Marketing Fail as Valhalla Rising Sinks Tragically in the Mud

The following represents my personal opinion ONLY.

Today I saw a new piece of marketing for Nicholas Winding Refn's Valhalla Rising, a film made in Scotland, based out of Film City Glasgow, starring Mads Mikkelsen as a mute warrior. Screened at several major film festivals, and due on DVD in the UK shortly (US release of some sort is pending) this film has been both decried and acclaimed for the lack of dialogue, striking visuals imagry, pacing and music but most consistently for the violence contained in the movie. Those familiar with Mr. Refn know full well that his films are often quite violent and so this is nothing new. However today I saw something that was such a huge and utter letdown, I was appalled.

When I imagine a trailer or a piece of marketing being put together I think perhaps there is a team of well educated intelligent artistic creative folks who might sit around and create a way to best tease, entice, appeal, fascinate capture my fancy, make it well worth the time and expense for me to put down my hard earned money and go to the theatre and see a particular piece of film. Today what I saw was just the opposite. For what I saw was NOT the best of Scottish film, NOT the best of range talent creative work, NOT a fair and full representation of the hours days weeks months and years gone into creating this film. Not a piece that makes me want to go see a film.

Instead I saw a tragically repulsive piece of crap that I felt was insulting to me, as a fan as a reader as a longtime supporter of this film. I felt it was insulting to the filmmakers and crew and cast to the point I had to wonder WHAT was the point of this? Instead of trying to counter negative press, capture and build an audience other than just angry young adult males, I was subjected to a whole host of gore excessive violence murder movie 'plot' spoilers all set most dreadfully to ballet music in a lame tacky manner usually reserved for car commercials or cleaning products in an attempt to..to...what? Provoke? Repulse? Get all the violence out of the way? Was there some subtle message of oho you are SUPPOSED to be revolted by the violence, that is why we showed multiple closes ups of blood splattering, beheading strangling, rape, head splatting open gore (and lets not forget to show close ups of Mads gleefully disemboweling a victim) Yes, that will do the trick!

No, no it doesn't. Do I appreciate that there are many trailers and films out there that contain graphic violence? Why yes, yes I do, I've seen Mr. Refn's work before too thanks. Do I not appreciate all the talent time and effort by the crew going into make the violence look 'real?' Yes yes I do. Will I hear retorts of oh boo hoo poor babies sensitivities were offended. Yes probably.Will they chortle and think but oho we succeeded by getting your attention. Oh yes you did, in the most negative way possible.

That piece of rubbish didn't offend my natural revulsion to so much graphic violence all at once, I think it should offend the film makers and cast and crew for is this IT? Is this what Mads, Mr. Refn, Jamie Sives, Gary Lewis, Ms. Smyth, entire cast and crew want me to think going in and walking out of the film-that it's nothing more than an advertisement for a Scottish Saw film? Do filmmakers seriously want me to disregard all the previous interviews I've faithfully posted because clearly I have been a fool and finally get the point and now think what they really want fans to know is- oh fuck the plot let's just make a film and highlight nothing but the gore, because that's all that sells these days right? Screw art and ground breaking thought provoking film making and clever cinematography -who needs that!!!-just feature the prosthetic decapitated head! woohooo! Forget trying to capture any sense of frustration isolation horror the 'vikings' or whoever felt going into a new land, lets just show that we can splatter blood on a screen stylishly and often! woohoo go team go.
No. go away. If you are trying to reach an audience you failed today, you sank as low as Jamie's character floundering there in the mud which was sad and tragic. IMO It's well beneath Mads, beneath all of them and you let them down. You let me down. Today I learned that Valhalla Rising just sank and I find that quite sad. You just lost me too.

