Random Disclaimer: the following essay contains spoilers for the television series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine... As a creator, when you’re responsible for representing a culture that is alien to you, sometimes, you need someone closer to said culture to tug on your leash a little tighter. The other day, at Wondercon down in Anaheim; I saw in … Continue reading When Dogs Are Painted Less Alien Than Asians…
Gods of Direction and Meaning in Jules Dassin’s “Night and the City…”
After running through the streets and back alleys of London, the figure at the center of Jules Dassin’s Night and the City, Harry Fabian, slips into an apartment that isn’t his. He checks the window, before moving to the table, nibbling on some food that’s been left out. Mid-bite he spots something off camera, dropping … Continue reading Gods of Direction and Meaning in Jules Dassin’s “Night and the City…”
‘Columbus’ : Kogonada’s Paradox of Discourse…
A fence sits between the Asian and the American. They begin to talk and the camera tracks with them, a composition that's staged like a modern inversion of the swing-set scene out of On the Waterfront. The take continues as they walk side by side from opposite sides of the fence. Eventually they reach an open gateway and meet with nothing dividing the space between them. The camera movement stops when they do.
Projector of Feelings 