#I JUST WANTED TO MAKE MY MELVIN DESIGN DIGITAL MAN | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

personmanrb · 9 months

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As mentions in a previous post, this is the first "concept board" sorta thign i made for my OC the "Person" formerlly known as the "personman". As you can guess, the name is my own, but after a while i decided to truncate the "man" part so it flows better as a cryptid, more on that momentarily.

To address the first elephant in the room, yes the original image is an AI generated one. I feel the need to address this as while i myself am generally unaware of the harms or ethics of AI art (Tumblr is the first blog-based social media platform i've used, and i haven't been using it for long), even from my brief time on Tumblr so far i can see that a few folks don't like it, with good reason backing their views up at that. I used crAIyon (at the time Dall-E mini) to make it by plugging my Discord username into the machine (PersonMan_reborn) and just liking the green crescent-headed figure result a lot, so now i tend to use it as a pfp for most things. The AI used was pretty rudimentary at the time, but even then I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea if they see my AI generated pfp on Tumblr. Though, I wouldn't mind learning about how exactly AI image and art generators steal from human artists and the consequences, it seems quite the interesting rabbithole.

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, where to begin! As i mentioned, that result i got from the generator just stuck with me, so when i finally decided to start drawing things digitally, however limited that would be, i knew i wanted to interpret how i saw the image. And how i saw it was as myself; rather, an alternative version of myself designed to be able to function in settings it is placed in. Fundamentally, the "person" is intended to be a sort of cryptid or extradimensional horror beyond mortal comprehension; think old classics like Slenderman and infamous terrors like Cthulu. It is both me and my creation, serving as a vehicle to insert myself and my experience into a story if i so choose, while trying to avoid being a literal self insert; it represents the viewer of the media or story, and can be as sincere or as meta as the situation calls for, whichever I as a real world person would find more entertaining. Of course, it can also function as a regular character to an extent, devoid of being a 4th wall break. The "person" also serves as a few roles because of this property, mainly in my D&D world comprising of my multitude of concept characters where it acts as several entities; the patron of one of my warlocks Melvin the Mad (inspired by the section in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything about being your own patron), a regular eldritch horror, a backup replacement character parading as whatever class if for whatever reason i need a throwaway to fill time, and a failsafe tool to be used as a DM for if something needs to happen despite the situation, for the sake of story and timeline; to name a few. About that last one, if for example a PC would be about to die in an unsatisfactory way, the "person" would intervene to prevent their death, even if at the cost of it not leaving the PC alone for its own amusement, like an omnipresent crow. Of course, the "person" also simply acts as the visual manifestation of my online persona, a simplistic character to be used in art, memes or any otherplace where one would be needed.

I'm always updating it, even if i don't draw the additions or post anything for a certain amount of time, and i patiently await the day i can get a PC (computer this time) and supplies so i can begin drawing all my ideas in ways that can serve them justice! Watch out for future posts like this, because next i'm going to be posting rundowns of ALL of my ttrpg characters, including D&D, LANCER and HKRPG.

#beginner artist #oc #oc lore #dungeons and dragons #dnd #cryptid #eldrich horror

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houseofvans · 6 years

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ART SCHOOL | Q&A with Martin Ontiveros (PDX)

The art wizardry of Portland based Martin Ontiveros has appeared in various galleries, albums, posters and has even been transformed into diabolical toys and figurines. Ontiveros’s graphic ink and brush style is meticulous and bold, transforming his horned and demonic creations into fun and bad-ass pop occultism. We’re excited to chat with this ink sorcerer in our latest Art School where we talk about technique, studio days, and what is coming up for him the rest of this year.

Photographs courtesy of the artist.

Introduce yourself? Hello, I’m Martin Ontiveros, also known as Martinheadrocks, illustrator and wizard. “Marty” to my closest friends and family. I live in Portland Oregon, I’m left-handed/ambidexterous and I have a large ginger cat/familiar named Zeus. Nice to meet you.

How do you describe your art to folks who have never seen it before? Pop-occultism? Creature Chic? What you might find inside an ancient tomb or temple from a previously unknown civilization.