I tried to find some appropriate quote or passage from a novel or script that can better express my all my emotion, gratitude and sincere appreciation over the kind words of comfort expressed to me in the post below, but... I can't.
So please just let me simply say THANK YOU SO MUCH

and to Colin and the wonderful people at Sigma, words defy but I think you know...thank you.

sorry for the absence

I wish to apologise for my absence and delay on posting of things these past few weeks because...this week, my mom died.

there. Ive written it. cold words on a blank page for a cold fact that she lost her battle against ALS which is cold crappy horrible disease, but then again so are most terminal diseases...yes the brain tells me these facts, the heart is having a hard time accepting them as reality. While with the hours of driving back and forth, being caregiver, being rather on autopilot and away from much of what I love my friends and watching in some sort of abstract life parade before me, the last few months have been...really hard, at times horrible ...but I can only imagine what it was like for her....unable to move to speech to feel to express in the old manner we all take for granted- worse lovely generous wonderful person she was, mom was far more worried about my dad my brother and I than herself and it breaks my heart, just breaks it breaks it breaks it. I dont know what to say now.

I do know I've missed loads of things of late, such as the baftas (disappointed that NTK didnt win) or the official release of Spread on dvd or Dougrays new film with RJ or new pics from eagle or lunas awesome meeting with Colin Farrell at Seville or the Clash of titans teaser trailer (someone PLEASE find pic of my beloved Jamie Sives in this movie I've been searching for months and ugggh nothing gah) and most especially I feel Ive not been keeping up with Sigma-for this I very much regret and hope to back writing about very soon.
Sorry again
Sue

Jamie Sives Sings to My Heart with his New CD and The Cone Gatherers!

You ever have one of those moments, rare unexpected joyful stunning moments where you think that its amazing and wonderful and simultaneously you think no someones having a go at you or its all a sort of mirage and it will slip away really fast if you dont cling to it, hide it, not say anything...such was the case the other day when I went to the mailbox, and there waiting was a tiny square package....from the UK...

It was one of those small tiny but GREAT things, a wee gesture, nothing but a thing to some perhaps, huge in meaning and enjoyment to others.

It was. a CD. of music.

FROM JAMIE SIVES.

HIS FIRST CD omg. YES. really Jamie's music. His voice, his guitar, his band.
IN MY HAND,NOW ON MY IPOD, AND FOREVER IN MY HEART.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE GIFT!!! I AM SO SO SO FREAKIN LUCKY, I can scarce believe it. THANK YOU SO MUCH JAMIE!!!!
I LOVE YOU
I LOVE THIS MUSIC!

Its with his band, The Cone Gatherers. Acoustic guitar, vocals GORGEOUS, haunting soul baring, heartbreaking, gorgeous rhythms, well produced, beautifully sung, beautifully written by Jamie, played Jamie, John Mercer and Richard F.

I don't want to give too much away or I dont think I should (hoping for a myspace soon please!!!!), but there are ten songs, two of which are labeled demos and frankly they are my two FAVORITES! although two others are too beautiful that Ive listened too several times. PLUS on one, JAMIE SINGS IN FRENCH *swoons swoon swoon so unfair to a fan girl dang it J! ;p* I am unfamiliar with the book the Cone gatherers, and am uncertain given the rope symbol on the front if it has to do with the book, but the music is all very personal and all songs were written by Jamie. (random: The artwork, black with the gold lettering, and gold rope designed by J, and done by Ross Hammond who seems to be his friend behind the chossy youtube channel, so THANK YOU ROSS!) This is most definitely NOT mainstream pop hop you will hear on the radio, it's music and reflections of an intimate nature, of the heart, perhaps his broken heart over a past relationship, but at same time hopeful, with may layers and lovely sounds. Jamie sings, plays the acoustic and electric guitar, with others bringing in light and added depth (not every song) with some bass guitar and keyboards. I dunno if I should write more about each song or list the names etc (ok title of CD is "She Who Shall Remain Nameless"), but its varied yet very much an acoustic CD like you listen to with a glass of wine at night. Its not all quiet stuff though if that makes any sense (one seems very moulin rouge) one frankly scared the hell out of me and haven't listened to it since eep!, one definite reflects Celtic influence and sings of Scotland, and one well I defy you to listen to it and not feel your heart ache over the loss of a parent.

