Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 1:52 AM | 1 comments  

Big Me, originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

Shadow man lurks in my butt.

Posted by Ben
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 12:59 AM | 0 comments  

Richard Wright, originally uploaded by Ben Northern.
Richard Wright passed away on Monday. (9/15/08). For those that don't know, Richard has been a keyboard player, writer and to some capacity, vocalist for Pink Floyd. His loss is oddly personal to me. I grew up to Pink Floyd. They introduced me to the world of music appreciation. I'm glad I was able to see him, along with David and Nick in Pittsburgh for their Division Bell Tour. Richard had a hand in writing some of Pink Floyd's most memorable tracks. Do yourself a favor and check Pink Floyd out. He will be missed.
Posted by Ben
Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 4:38 PM | 0 comments  

On The Road Again, originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

Seems like I as down this road not so long ago. Buffalo to Baltimore
to D.C.. I'm becoming a pro.

-b

Posted by Ben
Friday, September 12, 2008 at 1:00 AM | 1 comments  

Heath Ledger as Joker, originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

I don't know what to really say about this film that already hasn't. I admit, I got caught up in the media frenzy, and the Hedger frenzy. I tried to resist. I wanted to walk into the film with a clear mind. But, that's almost as tricky as being a Juror for an O.J. trial. Christopher Nolan really weaves a web balancing action with a complex story. He really pulls out profound performances from the cast.

With this film there's an 800 pound gorilla sitting behind you from the get go. It wouldn't be fair to just talk about Ledger - he was the main attraction, no doubt about it. I stress though that all the main actors did a great job. Bale, again was a tense and cocky Bruce Wayne. Aaron Eckhart evolves convincingly into his darker side. Maggie Gyllenhaal had a sincere charm to her, and genuinely filled that pivotal tie for Bruce to his humanity. Michael Caine's portrayal of the always grounded Alfred showed just enough emotion to show why Bruce needs him, and is his only friend. Gary Oldman played a decent Gordon....he adds as much dimension as possible to a situational character at best. Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox as Morgan Freeman. No stretch there. The only weak spot is Eric Roberts. He plays more of a caricature of an Italian mobster. He plays himself, with a crappy Italian accent. I found him annoying actually - I really have a hard time taking him seriously at all. I think it's his fucking hair... always the same in every movie.

Then there's that 800 pound gorilla. The main attraction. Heath.

His interpretation is so unique, so disturbing, so chillingly evil I actually found myself engulfed in his dementia. His voice, very un-Heath like and at times courts an ode to James Cagney. His character twitches, and had nuances. Folks, Ledger becomes the Joker. You forget that the guy who crapped his way through "A Knight's Tale" is under that sloppy, maniacal make up.

The one main though that kept intruding throughout my 2 viewings. Joker doesn't die, how can Nolan write him out of the third film? Joker is the quintessential villain. A villain without remorse, and does it just to do it. Not having him in the third - - I almost rather not have a third.

Batman villains have a nasty trait of being over the top, and frankly - ridiculous. I feel right now that any other villian will pale, and that's not fair really. If Hedger hadn't died, would the buzz be what it was. Obviously not. But, his acting, and the quality of the film stands on it's own, and hands down the best Comic Book adaption to date.

-B

Posted by Ben Labels:
Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 10:28 PM | 0 comments  
I'm going to (try) start doing reviews again - whether it be movies, music, politics - whatever. I'll be writing a review, riddled with misspellings and off the cuff analysis. I'll try not to over think what I'm writing, so as not to come off as a douche bag college film student. I prefer to be a prick faced ego whore. All of these reviews will be accompanied with a caricature of a protagonist. Or, antagonist. Or who ever the fuck I want that has something to do with whatever I'm yapping about. If it was a math equation it *could look something like this; x=((y/~)*z)

-Ben



*no.
Posted by Ben

I was digging through some archives and found the source art for this illustration. I was asked to do a cover for Roberts Today in 2001. The basis for the concept was about taking a closer look at politics. So, I came up with this microscope idea. Kind of taking it literally - not very imaginative in hindsight. I wasn't completely impressed with my efforts - the rendering is sloppy and without Photoshop's help, this probably would have been a disaster. But it was a learning experience, and looked cool printed with the magazine copy.

Posted by Ben Labels:

This beanie is actually her uncle's from his freshman year at Roberts
Weslyan College. Ah the old days.

Posted by Ben
Monday, September 01, 2008 at 8:11 PM | 0 comments  

Want it so bad
Originally uploaded by Ben Northern.

30" tall. Fuckin sweet. $50 though! Ouch.

Posted by Ben
Book for sale!
book for sale
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