Who were some of your early artistic influences that really inspired you to draw? It started with Star Wars in 1977, and Mad Magazine, especially the work of Jack Davis. Childrens book art by Jim Flora. Books and movies about UFOs, cryptids, phenomena, ghosts and black magic when I was a kid. Later it was Heavy Metal Magazine and the underground artists of the 60s and 70s, S. Clay Wilson, Greg Irons, Spain, etc. 80’s punk and metal pioneer artists like Mad Mark Rude and Pushead. Derek Riggs and his Iron Maiden covers.

Lots of rock album art. Fantasy/conceptual artists like Mike Ploog, Boris Vallejo, Frazetta, Richard Corben. That was all the stuff that built up the desire, but what really got me drawing were the indie comics of the 80s with people like Marc Hansen, Matt Wagner, the Pander Bros, David Boswell, Dori Seda, Mary Fleener. I really really wanted to make comics by the time I was 17-18. I’ve since discovered it’s not for me. Art of the Ancient World, Mesopotamian and Mesoamerican in particular. There’s more to this list, I’m an old man now and have seen a lot, but we don’t have all day.

What’s a day like in the studio for you? And take us through your artist process –from start to finish on a piece. I used to start work when it was already well into the evening and would go until after the dawn, but in the last couple years I’ve reversed that schedule. Now I usually get up around 4am. I still get the benefits of nocturnal studio time that way, at least until the sun is up—no one bothers me and it’s quiet. I’ve become a Daywalker—I have all of the vamipre’s strengths and none of the weaknesses.

A typical day is trying to stay focused while fending off my own distractions (I’m ADD) and steering around having to leave the house for anything, ha. I always start with a bit of doodling to warm up a little, then jot down a thumbnail sketch of whatever’s on the agenda that day—usually very small and rough, just to set the composition and borders.

Sometimes I’ll spend extra time fleshing out details on certain aspects of the drawing, say a helmet or insignia. Then I’ll figure out my dimensions and either draw to size or use my trusty proportion wheel to do it smaller if need be. Next is the hard pencil stage. I like using 2H or 3H lead which is rough on the paper but much less messy than a soft lead. I don’t work with a loose outline, I need a solid and tight map to work from and when I have it on lock, I’ll transfer it to my final surface.

That method goes for both a black and white ink piece or a painting. I’ll warm the brush up by laying our some strokes on scrap paper and when I feel like I got a grip on it, off I go. If it’s a painting, I lay all the color and shading out first, then put down the linework. And even if my pencils were tight, there’s always room for improvisation, a tweak or two, especially when I’m inking—some happy accidents come up now and then. I should mention that I sometimes have to chuck a drawing and start the process all over again, even if it’s close to completion because if it isn’t working, screw it. It seems wasteful and time consuming and I could probably avoid it by going digital, but I choose to do it old school.

What’s your tool of the trade medium-wise? And is there a new medium you’re looking to try in 2018? I swear by my brush and ink. Nothing gives me more satisfaction. The artists I’ve always admired most are handy with a brush line. Not to say I don’t like pens, it’s just that I’m not as steady using one and leave them for doodling. I love papier mache, it’s not a new medium to me, but I’ve yet to know how to make the time to do it more so let’s say that that is my goal for 2018. If there was any other medium that I’d choose to do over drawing, it would be that.

You’ve worked on many collaborations with bands and created some awesome cover art and posters. What has been your favorite collaboration and what would be a dream collaboration be? Oooh. That’s a toughy. I did a tour shirt for Mastodon this past year and I have to say that was likely the pinnacle so far. When I caught their show later, it was thrilling to see people buying it at the merch table and to know there’s maybe hundreds more out there wearing it. Dream collaboration…probably the Melvins. Or Alice Cooper? But with the Melvins I know I could just probably do me and not worry about whether or not I’m a good fit. I’m not what you would call “conventional”.

What are you listening to when you’re painting your various creatures and demons? Give us five bands you’re checking out at the moment. I listen to music when I sketch/conceptualize and switch to podcasts or play a favorite movie or show when I’m really into the process, it’s comforting to hear people talk during the heavy work for some reason. It’s another long list but some of my go-to bands are High On Fire, Sleep, Windhand, Black Cobra and Slayer. That’s if I want it crushing. If I’m doing something trippier, it’ll be Om, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Dead Meadow, that kind of thing. Podcasts are generally true crime or comedy.