Its odd really, but I actually thought this was a very very brave and beautiful thing he did. Sure hes an actor, an old hand at putting it all out there, but this, well this seemed like it was HIM, not a role, not someone elses words in another script, not someone else's vision of who he is to be for the moment, but Jamie Sives: his heart his mind, his voice his gift. As someone who once wanted to sing, and learned hard painful humilating lessons that I have zero ability in this area, I get that it takes a lot to put yourself out there, and I am forever grateful we are getting the chance to see more of his talent and that Jamie is willing to put it out there with his music too. Hopefully everyone will hear this music soon, but in the meantime Im keeping this close to my heart. THANK YOU AGAIN JAMIE SO SO SO MUCH, I will cherish this forever. Lots of LOVE LOVE LOVE xoxoxox
Sue

Happy Birthday, David Mackenzie

Sunny sweet thoughts as Happy Birthday wishes are the order of the day for Sigma co-founder and director great David Mackenzie. Cheers to you David!

Also thinking of fellow mums today as we are celebrating Mother's Day here in the US.
xxx

Do You Follow Facebook Etiquette?

I interrupt my own blog for some useless Snark ;0 A friend just sent me this sorta amusing video about Facebook manners and dread dating/flirting/revenge gone amuck. Maybe not so funny to some, but as admitted Facebook junkie this cracked me up. Good if you are bored I guess.

I am a Crazy Deranged Fool...of sorts

This video makes me ridiculously happy: Hugh Macleod of GapingVoid, cartoonist, blogger, maverick man on a mission.




This is how I feel most days doing this blog: one with big dreams, caring hoping wishing supporting cheering lamenting delighting and plugging away on things most people really dont pay much mind too alas, a wee fangirl in the giant vast desert of the (Scottish or more accurately, Northern US) hills lol. Here I am writing about a company that deserves so so much more attention than anything this wee blog could bring it.
Hugh is awesome. He has a mail list now about being a crazy deranged fool for "somebody who has the temerity to aspire to work in a way that produces both joy, meaning and contribution for both them and others, while also paying the bills." I dont make one red cent off this blog, but I enjoy doing this (despite occ rants) and hope once in a while someone else finds a bit of joy in learning more about this great company and various related movies/people I adore. Most people think Im crazy for doing this I know, but here I remain. Hugh has a book coming out in June I am going to get, called "Ignore Everybody: and 39 other keys to creativity." Sound advice I think, cant wait to get it. I wrote Hugh once to thank him, because while he doesn't know it, he often serves as a source of continued inspiration and reassurance to continue being a crazy deranged fool when I waiver and think OK enough. Hes hilarious, smart, provocative, always gets me thinking, plus once in a while he makes me laugh and smile at his big heart because I totally understand one thing: Passion is everything and without it, you go no where. Go Hugh Go!

Sexy Sives, Slums, and a bit of Wondering on OutCast

*warning this post contains my personal thoughts and no actual news per se, so please skip if looking for something entirely just news*

So, this month is my birthday, and it's a rather milestone type of moment, thus I thought I'd indulge my inner shallow fangirl side and devote a series of posts to teh sheer sexiness of Jamie Sives (utterly crass, shameful yes yes yes, but there you go) The first up was to be about an appearance Jamie made in a series called "Silent Witness." To be quite candid, I had never heard of this show until I saw one poster over on the abyss that is imdb these dates, was carrying on about too Jamie having too many tattoos (but complimentary of his bum, which is you know, very lovely indeed as is all of him) Anway, decided to look this show up, and the results surprised me, and actually tie into another thing which is on my mind-the settings for OutCast, which will star the superb Kate Dickie.

Now what the hell do these have in common? Well tis a bit of meandering thing but if you want to follow, here goes.

The episode Jamie was in, featured the truly growing problem of gang war fare, murder of children by frankly, other children. Jamie plays the love interest of one of the leads on the regular show, as he is a paramedic sent to the scene of several of these murders. The shallow part, is that in videos I found on the great fan hope in the sky, YouTube, you can indeed see Jamie in several very hot scenes, including nude loveliness and zomg another tattoo I didn't know he had- all well and fine for a stupid fangirl like me right ?

Well, the the more mature and news person in me came to my senses and starting thinking about the nature of the ghettos I suppose and the slums and poverty stricken areas I see in so many UK films of late ...well not all of course, there are the glam period pieces, and one huge glorious exception of David Mackenzie's Hallam Foe, but still. Slumdog Millionaire was wonderful, truly, but I have to wonder, would it have been such a success if the characters had been from slums or heh here's an idea, middle class towns of say Russia, or Madrid, Spain, or Brazil or Birmingham England, or Glasgow, or Detroit, or even Iowa where folks are also struggling?(yes OF COURSE I full well understand the despair in areas of India and I am in no way disparaging them!)

