Ridley Scott's Original "BLADE RUNNER"

Elegant within it’s cyber punk, dystopian madness “Blade Runner” stands momentously as a cinematic mild stone, a classic that continues to delight, bewilder, beguile and intrigue. You’re right; I am a fan. Former art director Ridley Scott set out to create something marvelous. He achieved just that as he eclipsed his himself and his magnificent crew’s original daring visions. Together they discovered (created) that rare wonder; a masterpiece of cinema and in that including of all of art and creativity.

The film as a whole is purely a visual splendor. Every performance to note from Harrison Ford to Sean Young to Rutger Hauer to Edward James Olmos to Daryl Hannah and M. Emmet Walsh is pitch perfect, nuanced and individually unique. The score is rich, enchanting, futuristic and reflective of an earlier form; the film noir. This atmospheric, dark, foggy acid rain refracting look is hypnotic and equally contributing to the film’s narrative. Former Police Officer/Blade Runner Rick Deckard must hunt down and “retire a group of super sophisticated, self-aware renegade androids (Replicants) and “retire” them.

The inspiration and basis of the film is the Phillip K. Dick Sci-Fi novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” It is a well-executed and provocative work that bears almost no resemblance to Scott’s film. I am guessing that it was Scott’s intention to do so.   

The film was not originally a huge hit. It was far too radical, distinctive and for all general purposes dark for that. How many times does the general public adapt and gravitate to the new and daring? It is an even rarer thing and in many ways a compliment to go unnoticed and unheralded at first encounter. I saw it at least four times in 1982 the summer of it’s release. Imagine too; that the lead, Harrison Ford was not a star in his own right at the time. He had appeared in “Star Wars” in 1977 a few years before but it was “Blade Runner” that established his remarkable and unique super stardom along with years of long and continuing acting successes.  

The iconic Poster (Left) features Deckard and Rachel above the aerial view of the fabled acid rain drenched city of the then future (2019) Los Angelos. Original versions of the poster retail for as much as $2,000.

Much of the visuals and themes of “Blade Runner” are influenced by the look of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis.” It is a fitting homage of sorts to Lang’s film. It is also truly in the same vein of the H.G. Wells book “The Shape of Things to Come.” 

The film has gone through a number of rereleases and subsequent director’s cuts. It is the original 1982 release with the matter of fact and often nuanced voice over by Deckard (Harrison Ford) that was the most striking and entertaining incarnation that I most completely enjoyed. The eloquent and somewhat world weary voice added the right touch with the “film noir” over tones and feel of the production.

 As of date the seminal “Blade Runner” is without equal or legitimate successor. The film does create many questions in plot and purpose. One major question concerns who and what Deccard himself might actually be. The original cut of the movie alluded to in several instances and tone to the possibility of the Deckard character being himself a replicant. The final director’s cut of the film (2007) attempts to clear up the discrepancies. A dream sequence featuring a startled and running unicorn is held by Deckard in his sleep. The dream along with a strategically placed origami unicorn by the Gaff character late in the film serves as an explanation of sorts. The inference is that Gaff is privy to Deckard’s programmed and implanted dreams. This can be interpreted as a true explanation or the subject for more confusion; the debate continues.The mostly unsuccessful and lackluster sequel “Blade Runner 2049” attempts to expand, to enhance and explain other elements of the original film; the attempt was futile. In my imagination there was no need for a sequel or expansion and it falls far short of the original. Many, many films need no sequel and the attempt to extend their narratives are hackneyed, lackluster attempts at best but well the subjects for further debate. 

VIDEO

 Animation Depicting Events Between Original Film and "Blade Runner 2049"

Another superb outing for director Scott was the “1984” titled commercial for the Apple PC that aired during the 1984 Super bowl. The commercial is a response to the George Orwell novel. It is considered by many aficionados and experts to be one of the greatest commercials of stated history.  See it here as originally and nationally viewed in January of said year.  

Until and if ever eclipsed Scott remains the pre-eminent and unchallenged champion of the cyber punk, the fantastic world of film experimentation and it’s successful execution!

Her Favorite Thing Is Monsters!