What’s been the hardest challenge being an artist? What do you tell folks who want to travel down a similar path? I don’t recall the artist’s name who said it, but to paraphrase, the quote was that art can often be a dark and lonely pursuit for us. I believe he was referring more to the fact that we spend a lot of our time working in solitude which is inherent, yet it can also weigh you down emotionally. That really speaks to me, even more so because I’ve also wrestled with depression for most of my life.

Your work can be so entwined with your sense of self-worth, so I suppose the hardest challenge for me is to not let my heart sink when something I make doesn’t receive the attention I hope to get for it. People can be fickle though. I try to remember that, and move on to the next thing. With that in mind I guess I tell folks to make sure they get out of their lairs when possible and share their frustrations with other artist friends, foster a support group of sorts because it helps to know you aren’t alone out there with all these feelings. That and maintain a regular paying job when they start out, because man…it can be tough making a living at it.

In another dimension, what would you be if you weren’t an artist? I’d be that weird old sorcerer living somewhere in the woods that the villagers speak of in whispers. Benevolent, but not to be trifled with. So, not too much different from what I am in this dimension, just with blue skin, maybe.

What are your favorite Vans? Chukka Low? Old Skool? Era? (I had to look up the actual names). Basically low padded ankle with laces, and always dark colors with a black toe because I don’t like my vision being drawn down to my feet moving under me. I honestly don’t wear any other brand of kicks. I keep a pair of Slip-Ons for doing things around the house. Vans makes good jeans too.

What’s the art scene like in your part of the woods? What do you like the most about where you’re living these days? The scene that I know here is primarily illustration, at least that’s what I keep my eyes out for. Lots of sweet, supportive people without attitude and many that are good friends. There aren’t as many galleries as there used to be but there are other venues to get your work out there. I’m now in a part of SE that I’ve never lived in before, at the edge of being outside of Portland proper but only just so. It’s mellow and quiet here and most things I need are within walking distance. I got a couple stores, a good Mexican food place, a bar, you get my drift. I do wish some of my besties lived closer by though. And a decent art supply store.

Since this feature is called Art School, can you give us your most helpful art tip? This probably won’t make me popular by saying it, but learn the difference between homage and theft. Yes, it’s fun to pay tribute to an artist’s style or someone else’s pop culture/intellectual property now and then, I’ve done it, we’ve all done it, not shaming that…but the difference is, if ALL you’re doing is copying, it comes off as creatively lazy. I don’t care how many followers you may gain from it. Come on. If you’re skilled enough to copy someone else’s shit, you’re skilled enough to make up your own content. Raise the bar, people. Don’t lower it.

What’s on the horizon for 2018? New merch in my shop, a group show in Mexico City, more band stuff, my first trip to NY ever, toy releases, designs and customs, a collaboration or two, hopefully a couple of conventions later in the warm months. I’d like get back into painting on a larger scale and figure out how to take it slower in general, make my work really level up, you know? There’s always room for improvement!

Follow Martin | Website | Instagram |

#Art #Vans #Vans Art #Art School #Martin Ontiveros #Drawing #PDX #PDX ARTIST

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everythingmusicandfilm · 6 years

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Oscars 2018

I can’t believe it has been a whole year since La La Land was best picture for a whole two minutes. Yes, it’s that time again, oscar season. Although I am most excited to see Tom Holland in a suit, I am also eager to see who takes home the golden statues. Every year I try my best to watch the oscar nominated films and this year was no different. Before I get into my picks for the oscars, a little reminder that these are my own personal opinions. I do not claim to be a film expert or anything, this is just who I think should win for each category!

