Audio Visualization

I've recently become interested in the concept and creation of audio visualization. When we listen to music, it can stir emotions or memories that translate into images. In its most basic form, this resembles Windows Media Player and its various moving images to accompany your music. The video below is much like that. Points of inflection are shown by brigter lights or a larger image, while softer moments have softer images.

However, I think the concept can be expanded upon to produce something that resembles a hybrid of what's below and a more traditional music video.

Taxi to the Dark Side

Of my Oscar predictions, I missed only two. Among a host of great movies and actors, the category for best supporting actress was destitute; so I won't spend too much time grieving that miss. However, I am deeply interested in documentaries. No End in Sight was a wonderful look at the Iraq war and examination of America's easily avoidable and drastically deleterious mistakes therein. Despite this, it was not the winner of Best Documentary. The winner was Taxi to the Dark Side. Therefore, Taxi is on my agenda for the weekend and hopefully a brief review on EO is as well.

Oscar Predictions

I promised to get a few of my picks up for tonight's Oscars, so here they are. One note: I have not seen There Will be Blood yet...

Actor in Leading Role: Daniel Day-Lewis

Actor is Supporting Role: Javier Bardem*

Actress in Leading Role: Marion Cotillard

Actress in Supporting Role: Cate Blanchett

Animated Film: Ratatouille

Documentary Feature: No End in Sight*

Music: Atonement

Best Picture: No Country for Old Men*

I think my favorite film of the year was Bella. The film is not nominated for any awards.

* Denotes a personal favorite.

There Will Be Blood

I'm hoping to see There Will Be Blood this weekend. It is the only nominee for Best Picture of the Year that I have not seen. Before the Oscars, I will list my favorites for a few of the categories and try to rank the best picture nominees.

No Country for Old Men

There has been a lot written about this movie over the past few weeks and I don't feel the need to elaborate much. However, here are a few thoughts and the trailer for your viewing pleasure:

While not something I would recommend to my grandmother, I enjoyed the movie. Being from Texas, I have grown accustomed to seeing the state portrayed in greatly exaggerated forms. No Country for Old Men depicts west Texas and its people fairly accurately. The studied landscape and restrained characters were appreciated.

The movie has several themes, however most obvious to me was the dispiriting effect evil has on our lives. While it kills some and merely depresses others, it affects everyone. There is no fighting it and despite your efforts to defeat it, evil lives on.

Evil is personified in Anton, a hired killer who has no regard for pity or humanity. His job is clearly defined and his determination is limitless. The theme is consistent in his character, showing evil cares nothing for your ideals and has the ability to engulf and ultimately consume your life.

Terror's Advocate

On my list of things to see, Terror's Advocate is very high. From the trailer it appears to be a chilling story about the nexus of terrorism, moral judgement and the rule of law. My personal belief is that everyone is entitled to a fair trial in front of an unbiased court. One injustice not perpetuating another. However, I feel this documentary will question humane treatment for some of the world's most inhuman actions.

Bella

This past weekend I saw Bella. Not wanting to spoil the movie for my legions of readers :), I'll share my thoughts without revealing too many details.

Bella was a refreshing movie experience in many respects. First, the story and the sequence in which it develops were enough to keep viewers engaged. Many movies I have seen recently rely on cinematography or force of personality to bring viewers in. Bella simply has a beautiful story and is revealed with perfect tempo (until the end that is). Second, the main character, Jose, is a sharp contrast from what society has come to expect of people like him. Once a rising professional soccer player, a tragic event alters everything about him. His sudden humility and good-heartedness transform his life and remind the viewer of a love for others rarely seen. Finally, I appreciated the subtlety throughout. The movie is never quite a love story and never quite an argument, no matter how natural the progression would be. Rather, the characters treat other with respect and understanding. The events taking place and emotions therein are heavy and raw, yet gently navigated. Bella leaves viewers reassured of a love that transcends personal gratification, a love simply of life.