Culture Watch

One would think the city with Hollywood in its borders would have a notible film festival. However, it was only recently that I saw the advertising banners on lightpoles for LA Filmfest. It appears to be a venue of independent films hoping to get discovered. I am surprised that such an event isn't more high profile in the city of movie making. Wonder why that is?

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Meanwhile up in the hills at The Getty there is a fascinating exhibit on artistic images of Christ and Mary with emphasis on the theological concepts that they have a dual nature. In Catholic thought, Mary is somewhat more than a mortal woman as described in religious doctrine as the Assumption of the Virgin which is the subject of the art works on display in the exhibit. I found Rembrant's depiction the most striking and probably more in line with my Protestant understanding of Mary. Christians of most faith traditions will agree upon the dual human and divine nature of Jesus. The artworks on display show both sides of His nature with emphasis on one or the other in certain settings. The rich detail of the works is awe inspiring leading to interesting discussions of our emotional reactions to these grand theological notions.

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A friend of mine who has his hand on the pulse of Chinese movie making had this to share with me in a recent email:
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I noticed a new Chinese film "Unknown Pleasures" is about these slackers in a dwindling coal mining town. Quite interesting with a sense of dark humor on those who got left behind when the economy takes off.

"Emperor and the Assassin" tries to be like Kurosawa, but hasn't quite got the stamina.

From the same director, his new film "Together", about a teenager who strives to be a top violin player despite much adversity is one of those "Rocky" type films that is set in Beijing.

Just released in LA is "The Eye." After her corona transplant, a girl keeps seeing dead people. But it is more a love story on the joys and pains of life, rather than just a screamer. Tom Cruise has bought the remake rights. Try see it before they mess it all up!

"Hero", nominated for an Oscar earlier this year is another take on the assassination story. Most people have problems with its stance of the tyranical Emperor Qin being painted as a benevolent king (unifiying the country is crucial, i.e. today's Taiwan situation in the eyes of the China government) but the art direction is stunning.
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I like to see foreign films now and then as it is a great way to get a window into another culture. Living in the Westside means there are lots of venues for such things alas time is always short!