Ryan McNeil
As I mentioned last week, Hot Docs is coming up soon. I’m actually quite excited now as I’ve finally had a chance to look through the complete schedule and press kit and am starting to see my festival experience take shape. Having given every film listing a once over, I thought between now and the beginning of the festival, I would take a moment once a week to highlight some of the films I’m looking forward to the most. So in no particular order, let us begin!
I thought I’d start with SHADOWPLAY, as it’s a film very much after my heart. The doc looks at a photographic hero of mine, Anton Corbijn. You might not recognize his name, but I promise that you would recognize his work. Along with that iconic image, he has also captured memorable images of bands like Depeche Mode, Joy Division, and R.E.M.
If the man’s still photography doesn’t knock you over, his video work probably would as he’s the guy responsible for Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box”, Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”, and U2’s “One”. He was also the brains behind one of the best musical bio-pics you’ll ever see, 2007’s CONTROL.
While it’s easy to say that Corbijn’s work is so well known because of the famous faces he’s photographing, it’s the very unique vision he brings to those images, and the unmistakeable style with which they are presented, that makes him one of the best photographers in the world. SHADOWPLAY is a look into the man behind the camera, and a glimpse into his masterful process.
SHADOWPLAY will screen on Friday May 7th at 9:15pm, and Sunday May 9th at 1pm. Both shows will be at The Bloor Cinema.
This is awesome, had no idea it was even a movie. Dude has directed some great videos and, being a huge Joy Division fan to begin with, Control was freakin' fantastic. Looking forward to this making its way over to NY.
I love Corbijn – did you see his film 'Linear' that went alongside the new U2 album 'No Line on the Horizon'. It was fantastic!
What's in the press thing? Share with us less important people!
@ Aiden… I've grown up devouring every frame of the man's work – so believe me, I hear ya!
As soon as I see it, I'll be sure to let you know what I think of it.
@ Simon… I have the film downloaded on my iPod. Love it! Along with every short-form U2 video he's ever done, especially the somewhat underrated "Electrical Storm"
@ Sasha… Not really that glamorous right this moment. It's pretty much just a cute folder with reams and reams of press releases.
Before the festival begins, I'll post a photo of the goods I get including my badge, screener dvds and other such goodies.
You gonna get out and see some of these?