Learning more about the people who inspire me and hearing their stories is something I've always been passionate about. Certain that I've mentioned this before, but studying these stories - it's how I made it here, and hung on to the dream of doing creative work I loved, especially on the days when I felt like giving up. One of the reasons I love interviews and I LOVE Documentaries. As you know when I find good ones, I can't wait to share them with you.
Since we plowed through the latest seasons of our newest obsessions, Breaking Bad and Downton Abbey {could these be more polar opposite?} this weekend was spent catching up on and devouring documentaries that have newly been released. I've got two really good ones for you and both of these are available on instant streaming via Netflix. Meaning you could walk away from this blog post and start watching them RIGHT NOW. Which I highly recommend.
Eames: The Architect and the Painter. See the trailer above. Oh, seriously I think you're going to love this one especially if you are a multidisciplinary artist like me.
Pearl Jam Twenty. A favorite band and vocalist of mine since they officially hit the scene in 1992, made by one of my all time favorite filmmakers Cameron Crowe.
And! I also listened to this wonderful interview with Amy Butler hosted by Monica Lee. Amy was one of the very first artists I found online in 2005. I just fell head over heels for her beautiful designs and lifestyle photography that is her brand. I finally had a chance to meet her briefly at Alt this year and she could not be a more gracious, nice, lovely person. It's so nice when the brand matches the person isn't it? After hearing this interview you will know why. And Monica {spirited and lovely, who I've also had the pleasure of meeting several times} did a great job. It's going to be exciting to see where she takes her new project Smart Creative Women.
Hope you enjoy all of these links. Seriously. So inspiring. I am totally, creatively, fired up right now!
Ok guys, so my big plan was to start sharing every interesting and inspiring movie, including documentaries, I come across. But as you know my writing voice has been otherwise occupied. And why do I want to share movies with you? Because film is also one of my passions. I made a category over there called 'i love film' so I'm serious about this ;). From a person who lives in Hollywood, W. Hollywood to be exact, who has taken acting classes, auditioned too many times to count, improvised live on stage and also attended Sundance Film Festival multiple times, I think that qualifies me, yes? One of the best parts of living in Los Angeles is that I also have access to seeing many of the independent, foreign, and documentary films in a theater that may not make it to the mainstream. The good news is while they may not make it to a theater near you, many of these are available now as dvds and streaming downloads on Netflix.
Film is one of the artistic mediums that inspires and grounds me the most. Honestly {it depends upon the film of course} I think that this experience with film has been with me from an early age. I have always come out of certain films feeling not only grounded, bur more enlightened. I come out a better person, with an entirely new perspective. It's true {at least for a few hours}. Not to mention music from film is equally inspiring to me. Some of my favorite playlists that I paint and write to, are comprised mostly of music from soundtracks.
It's a powerful medium, especially with so many compelling documentaries being made today. One of my visits to Sundance, I think it was 2002, I stood in a room listening to Robert Redford talk about how Documentaries {Docs for short} 'are the future'. Several years later, I think that fellow was on to something.
One way or another I know that my love for art, performance and film will connect one of these days. Should be interesting to see how. In the meantime, if you also share the same love for film, I am going to share my favorites with you as I come across them or all at once in a big pile like this post. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
The Adjustment Bureau - fascinating premise {and so unexpected just from watching the trailer} and a fantastic message at the end
Buck - amazing how one can recover from emotional trauma and the idea that horses are a reflection of ourselves - whether you are a fan of horses, or not so much, this film is a must see.
L'Amour Fou - a story about the life and partnership of Yves and Pierre and the details of their incredible art collection - great for us creatives to glimpse inside another creative's process
After the Wedding - one of the most real, profoundly moving films I've ever seen, beautifully acted and so compelling
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop - saw this one just last night. have been a long time fan of Conan and really enjoyed getting to know more about him
Picture Me - genuine, insightful {somewhat shocking} glimpse into the world of modeling and fashion
The King's Speech - yes, I know this one won best picture and now I know why - beautiful film, down to every last detail
Betz just reminded me to add Finding Joe - in case you didn't see my previous post about it - one of the best movies I've seen all year - seriously changed the way I look at my entire life
***EDIT*** Monday, November 14 - Can't believe I almost forgot this one!! George Harrison: Living in a Material World I mean who doesn't love the Beatles, but this isn't solely about them. This is a film about George. and what an interesting man he was. I think that the world may finally be ready to listen to and understand what he seemed to be searching for. I embedded the trailer at the top of this post so you don't miss it and also if you follow the link in this snippet, you can watch a video of Martin Scorcese talking about his interest and inspiration in directing this documentary as well.
Also! this isn't a film, and I may post about it separately, but in case time gets away from me and I forget to share; Visionaries - Inside the Creative Mind on the Oprah Winfrey Network OWN is on every Sunday and features an interview and study of some amazing creative people producing work today. SO INSPIRING. Seriously, my favorite kind of programming. I just can't get enough of hearing other's stories.
As you may or may not know? I have many passions ~ especially in the 'all things creative' category.
One of them is film.
I think my eyes really opened about the world of film upon moving to Los Angeles almost eleven years ago now. I mean hey, it is my city's industry after all. One would hope to be exposed to the details of film and its creators when living here? And one is if one seeks it out ~ but, truthfully my eyes really opened upon attending the Sundance film festival a few years in a row. This festival has become a little hyped over the years, but it is still the one place where I've been completely moved being in the midst of people who share a true love for film making.
Independent film produces some of my favorite films to date. And lately it's been documentaries. I can't get enough of them.
I've always loved hearing people's honest stories about their own lives, and this Joan River's documentary delivers. Whether you are a fan of her comedy or not? As a creative person, especially one who is working for themselves, I think you might really enjoy this one. Even better, it's available for instant viewing via Netflix. You could watch it right now!
I am endlessly appreciative of all of the people who are willing to share their lives so openly and honestly. It continues to give me great comfort hearing other's stories, especially when I am in the face of challenging times. I would not have believed I could be here without knowing how others made it. Those who are themselves, find their passion, and stay committed to that passion through a lifetime - inspiring. Watching this particular doc reminded me to keep sharing more of my own story honestly...and share more of my love for film with you too!