By every standard Emil Ferris is a great artist. Her work is moving, provocative, masterful, entertaining, and just fantastically original and down-right good. Now; on to the Monsters. Like the majority of Emil’s fans it was her breakout graphic novel “My favorite Thing is Monsters” that first got my attention. The title alone was a grabber for me. I have personally always loved monsters too; yes, a true love. Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, the Phantom of The Opera; those familiar guys and many other classics dominates my bed room like those of, I imagine, a lot of kids from my generation. They were there as small plastic sculpture/models that I painstakingly assembled like a mad scientist. There were magazines and comic books too. Whenever “The Wolf Man,” “The Thing” or “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” aired I was in front of our television, regardless of time of day. I remember my beloved Grandmother saying; “You like all that weird stuff.” My response was: “Well, Yea…I do.”  It didn’t seem weird to me. In fact it made perfect sense. I associated them with religion, mythology, psychology and society as great works of literature and art. I’m sure Emil Ferris would agree. 

 

The Ferris debut work (MFTIM) is as mentioned before as masterful as it is beautiful and an inspiration. Her opening debut to the world stage is every bit as fantastic as her subject matter. She keeps it equally personal and intimate in turn. She explores her awakening sexuality, cultural norms and coming of age. It is a love letter to the discovery of truth and beauty through the study and observation of art.  She does all this while wrapping her narrative in a murder mystery. This is surly enough to satisfy the most demanding of audiences. She skillfully ties it all together while presenting it in great style that is most assuredly her own and uniquely so. 

Ferris chooses to execute her illustrations on compositional notebook paper which gives the work a personal touch. Every aspiring artist and young person begins drawing with lined paper I’m sure. This is a connection to her own past as well as the masses she is reaching with her efforts. What she is putting down is far indeed from any kiddie stuff. 

Ferris often faithfully recreates works of the great academics such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Winslow Homer. She does an incredible take on Henry Fuseceli’s “The Nightmare” that is truly to marvel.  Her work; rightfully so, has been feature in the most prominent art magazine of the day “Art Forum” a welcome validation and honoring of her achievements and uncanny abilities.

Think of “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters” when you think of “Maus,” “Persepolis,” “Sin City,” “The Arrival,” “God’s Man” or Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman.” It is comfortable among the best of the genre and like the other fore mentioned also rates among other works of “High Art.” Ferris fits nicely on the book shelf with Wells, Shelly, Bradbury and Hugo. 

                                                                                                                          

She presents herself with an elegance of presence and off beat flair; a character unto herself. I will not be surprised to see her cast one future day by Guillermo del Toro for one of his screen plays. What an asset she would be to any production. 

No problem, no fear.

The Historical Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

 January Twenty, Twenty Twenty-one; the healing has already begun. A new national tone already beginning.  It has been a great day for the republic; our democratic republic. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was sworn into office as the forty sixth president of the United States of America. The magnanimous event was marked by wonderful performances, readings and a bold display of the best of the hearts and minds of the nation’s most talented. The featured included Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks along with lesser known poet Amanda Gorman. Each were equally amazing and gracious in their contributions.  The inauguration was attended by and included members of both political parties. I send out a personal thank you to former Vice President Mike Pence for his participation and gestures of dignity and a true loyalty to honor, the national spirit and the greater good. 

President Biden’s speech was perfect in tone and content. His sincerity, commitment and dedication all evident throughout. Joe Biden believes in America and its people in a uniquely unselfish way. We will be all the better because of the manner and ways he has served until now in addition to what he will enact and contribute in the near and not so distant future. His tenure as Commander in Chief will prove to be transformative.

It was no easy road culminating in Biden’s and Harris’ arrival to the White House.  The campaign season in itself was alarming, chaotic and especially brutal. Multiple legal cases were subsequently attempted in efforts to overturn the election results.  The cases were as quickly extinguished and dismissed as they were brought to court rooms and before judges.  In a final effort lies and reckless incitement created and fed to the masses in an attempted coup d état lead to the storming of the US Capitol building   by violent armed thugs. Waving the flags of their racists and anti-Semitic heroes from past and now present insurrections with chants of death threats toward particular members of congress were among the worst travesties seen in our contemporary times. A troop contingency of over thirty thousand National Guard’s Men and Women, miles of razor wire and road blocks coupled with over Two  Hundred arrests were enough to dissuade the “Goon Squad’s” return today. 

Distrust, fear, hate, disdain for humanity and social justice have marred the nation for the last four years in unpresented ways. The new administration challenges thou many are already being addressed. Executive orders were signed even today. Biden’s team and we (the nation’s citizens) will prevail. America survives; the presidential torch has passed, the systems of laws prevail. With the power of the vote; we the citizens, the faithful, the believers in something good and decent share this victory. We seize and glory in this day. We are an army of workers and achievers. The night mare of the previous administration has ended. A brighter, better era begins. This time for celebration is ours!  

 

Christmas 2020

This after the most blistering year

of our collective memory

We come to the close of the calendar year.