Then, I started thinking again 'bout the upcoming OutCast film and the news from the Sunday Herald that they would be first be filming in Ireland (while Im ALL FOR PROMOTING IRELAND and the great film making that is going on there yes yes yes, what about the lesser known parts of Scotland? or is this an Irish crew/backed film?) If so, then why are they using Edinburgh, why not parts of the Highlands, or Abderdeen or Inverness or places not normally used?- I AM OVER THINKING THIS i know lol. Right so then I started pondering on the line about them then filming in 'unglamourous' places such as Niddrie, Muirhouse and Sighthill (described here on youtube as Slums). Now the whole point of shooting there I suppose was as the Herald describes the plot as the characters "hope to find anonymity and security."

Really? In a slum or rundown part? Personally, I think anonymity can be equally displayed in these areas, as well as middle class burbs such where I live, or even higher end areas like even in the locales used for New Town Killers.

Maybe it's me and my daft and wacko background, because in New Orleans very near where batty Anne Rice lurked around with her vampires lol, and I absolutely do know those who swear to you this is the real deal and some just ignore it, most just go with the flow but there are always those few who think, hmm yes! Now you can laugh at this nonsense, but locations in films are a big thing to me, and I wonder what might happen if they took Kate's character and filmed her in a 'normal' area of Edinburgh-aren't there folks there who might be 'believers' in the sidhe at all levels and walks of life? What thinking and reasoning do filmmakers go thru when choosing that sort of thing- will it enhance the 'thriller' or 'supernatural' aspect to the film if its in a poverty stricken area? If you've ever seen the absolutely brilliant Kevin Spacey in a film version of one of my favorite books ever-Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you will know that supernatural can be found everywhere, even in posh lovely old burbs of Savannah, lol. But that is neither here nor there as I am certain COST is HUGE consideration, and I know the set designers and location scouts have input into this- man I guess I need to take some classes or pursue this location thing more!Plus Outcast looks really interesting and I can't wait to hear more about it in the coming days and see teh film one day!

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a complaint saying I dont want to know about these areas and the lives many people are leading, because I most certainly do as its part of my every day job in news and has been for over 20 years. Most certainly there are many stories such as the one depicted in the program that need to be brought to light and reforms help made issued. Rather I'm just on about the the stereotypes and commonality, and longing for unconventional settings of perhaps common stories told in different manners and that includes using different locales.



Sorry for the long boring post, but hope at least Ollie got to see some of the Jamie goodness lol :) PS: caution of teh alkjflafjaph hotness here in part 2 (in between the sobering and sad tale and depressing storyline,) seriously so weird but wowza for J fans, plus OMG SOOO ROMANTIC with him rowing-ah if only that were me one day! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HELGE!

Here is some great news to start the year off right, I think with celebration for a good friend and a true fan and devoted fellow fan of Sigma's as well. Today, I want to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HELGE!!!!


Helge is prob Sigmas longest and most devoted commentator on the original blogs and now the latest versions as well. A film fan and a film maker in her own right, Helge has been a great source of laughter, insight, great discussions-yes truly even tho others resent her at times for not being shy to offer a perspective and opinion that doesnt jibe with their own, honest, loyal, caring, a calming perspective when stress is too much, inspiration to go on when it would be easy to say f it all, and a fierce believer in the power of film and independent films and their makers.

So cheers to you dear friend, here's hoping you find great joy in your work, with your family and friends, and that life brings you much happiness and success in the year and years ahead! Happy Birthday :)))

Just a Click Away

*warning, no news in this post, just long blathering reflection on technology and blogging and films*

A friend (or I hope someone who considers me a friend!) remarked privately to me the other day that this blog must take up my whole life.