Writing

Adapted Screenplay

“Call Me By Your Name” James Ivory

“The Disaster Artists” Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber

“Logan” Scott Frank, James Mangold and Michael Green

“Molly’s Game” Aaron Sorkin

“Mudbound” Virgil Williams and Dee Rees

As much as I LOVED Logan and think it is without a doubt the best wolverine film we have seen, Call Me By Your Name is my pick here. The story addresses a romantic relationship between an unlikely pair, a 30 year old man and a 17 year old boy. As we live in a time where a racist and misogynistic male is president of the free world, this film offers us an escape to remember that love is important. Elio’s father’s speech as he explains that he accepts that Elio is gay, is a moving and inspiring monologue. The story provides a beautiful representation of homosexuality and reminds the world of the importance of love, especially in a time of struggle and pain.

Original Screenplay

“The Big Sick” Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani

“Get Out” Jordan Peele

“Lady Bird” Greta Gerwig

“The Shape of Water” Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” Martin McDonagh

Get Out offers a surprisingly unique storyline that successfully combines elements of psychological horror with dark humour. I have never been a huge horror film fan, however I really enjoyed this film and was constantly engaged. The film had me hooked right until the end. It addresses a particular side of racism as it is set in the post-obama era. It connects historical themes of slavery with the contemporary nature of white people being envious of black people. The story line is captivating and innovative and hence why I think it should win best original screenplay.

Technical

Cinematography

“Blade Runner 2049” Roger Deakins

“Darkest Hour” Bruno Delbonnel

“Dunkirk” Hoyte van Hoytema

“Mudbound” Rachel Morrison

“The Shape of Water” Dan Laustsen

Without a doubt. Every single frame in Blade Runner 2049 is a piece of art. The cinematography in Dunkirk of course is spectacular and captivating and don’t even get me started on the lighting in The Shape of Water, however Blade Runner 2049 is so visually stunning that the light almost feels alive. Roger Deakins paints a picture almost frighteningly realistic as the audience faces the realities of human nature. The cinematography highlights the importance of the visual in science fiction films and is a refreshingly unique and powerful aspect that makes Blade Runner 2049 so incredible.

Visual Effects

“Blade Runner 2049” John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover and Gerd Nefzer

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner and Dan Sudick

“Kong: Skull Island” Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, ScottBenza and Mike Meinardus

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Chris Corbould and Neal Scanlan

“War for the Planet of the Apes” Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett and Joel Whist

Even though I am obsessed with the visuals in Blade Runner 2049, I think it is about time that Planet of the Apes is recognised for the stunning visual effects. Weta Digital has once again proved themselves to be one of the best in the business as they bring these apes to life. Their performance capture technology is so innovative that it captures the smallest details of Andy Serkis’s facial expressions and manages to translate it onto the ever realistic ape. The first two Planet of the Apes films were snubbed by the academy and I really believe that it should win this year.

Production Design

“Beauty and the Beast” Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer

“Blade Runner 2049” Dennis Gassner and Alessandra Querzola

“Darkest Hour” Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer

“Dunkirk” Nathan Crowley and Gary Fettis

“The Shape of Water” Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin and Shane Vieau

Austerberry, Melvin and Vieau successfully manage to create an entire world in The Shape of Water. The sets, props and lighting all come together to create a magical film. Elisa’s theatre apartment is so beautifully detailed that it took almost 3500 colour samples to create. Each of the sets are inspired and shaped by water from the rusted down walls to the pipes in the lab. So much thought and detail has been put into the design of this film and that is why it is one of the most beautiful films.

Film Editing

“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos and Paul Machliss

“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith

“I, Tonya,” Tatiana S. Riegel

“The Shape of Water,” Sidney Wolinsky

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Jon Gregory

It doesn’t take an expert to recognise the amazing editing skills being portrayed in Baby Driver. The entire film is cut to musical cues, which meant that it had to be edited on set. The editing successfully falls to the beat of the music without the audience even realising. The editing is thorough and naturally allows the film to flow the way it does. The pacing and editing of the film is what makes it so unique so I really hope it takes home the oscar on Sunday.

Makeup and Hairstyling

“Darkest Hour,” Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski and Lucy Sibbick

“Victoria and Abdul,” Daniel Phillips and Lou Sheppard

“Wonder,” Arjen Tuiten

Gary Oldman is completely unrecognisable as Winston Churchill in the Darkest Hour. The transformation is shocking and although Oldman’s performance definitely contributes to the amazing portrayal of Churchill, the makeup and hairstyling is what makes it oscar worthy.