We celebrate what good,

what benefit and blessings we found.

We cherish and cheer the possibility of a new and bright future.

Have the best; the absolute best Christmas that anyone has ever had!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Biden & Harris: A Victory for the Ages

 Joe Biden Has labored long and diligently for this nation; locally, in the senate, as Vice President and resulting in today’s vote count he has been elected President of the United States of America. This is no small feat. He and his running mate; Kamala Harris have prevailed against tremendous opposition and what some would call impossible odds. By the grace of God, Almighty the election was decided by the American citizens, America’s diverse populous.  

To paraphrase a lyric from a popular nineteen sixties radio song. “The dark days are done and the bright days are here.” The meaning being that Biden wants to reunify the country and work across the aisle with Republicans as one nation; “neither Red nor Blue; but as one.” The realities are Biden will not solve all of the nation’s problems; no administration can do the impossible. In light of this the Bidden administration will give all their heart and being to a glorious quest of righting many of the nation’s ills and paving a better future. Biden is in certain ways the embodiment of the legendary literary character Don Quixote. The spirit of that great novelized figure has been missing in our contemporary world order and dealings with all aspects of life. 

                                                                                        

The road to success has not been a straight or easy path. He has faced personal losses and hardships while he has yet to succumb to total defeat. In the words of his colleague and supporter Jim Clyburn; “Biden never learned to stay down; he always rises to the occasion.  His losses become opportunity for growth while always fighting the good fight.”

As a woman of color, mixed race and the daughter of immigrants’ Kamala Harris; in the minds of many, would never rise to the office of Vice President. She has defied the odds and made history. She will prove to be an excellent choice as she works with Joe Biden in the best interest of all citizens.

I write this blog on the day of the announcement of the Democratic candidate’s victory; following the counting of an enormous number of citizens turning out as early voters, on November third and equally many more voting by mail in ballots.  It has been cause for an abundantly protracted amount of time of counting of ballots. In spite of this there is the presence of peaceful gatherings in the streets and avenues of America. There is a new optimism and hope. There is also relief and tears of comfort and consolation.  The nation will be made whole. 

Biden and Harris have since spoken from Delaware to a large receptive crowd of well-wishers, supporters and the press. Their speeches were hopeful, powerful, and informative and stuck the right opening tone for what is to be the Biden era. Following Harris’s acceptance speech and introduction Biden burst onto the stage in a full trot/sprint showing the strength and vigor of a man energetic and excited about taking on the job of Commander and Chief of a Great Nation, the strongest in the world, the United States of America. Fire Works, music and reveling followed; again making for a sense of truth, beauty and optimism.    

Congratulations President-Elect Joe Biden; Congratulations Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We love you both! We look forward to the next four years. We wish you every success!   

When The White House Went Dark

 Sunday night May 31^st 2020 The White House goes dark. President Donald Trump hides in the bunker beneath the main floors strickened in personal terror. Police and protesters clash in the streets outside; around the surrounding grounds of the White House and throughout other parts of the nation’s capital. 

Metaphorically and philosophically the White House and nation went dark in a somewhat gradual and very real moral way when Mr. Trump was sworn into office January 1^st 2016. His presidential  lies, half-truths and fabrications began with Trump disputing the crowd size of his inauguration over President  Obama’s.  He declared war on the press calling  all reportage that painted him in a bad light or was contrary to his twisted narratives “Fake News.” He extended his ire to his own intelligence community and the FBI. He was out of the blocks with a vengeance and there was no “Honey Moon” for “Mr. Trump,”   

The current climate of unrest is tied to the death of African American Citizen; George Floyd at the bidding of four Minneapolis police officers, Trump’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic  and a greatly suffering economy. 

 At the present Trump continues to tout false cures, untested procedures and quackery as remedies for the corona virus and uses race bating and brutality as solutions to civil disobedience. In his own mind the crumbling economy and unemployment rates are fine so these things are not even addressed. If at all he wants to dangerously reopen all businesses and social activities. This in spite of warnings from his own medical advisors and scientific authorities. Members of his cabinet and appointees are filling the jails as much as they are implementing  policy. Many of the president’s men have been indicted and many convicted (at least six individuals) for criminal activities, a number of which they have admit to. The numbers include his personal lawyer’s paying of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels for various extra marital escapades with his boss. Most recently his advisor Steve Bannon was arrested for fraud and is currently out on bail as he awaits trial. 

