Welcome back to The Art Idiot!
“How do you review a film?” a fellow film friend asked me. To review, or to rate, a film can be as subjective as the artform itself; this is because there is tension, a clash, when you try to apply objective judgment measurements to a subjective matter.
One approach is to consider solely the technical standpoints. This methodology is comparable to what judges do on Dancing with the Stars or figure skating competitions. In the case of film, a few of the technical aspects for consideration would be the score, costume design, cinematography, hair and makeup, the performances, etc. If each category is given a numerical rating, an average score can be given, and this is how most websites advertise their reviews, with a numerical rating. What most publications do not provide (including this one), is a breakdown of the score’s individual components with a numerical rating. The product is showcased, but what about the process?
However, only considering the technical points disregards two important questions: What is the story being told? and How is it being told? These questions, depending on the critic’s (your own) preference, perhaps hold more weight; these questions are digging at the creativity, the heart of an artwork. Furthermore, these two questions are similar to some of the primary questions one poses during an art historical analysis; those being: ‘when was it made?’ ‘and what does it mean when it was made?’
As an artist has their own style, a critic has their own style, too. In a previous introductory brief from one of The Art Idiot’s very first issues, I stated that “As an amateur, developing critic, one of my values… is to remember the intention when the execution is poor.” This holds true for a critique or commentary on any form of art. Being able to identify a process, break it down, and explain it, is an important skill for the “collective” to gain a better understanding, or at least allow for there to be an acknowledgment, in hopes that there will be an appreciation. When it comes to art, “to each their own” is the most simple conclusion we can draw, but building structure and providing logic to your “own” is where true engagement begins.
Featured Films…
Available on HBOMax…
Set it Off - 4.5/5 stars
A ’90s drama focused on women pulling off a heist or two immediately caught my attention; the beautiful cast and genuine performances only made it better. Set it Off, while more emotionally motivated than most heist flicks, is still capable of keeping one interested in how it’ll unfold. With a comical reference to Coppoloa’s iconic, The Godfather, this movie was easily one of the best home-viewings I’ve had thus far in 2023.
Available on Netflix…
Easy A - 4/5 stars
This is the first PG-13 movie I saw in theatres without adults, so there’s a nostalgic bias here. I still laugh just as much, if not more. A core memory, which also made my high school assigned reading, The Scarlet Letter, a bit better. Presently, Stanley Tucci’s performance stands out to me, yet it did not leave nearly as significant of an impression during my first viewing as his performance in The Lovely Bones, which is perhaps another film I could’ve waited for a few more years to watch. Without her performance in Easy A, I feel strongly that Emma Stone may have never reached her multi-award-winning status for her performance in La La Land.
Available on Hulu…
Portrait of a Lady on Fire - 5/5 stars
To capture and portray a love on fire – literally – is one of the most beautiful things that art, and film, can offer. To be able to produce a visual of such a poetic emotion is a tall order. Such perfection, in film, can only come from chemistry-driven collaboration. Director, Céline Sciamma, and lead actresses, Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant, have perfected this craft in Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Beautiful, both cinematically and narratively.
Rye Lane - viewing in progress
My first blind feature – I have yet to watch this, but it became available on Hulu briefly before this issue hit inboxes. Should you watch, circle back to let me know what you think; I’ll update the issue once it’s officially in my film diary.
Some Sound to Go…
Available on Disney+...
Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)
Slyly sneaking in another film, however, this one can be argued to also serve under “some sound to go,” as it can be described as an extended music video with behind-the-scenes features. Miley Cyrus, an artist who has grown up in the public eye, continues to craft her unique corner of music with her latest album, Endless Summer Vacation. She also makes her return to where it all started, Disney Channel, to show off her raspy, raw vocals, as well as give insight into some of the album’s sounds, meanings, and development. Again, something special and beneficial comes from hearing about one’s intention.
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My friend Frankie Master has released her the leading single to her upcoming album. Here is the link to stream via Spotify, followed by a few words about her inspiration for this song:
Real Life Recommendations…
April, in Chicago, is showered with all things art. Last year, the inception of this newsletter was a product of my attendance at EXPO Chicago; my creative brain was reinvigorated with the desire to contribute to such a beautiful, rich community. Unlike other major art events, some of which can feel exclusive (dare I say cheugy), there is an authenticity to EXPO that made the leap back into the arts as easy as a sweet Sunday stroll.
In addition to the upcoming EXPO event, there are a copious amount of artistically focused events around the city. Gertie is a local Chicago, platform and resource for curating and connecting others to various creative events. The interactive map, consisting of both suggested and curated events, is not bounded to certain neighborhoods, and alike EXPO, Gertie is rooted in the authenticity of Chicago creatives. Alike The Art Idiot, it’s to encourage and invite everyone, regardless of background, to be a part of, show care for, and contribute to the arts. Check it out.
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According to my sources (a friend’s instagram story), Hole in the Wall, an Oak Park staple, is open for the season. Hole in the Wall? A frozen custard shoppe? How is this relevant to art? Have you not heard of the culinary arts? Nostalgic bias may be lingering again. During T-Ball, if someone was selected as Player of the Game, they received a slip for one free ice cream at Hole in the Wall. And while there were enough games for everyone to eventually win one, that doesn’t decrease the value of the prize, particularly when the prize is delicious custard, which is better than ice cream. Support small business and enjoy a cone, located at 901 and ½ South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL.
A special thank you to Sydni Rose for letting me use her photography in the thesis version of The Art Idiot; the cover photo that appears on the Substack app and social media for this issue is hers.
Disclaimer: the following is not an April Fool’s joke. It is bittersweet to say that this is the final issue of Volume I of The Art Idiot! Thank you so much to those who have read, shared, collaborated, and shown care to this small publication as it has waxed and waned for almost a year. Like a true season finale, this issue presented the widest variety of plot possibilities with the curated selection of critiques and recommendations, but what’s a season finale without glimpses into what’s to come and keeping its audience on their toes?
Cheers to Vol. 1!! 🥂
Recommendation: The Atlantic has an 8 part podcast series called “Holy Week” examining the week after MLK was murdered. Interesting pov!