I actually had to stop and think about that for a few minutes, and its true I do put effort in here once in a while, but not as much as you may think because working on the internet IS my world, and to me this is the fun part of being on the net. Oh yes I have much outside going on, example my son who remains the most important thing in my life, and lol I still manage to go out and do things off the net too, but in terms of my everyday routine, technology and working on the internet plays a huge role. Surely it's a far cry from when I first started out- I even worked at an entry level TV station that was using FILM for news pieces, seems eons ago- but now its all about technology.

If you are reading this blog, it's thanks to technology. As is the case for so many of us, technology has allowed me to go places, meet people, learn new things each and every day, expand my career, and yes has allowed me to make a living. Through a series of happenstance and random occurrence, I've been able to support myself through various jobs on the net, both in news and for fun (not this of course, but other things I'm involved with.) Yes I still get out and talk to real 'live' people, but in the same fashion, I've met some of the best people ever because of the net. People from different walks of life, backgrounds, countries, people who most probably would not have given me the time of day if I had passed them on the street in 'real' life. I can literally go places all around the world, transmit news and information and random funny light stuff too to people because of technology. Heck Hugh selling wine and getting the word out about South African wine to all his readers who now gather in real life have formed real and lasting friendships and careers is all proof alone of that. Same holds for Sigma Films-if David and Colin and the crew had not had taken the initiative to put a blog out there, the script, held those blogger screenings would half of the interest in Hallam Foe even been there? Its because of technology I found HF, and its because of it I stay.

There was a report recently released about how technology is bringing in considerable income and jobs to Scotland, including Glasgow. The Evening Times reports that "SCOTLAND'S digital entertainment sector employs around 100,000 people and generates annual sales of £5billion.The industry - which ranges from television production to computer games - now accounts for 4% of Scotland's economic output, claims a new study."

The article continues:

Alistair Balfour, chairman of 2in10 said: "Digital entertainment is the fastest-moving area of global technology right now. He added that resources should be focused on proven areas of expertise - developing excellent games, and the creation of film or video content that works across a range of platforms.Scotland has Europe's third largest games industry, with internationally known names such as Rockstar North -producers of the highly successful Grand Theft Auto game - Real Time Worlds, and Dynamo Games.

Mr Balfour added: " Above all, we need to think big."

Scottish Enterprise, which backed the research, underlined its flagship support project for broadcast and film in the shape of the Digital Media Quarter at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow. Already home to the BBC, STV and studios Film City Glasgow, it will develop into one of the UK's key locations for the industry.

I understand there is some resistance to the development of such a hub (other plans afoot for this area seen here and here), but these "Digital Media" centers are nothing new, and can only be a good thing for Scotland or any country that tries to embrace this philosophy and engage in this type of economy and revenue generating approach. Some also decry this, claiming art is being replaced by things synthetic, that we've become a sterile remote world. I actually find the opposite to be true.

Some might say, well Sweetie, the US has the best of most things in the world so its been easier for you to do so-and thats a fair statement I think. I have access to everything, can buy whatever I want and the ability to take advantage of the technology is certainly readily available. Tis true enough as well I have loads of technology at my disposal: a mac and a pc , three pda phones, two ipods, digital cameras, wireless net 24/7 in house and car in coffee shops and stores and malls. My house now has a high def tvs which is a glorious thing to watch a film on HD I gotta say, and well I choose to embrace all those fun technology things (the folks at Best Buy love me lol.) My son has been taught computers at school since he was in kindergarten and most of the people I work with now have far more technological skill than me-its quite the pressure to keep up, and I have to do so every day or Im screwed and will be out the job-its just like the old days working at an office, only now its via technology. While there pressures, Ive gotten to do and go many places- Ive been extraordinarily lucky enough to go to high profile movie premieres and events and interviewed celebs and powerful heads of state equally because of the internet. So for me, choosing to work on the internet has been a positive thing. It is also how I learn and enjoy much of my 'free' or 'artistic' world too.

I love the world I discovered because of Sigma. I enjoy reading and writing about things unknown to me, about performers who bring me joy, about film makers who I believe make a difference and while I probably never will meet a single one of who or what I write about, I enjoy this. If it makes me pathetic that I choose to talk about it and perhaps spread the word to someone who stumbles over this, then so be it. I love movies and I think its a cool thing to be able to blog about them as opposed to just sit solely in a coffee shop or print an article and hope that someday someone will hear of. Results can be immediate and it can be fun and wonderful and well I dunno what else to say on this.