                                                          Unrest @ The White House

Trump when not playing  golf remains busy. He is at this moment trying to suppress voting by shutting down the USPS with the aid of his crony Louis DeJoy; Post Master General who is also his ardent supporter and campaign donor.  DeJoy is removing mail sorting machines, mail boxes and cutting workers over-time hours across the country.  This due to Trump believing fewer voters equal fewer votes against him and will benefit his campaign in the end. The Trump  abuses of power, ignorance and attempts to form a sort of dictatorship  not unlike Putin’s Russia are very important to him. His intentions are to subvert the constitution while staying in power for as many years as possible.  He would love to destroy our system of a three branch system of government with clear separation of powers at the federal level. In this he is most dangerous; a true threat to democracy. 

  

Lastly and equally distressing is Trump’s allusions  to and possibly mentally delusional remarks on the fore mentioned idea of his staying in office after what he will surely call an unfair and rigged election. This is of course if and when he hopefully and prayerfully loses his bid for reelection.  The election happens in a period just over two month from now. Given that he might   attempt to stay in the White House beyond his term I am convinced that he will be evicted shortly after the swearing in of former Vice President and Senator Joe Biden. He will be removed (if not by his own free will) then by members of the Secret Service or if need be the United States’ Armed Forces (Rule of Law will prevail) as Biden takes over the reins of Commander in Chief after his swearing into office; the afternoon of January 1^st 2021.

The Trump Bomb

The Untimely Death and Aftermath of George Floyd

 How long does it take to kill a man? What method of murder is the most efficient? What is the price of a human life? The answer to these questions are wide and varied, almost unlimited. In the particular horrific case of George Floyd we have certain answers. 

The untimely death of Africa-American George Floyd came about four weeks ago on May 25th. He was sentenced, tried and executed by four White police officers. Three to physically commit the act and as with every daylight crime, one assigned to be lookout. This being done to prevent any by-standers from intervening. The motto; “To protect and to serve” took on a unique and unintended meaning that day. The officers protected their Minneapolis community from a handcuffed, physically restrained helpless man as they served their unanimous decision to terminate him. All following little deliberation and committed without passion, effort or struggle. They did exhibit a sense of coolness, emotional distance and callousness. Their hands in their pockets in a manner of normalcy and familiarity with the inflicting of death. Due to being captured on video this tragedy shortly became national and international news. The results of which are still growing and resonating. The world collectively heard a plea for mercy; one that we had heard before but somehow expected to not hear again: “I can’t breathe.” 

The time passage in the case of George Floyd’s death was approximately eight minutes. Eight minutes for the breath to leave his lungs, his heart’s beating to stop, his brain functions to cease and for the accused police officers to feel comfortable that this man was beyond any chance of recovery. 

 The method of murder was death by the collective weight of approximately seven hundred pounds placed stratigally on Floyd’s back and neck; again, as he lay helpless. The knee of one officer (Derek Chauvin) conveniently slid between the head and shoulders on Floyd’s vulnerable and weak human neck. This as Chauvin strategically increased pressure from time to time while ignoring Floyd’s begging to him and his other assailants; “please…I can’t breathe…” 

The price was a mere twenty, presumed counterfeit dollars. From the point of view of his murderers the equivalent of nothing; a valueless existence.

In the following days and weeks; the aftermath of Floyd’s death, the United States have seen many drastic and well documented events in response. Protests both peaceful and violent, marches from coast to coast and a new and deeper, inclusive meaning of “Black Lives Matter” has emerged. Spain, Syria, Australia and the UK are among the vast world nations to march and exhibit symbols of solidarity with Americans in this crisis. 

 There has been positive dialogue, genuine anguish along with public and police reaching out and coming together in unity. We have seen and heard both good and bad words and actions from law enforcement and politicians. Mural tributes to Floyd’s sacrificial death have sprung up; again nationally and internationally. NASCAR has removed the symbol of oppression and slavery; “The Battle Flag of the Confederacy” (“The Stars & Bars”) from all of their racing events. This as many iconic and offensive statues of racist historical figures are toppled and removed. There are even calls to defund and abolish the dated form of American policing.  

There are many signs of hope amid the chaos. We can learn from all that is happening in this current time of unease with COVID-19 also not showing many signs of deflating or going away. There is no doubt that these are unusual, uncharted stressful times. Yet times given the opportunity that can see political and spiritual lasting agents of change.

To date across the country and abroad the protests continue, the marches and the rallies continue. An abundance of good will offerings continue along with the deaths of innocent Black Men and Women; American Citizens, at the will and discretion of the Nation’s Police continuing as well.   

