ann's blip on "Blow Up"

Hi- Last week in my art history class (art history from 1949 to the present), our class watched Michelangelo Antonioni's movie, "Blow Up". Filmed in 1966 in London, this is a more sinsiter side of swinging London in the the mid-sixties. This was the third time that I saw this movie- the first two times, I did not like it. I did not care for the movie because from a narrative standpoint, I found the protagonist more than just an anti-hero. He was a selfish, unfeeling, conceited sexist jerk; however, watching it in Royce's class, from a purely visual perspective, it is a viewing experience that really sets you thinking after seeing it. We watched it becaue it bridges abstract expressionism with pop art. You can see how both genres, while appearing separate, have some connections. Also, the film asks questions about the artist's ability to control the results of his medium, in this case photography, and what happens when the reality of his medium comes into question. I think it is an important film to see, especially for anyone interested in postmodernism. It is on the TMC network often but it can be viewed via NetFlex as well. If you rent it, you will probably want to see it at least 2 times. Musically interesting is a performance in a club by the Yarbirds back when Roger Daltry (very, very young) is the lead singer and Jeff Beck smashes up his guitar when there is too much feed back from the speakers. You can also catch a young Jimmy Page. The fashion is great and the cinematography is really interesting. If it is your first time seeing this film, you might want to see it with a group of friends and talk about it afterwords. It is very thought provoking and arty. Hope everyone has a great weekend- ann