That does not mean that industry as we know it, that film and art in the old sense dead! but is just taking on another way of sharing it with the world around us. I will always seek the independent films and news sources and authors and musicians along with the mainstream-there is room enough for all of us, and room to make a living at this as well. I truly hope that Sigma Films and facilities such as Film City Glasgow continue to embrace this technology, so others can experience the great and positive things I have because of technology and wish them all the best with their endeavours.

A Little Less Brighter

Today there is word the great British director Anthony Minghella has died. I know this has nothing to do specifically with Sigma films, but the passing of this very fine director has made me sad; sad for his family and friends and colleagues, sad because the world of art and cinema and storytelling is a little less bright today.

An Oscar winner for the lovely "The English Patient," Anthony Minghella made some simply wonderful films in his career, and although I never met this man, his film Truly Madly Deeply speaks to my heart and is one of my favorites, as is Cold Mountain. There was much ado over his decision to cast two non American actors in the title roles, but I thought Jude Law gave the best performance of his career in "Cold Mountain," and frankly as a person who knows the south, Renee Zellweger was spot on as Ruby. It would be odd to describe a film character as someone you know but there are parts of Ruby that are me and I marveled at her performance. Anyway, with a resume of many wonderful movies, several of Mr. Minghella's films are my most favorite of all time, and I saddened by the news that his light wont be cast with new films any more.

I am more sad however that a good man has passed. I say a good man because he touched the lives of so many, not just through his films, but in charity works and also in the life of a dear friend of mine. She was going through her second time battling breast cancer and had been online in a chat room etc and was able to strike up a correspondence with Anthony Minghella. He went out of way time and time again, this Oscar winning, famous wealthy successful man, to speak and write several times with my friend and it made a world of difference to her-not just through the chemo but later as a friend. He also later invited her daughter to his house when she was in London studying which was quite the event, and anyway it was the most minor of things that made such a huge difference to others. I found it so impressive because as my friend was later to share portions with me, he was treating her as a PERSON and not just a "movie goer" "reader" or a"fan." He remembered that she was a human being, that there are real live people behind the words and mails and treated her with such dignity, humor, and kindness. It is this quality, that no matter how successful or famous, you remember you are a human too and we are all in the same boat, well it's a quality that I find most admirable. While I've written David M several times, he actually took the time out once to mail back a couple years ago now and I was so excited, I printed it out and framed it lol. That feeling of gratitude and appreciation still holds true without exception every single time when I hear from someone I admire and respect, say when people like Colin or any one involved in any other production or situation takes time out to answer and connect and listen. Today just served as a reminder to me of how important seemingly little things like this can be.

In a world where I hear sad and tragic news every single day, I was genuinely saddened to learn of this news and my condolences and prayers go to his family friends and colleagues and others whose life he touched.

Happy

On this day where traditionally people send you wishes and thoughts are in a positive celebratory manner, I figured I'd make a post about things that make me happy. It contains absolutely zero insightful, worthwhile reflections or anything remotely meaningful, other than these things quite simply make me happy :)

yep-Hallam Foe for the win!


Jamie Bell rules. 'nuff said










David Mackenzie is THE MAN! WOOT goo David (yea open fangirl moment but what the heck)

Jamie Sives and Shirley Henderson.
Two of my favorite actors from one of my fave films; so talented, so wonderful, so spot on in every movie they make!


Jamie Sives is awesome!






This photo reflects a joy that most people i think wish they had at work.They looked so happy, it made me happy to see this, I just wanted to hug them (and then watch as they ran as far away from me as possible lol). Seriously though, three people I admire and respect; hope I get to meet them someday!It would be my genuine honor.

Get Your People: The blog that gave me refuge, honest insight and learning and frankly a bit of joy when the walls were caving in and all I wanted to do was go fling myself off a bridge- makes me one of those weirdos David talks about but there you go. Thank you Colin Kennedy who is wonderful and David and everyone at Sigma for letting me and all your readers share in what you do, its been such a joy! Happiness :)

Bonus: Snow Patrol who make me Happy too :)