                                               

                 

COVID-19 The Corona Pandemic

The world is under siege. Massive lock-down, hoarding and largely fear is ruling in the many corners and epicenters of as many nations. It is ensnaring epic numbers of people in pain and suffering both physical and psychological. Without argument the coronavirus is infecting relentless numbers and is the most serious medical crisis we have faced in generations. Along with the infections; of course, come large numbers of deaths; the ultimate price/disaster. It is primarily sentencing the elderly communities but all ages can become and are the virus’ victims. People with chronic diseases along with the elderly are most at risk and the chief victims; those with heart disease, lung disease and MS are the types of related afflictions represented in the highest numbers of deaths; victims in this pandemic. It is a thing of a nature that the majority of the world’s citizens have not experienced or seen. Now; with all this said, “There is still hope and COVID-19 will not ultimately win.”

This systematic war is largely trench warfare and we are in said trenches.  Every one of us fights by keeping our distances (6 feet) whenever possible, covering our coughs and sneezes and avoiding crowds. Also; wash your hands and self-quarantine when necessary. We do what we can as the Pharmaceutical and scientific worlds search for treatments and a cure. The fact is that there is no magic bullet and time is a factor as much as it is of the essence. 

                                                                     

                  Stock Up But Don't Hoard!

Another way we fight for and to protect our families, friends and neighbors as well as ourselves is to listen to facts and follow experts. There are leaders who should better understand human nature and this epidemic but choose to speak from their “guts” and not their heads. Always listen to those in the “medical know” those who have dedicated their lives to treatment and disease prevention (the CDC.) Listen to reporters and leaders that respect and honor truth over fear and personal posturing. We can and will win in this current environment largely of the undiscovered and the unknown.

At the moment of the writing of this Blog I personally know of no one that has contracted the Coronavirus.  I know a very small number that are under limited lock-down because of exposure to possible infection. In that I am fortunate. I am looking/hoping/praying   for their exoneration from the disease. My area is not a large urban center and maps are showing that the less densely populated areas are not seeing large numbers of cases or even deaths by volume or either percentage. This is a blessing.   

Daft Punk May Have Always Had The Right Idea.

I urge everyone to send up a few extra prayers and make every personal effort humanly possible in preventing the spread of this horror in this; the time of COVID-19, The Coronavirus. We support all and I wish everyone good health and good fortune.

Mayan God Camazotz: The First Batman

There is a link between religion, faith and the fantastic; the heroic. Among my first bedtime stories both read and told to me were the mythologies of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.  These were no less equal to the biblical tales and exploits of Samson, David and Noah among others I was introduced to early on. Each in their own way amazing and all miraculous. Would Jesus be as effective had he not walked on water, cured and fed multitudes and eventually raised from the grave himself? Questions…                                 

 There are abundant similarities in ancient mythologies, texts and carvings and associations with our modern mass communications.  One deity and theme that seems to be timeless and multi-cultural is the man-bat or in our popular culture “Batman.” The Mayan’s worshiped what seemed the first bat demi-god in their own Camazotz.  He was half man, half bat, full of mystery and vengeance. He dates back culturally as far as 200 yrs. B. C. and he is still being researched today. The Mesoamericans viewed their bat deity as terrifying and like ever good bat lusting for blood. There were thousands of sacrifices made to him. He would; as to legend emerge from his bat cave nightly and was even connected to the creation of mankind. His visage, persona and legend were equally terrifying. His totems were used for protection and to ward off evils.  This principle element was again not unlike our own, much beloved and lauded Batman.

              

The Mayan Man-Bat creature aroused from his cave in a chronicled tale of a once vengeful murder of the Mayan hero Hunahpu. The blood lust associated with Camazotz was tremendous and legend says he killed his victim by decapitation. The similarities here are much closer to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Camazotz is linked to both nocturnal characters (Batman and Dracula.) This attests to the richness of the ancient culture’s imagination in multiplicitous forms including writings, stone and stories.

There is no shortage of interpretations; but the idea of the “Batman” abounds, especially for our southern Mesoamerican neighbors and ourselves.  In the end it is all about the idea. The myths live on across space and time, across cultures. They are as envisioned in and through “The Batman” whether intended or unintended and in their magnificence; eternal.

“I shall become a Bat!”

“…and thus is born this weird figure of the dark…this avenger of evil...The BATMAN”

 

                              

The art featured on this page range from the minds and hands of Bob Kane, Neal Adams and original Mayan drawings to the spectacular “Camazotz Armour”

 from the phenomenal designer Kimbal.