Costume Design

“Beauty and the Beast,” Jacqueline Durran

“Darkest Hour,” Jacqueline Durran

“Phantom Thread,” Mark Bridges

“The Shape of Water,” Luis Sequeira

“Victoria and Abdul,” Consolata Boyle

As the film is a story about a fashion designer in the 1950s Couture World of London, it is no surprise that the costumes in the film are stunning. Each piece is so detailed and intrinsic, it is easy to see the hard work that went into making them. Although I feel like any one of these films could take home the oscar as this was a relatively hard category to pick one favourite. Phantom Thread however has become known for its costume design and this could be what edges it out slightly from the other nominees.

Sound

Original Score

“Dunkirk,” Hans Zimmer

“Phantom Thread,” Jonny Greenwood

“The Shape of Water,” Alexandre Desplat

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” John Williams

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Carter Burwell

Although personally Call Me By Your Name should win best original score, The Shape of Water is a very close second. The delicate, beautiful piano pieces add to the stunning elements of the film. The score transports us to this other world as we follow Elisa’s story. The music is what successfully balances the science fiction side of the film with the sad story of Elisa wanting to be heard for once. Because Elisa is mute I often feel that the music in the film speaks for her as it reflects how she feels. I believe that the sound is one of the most important elements of filmmaking and if you have a successful score then you will have a successful film, and this is definitely the case with The Shape of Water.

Original Song

“Mighty River” from “Mudbound,” Mary J. Blige

“Mystery of Love” from “Call Me by Your Name,” Sufjan Stevens

“Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

“Stand Up for Something” from “Marshall,” Diane Warren and Common

“This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

This is a particular tough category as “Mystery of Love” from Call Me By Your Name is a gorgeous piano piece that makes me feel like I am in Italy during the summer and “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman brought tears to my eyes. However “Remember Me” from Coco is an emotional and inspiring piece of music that represents the entire film. Pixar is not often recognised for the music in their films and think that should change this year with this song.

Sound Editing

“Baby Driver,” Julian Slater

“Blade Runner 2049,” Mark Mangini and Theo Green

“Dunkirk,” Alex Gibson, Richard King

“The Shape of Water,” Nathan Robitaille and Nelson Ferreira

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Ren Klyce and Matthew Wood

The difference between sound editing and sound mixing is that sound editing is about what you hear, sound mixing is about how you hear it. Screw the 70mm screen, I think Dunkirk should win best sound editing because it is the sound that makes the war film so immersive. The sound editing in Dunkirk is so precise and captivating that the audience has no idea they are being manipulated. The constant ticking, the ocean waves and the ascending pitch creates an increasing intensity that unites the three different storylines. The war film that shows no blood is still so intense and captivating because of the sound editing.

Sound Mixing

“Baby Driver,” Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater and Tim Cavagin

“Blade Runner 2049,” Mac Ruth, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hephill

“Dunkirk,” Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker and Gary A. Rizzo

“The Shape of Water,” Glen Gauthier, Christian Cooke and Brad Zoern

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Stuart Wilson, Ren Klyce, David Parker and Michael Semanick

Sound mixing however deserves to go to Baby Driver. The entire film is choreographed to the sound yet it does not feel anything like a musical. This is because the sound mixers successfully managed to have the action cut to the sound while still allowing the film to not feel so choreographed. The diegetic and non-diegetic sound perfectly mix together to make a film based around music, to not be anything close to a musical. Every sound from the placement of a cup to the chewing of gum is synched in time with the music. So much work went into this film to ensure that the sound would drive the story and that is exactly what it does.

Acting

Best Supporting Actor

Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”

Woody Harrelson, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”

Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World”

Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

SAM ROCKWELL 100% !!!!! I was absolutely blown away by his performance in Three Billboards. Rockwell plays a problematic character of a racist cop who’s only answer is violence. While there is criticism of the film trying to get the audience to sympathise for his character at the end, there is no doubt that Rockwell’s performance is inspiring. Dixon is such a complicated character with so many different sides and we see Rockwell successfully show us all of them in this film. Everyone is always talking about Frances in this film but I believe that the best acting performance came from Rockwell.

