Africa.

L’Homme Couture is on display at the W Hotel  Paris until January 3rd 2018.