Best Supporting Actress

Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound”

Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”

Lesley Manville, “Phantom Thread”

Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”

Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water”

Although Allison Janney is picked to be the favourite and I did admire her performance, Laurie Metcalf in Lady Bird is the winner for me. Metcalf has a way with words that really brings out her performance. She understands the importance of a mother’s role in her daughter’s life as she delivers an inspiring performance.

Best Lead Actor

Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name”

Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread”

Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”

Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”

Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”

Another tough pick as Daniel Kaluuya delivered an amazing performance in Get Out, Daniel Day-Lewis and Denzel Washington were as incredible as ever and Gary Oldman in the Darkest Hour is possibly his best performance yet, however Timothee Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name is my favourite performance of all. This was the first time I had seen Chalamet in a film, and he blew me away. He is so young yet his performance is so inspiring, it is what makes the relationship between his character and Armie Hammer’s character work so well. Although I think Gary Oldman will probably win on the night, I think Chalamet deserves it the most.

Best Lead Actress

Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”

Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya”

Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”

Meryl Streep, “The Post”

Every single one of these lovely ladies deserves best lead actress however if I had to choose one it would have to be Frances McDormand. Her performance represents the pain and suffering of a world where so much sexual harassment is happening and nothing is being done about it. The audience is moved to tears as we follow her struggle of finding justice for her daughter. Frances truly leads the film to success and this is what a lead actress does. Her passionate monologues are just as empowering as to what she doesn’t say and this is why she deserves best lead actress.

Best Director and Best Picture

Best Director

“Dunkirk,” Christopher Nolan

“Get Out,” Jordan Peele

“Lady Bird,” Greta Gerwig

“Phantom Thread,” Paul Thomas Anderson

“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro

Is it possible to have all five directors win? Because that would be my pick. Jordan Peele delivers what has been called ‘the film of the year’ with Get Out. Greta Gerwig is the only female to be nominated and hence I think she should win solely for that reason, also because Lady Bird is the stunning, coming of age film that we have all been waiting for. Paul Thomas Anderson somehow manages to make emotions visual with his lovely film Phantom Thread and Guillermo del Toro who is an extremely close second delivers my favourite picture The Shape of Water. However I think it is about time that Nolan finally received the oscar for best director. There is no doubt that Christopher Nolan is a mastermind when it comes to filmmaking. Each and every one of his films are incredible pieces of work. Dunkirk however is the unconventional war film that I never thought I needed. There is no blood and guts in this film and the simple long takes and minimal dialogue makes it seem rather minimalistic. However the film still has so much depth and impact. Nolan chose to strip the film down and focus on what is important, the framing and the sound to create an immersive epic film. His choices in the film reflect his genius mind and clearly show that he is indeed the best director.

Best Picture

“Call Me by Your Name” Luca Guadagnino

“Darkest Hour” Joe Wright

“Dunkirk” Christopher Nolan

“Get Out” Jordan Peele

“Lady Bird” Greta Gerwig

“Phantom Thread” Paul Thomas Anderson

“The Post” Steven Spielberg

“The Shape of Water” Guillermo del Toro

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” Michael McDonagh

I think this is the hardest year ever to pick a film for best picture. There have been so many amazing films this year. I chose The Shape of Water however because it is the only film that exceeds in all areas of filmmaking. The score as I have already explained drives the narrative of the film and contributes to the beautiful aesthetic. The production design transports us to another world. The cinematography and in particular the lighting is so beautiful it perfectly reflects the nature of being underwater. The story is unique and innovative as we are able to look past the weirdness of a woman sleeping with a fish to realise the true meaning of a mute girl wanting to be heard. Sally Hawkins plays a difficult part in making this story focus on the beautiful hidden meaning rather than on the science fiction aspect, and she does this very successfully. Guillermo del Toro manages to bring all these elements together to create a unique and stunning film that has everyone talking. I never thought a film about a romance between a girl and a fish could be so beautiful and that is why it is my pick for best picture.

#oscars #film #the shape of water #call me by your name #dunkirk #get out #phantom thread #lady bird #three billboards #darkest hour #timothee chalamet #gary oldman #christopher nolan #frances mcdormand #sam rockwell #baby driver

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