Arts & Culture

Attack of the Tweens!

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Where did it start? Or better yet, where will it end? More so than most films out there today the continuing trend of the “tween” movie is hitting harder than anything, and making more money than a lot of other films! Just within the last year alone the world has gotten two films in the “Hunger Games” series, the first installment of the “Mortal Instruments” series (which was a major flop), Divergent which promises 3 more movies to come (following yet another trend of breaking the final book in a series into a two part movie), and a second “Percy Jackson” film, as well as the new-aged A Walk to Remember which came under the title of The Fault in Our Stars. That doesn’t even include all of the smaller budgeted movies that are directed towards a certain demographic, namely girls between the ages of 10 and 17. So why are there so many of these movies all releasing within the recent years, beginning with the epidemic which is Nicholas Sparks and continuing to the present? Because they make money. But why do they make money?

Working in a video rental store, I get to see people of all different ages, races, tastes, and opinions come and go with all sorts of different movies. Some movies that I think will be rented only by a certain type of person I find myself shocked by the people who rent them. Even in theaters movies like Divergent which recently played in the student center, which one would think was primarily a movie teenage females would see actually ended up being only 59% female, and even more importantly only 50% of people to see it were under the age of 25. Men on the social website reddit.com primarily paid attention to Emma Watson, the “it” girl of teenager-movie scene with the Harry Potter series, posting images of her in sexy poses and made crude comments surrounding her only until The Hunger Games released, then they were obsessed with Jennifer Lawrence who was cast in the role of leading lady Katniss Everdeen. The men of the internet had previously paid no attention to her, even though she was an Oscar nominated actress before accepting this role.

Now I may sound like an opinionated fool, but everyone is entitled to their own thought process, right? This being said, I have a theory. These movies, although geared towards or made for a female audience of a certain age, have a cult following of not just people in the demographic that is aimed for, but a whole crowd of people who are flocking to the theaters to see the next installment. Middle-aged women can’t wait for the next collector’s edition of the Twilight series to be released; older men are dying to see Katniss Everdeen kick some more Capitol ass. I believe, personally, the simplicity that goes into these films gives a sense of nostalgia to those who are not in the age bracket that they are intended for; these movies give them a sense of being that age which the movies are directed towards. I’m not saying that they wish that these stories were their lives by any means; no, what I mean is that these movies help people to feel young again, relating to these young characters that have adventurous lives, which live a fantasy. Every woman wants to be these girls; every man wants to be with these girls, which sounds creepy even though the actors are all over the age of consent, and vice versa. It’s exciting to feel young again! To be able to feel that great love with the boy who completely understands again reminds viewers of their first loves and the great memories that came along with it. To stand up to the government in a post-apocalyptic world reminds people of defying their parents who stood in as “the bad guy” in the majority of households.

I am not saying that these movies are all bad, not at all (although some of them truly are bad, not naming a certain 4-book-5-movie series that ended recently!). Some of them genuinely are interesting and entertaining. But whether it’s becoming a Greek demi-God or battling cancer while falling completely in love, they all have that same feeling at the end. None of these films leave the audience thinking, or confused, or even feeling like they’ve seen something intellectual. They all leave people feeling good, or enlightened somehow, and I feel it is a sense of relaxation caused the same way looking through an old high school yearbook or taking a walk down memory lane would. So when will this epidemic of tween movies come to an end? Sit tight everyone, because I have a feeling we’re in it for the long run.

Article by Krista Skweres

Interview with Tim Hamilton, Graphic Artist

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There have been two spectacular events running in Kenosha this month, the “Kenosha Festival of Cartooning” and “The Big Read” of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. And Thursday night, September 25th, the two collided here at Parkside for a gallery opening reception and artist book signing for special guest, cartoonist, Tim Hamilton; who recreated Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 into a graphic novel in 2010. The fun and bustling event was held in Parkside’s Mathis Gallery in the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities. There was intriguing conversation, light food and refreshments, and spectacular art. Hamilton’s original art work from the graphic novel is showcased there in the Mathis Gallery. Free copies of the graphic novel were also available at the event where you could then meet Tim Hamilton and have him sign your copy. I was thrilled to meet him and not only have him sign my book, but also took the opportunity to engage in an informal Q and A.

I first asked Hamilton what inspired him to adopt Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and how he got the opportunity to do this? He elucidated that he was approached to do Fahrenheit 451 after he had adapted Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island into a graphic novel in 2005. Smiling, Hamilton confessed to me that he almost said “no” to doing the graphic novel. Hamilton has always been a fan of Bradbury’s work and many were his favorites as a child, but he explained that the idea of re-creating this magnificent and famous classic was “daunting” to him. Thankfully, he hurdled that fear, otherwise, today, we would not have had such a wonderful adapted Fahrenheit 451 that is as striking and engrossing as it is. As a student, trying to pave my own path in this world, I found it very inspiring to hear that Hamilton, this accomplished and famous individual, had doubts, yet this didn’t stop him. He made the jump and it surely did pay off. His masterful graphic novel has been more than successful and was nominated for an Eisner award in the “Best Adaptation of Another Work”.

As an artist myself, I was yearning to ask Hamilton about his Art background and the process of making the graphic novel. Like me, Hamilton said that he had always been absorbed in art and had been drawing since he was five. He pursued his art at Prat University in New York. I then asked Hamilton about how he made the graphic novel. To complete the whole novel it took him about a year and a few months. He revealed to me that the most challenging and longest part of the process was planning it out and making thumbnail sketches and that he threw out hundreds of the thumbnails before he got the perfect series. After the final thumbnails were perfected, Hamilton then re-created the sketches on Bristol board with India ink. This was his favorite part of the process because as he filled in the lines and shapes with India ink he would listen to the radio. Hamilton then scanned in his drawing into the computer where he used Photoshop to color and edit his work. To personally witness the grandeur of his original art work that was used to compose this graphic novel, the pieces will still be showcased in the Mathis gallery until October 10th. Be sure to find the time to stop in: it’s definitely awe-inspiring!

It was an honor and inspiration to have met and talked with Tim Hamilton. He is a eloquent, kind and interesting man that makes stunning art. I have read Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and now Hamilton’s graphic novel and I can strongly say that Hamilton did an honorable, loyal and exquisite job of recreating Ray Bradbury’s original novel. Definitely, stop by a book store and get one sometime!

Article by Liv Gripko

The Horror! An Inside Look to English 358

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This semester the English Department’s Jay McRoy is teaching one of the most unique classes I have ever seen offered by this university: English 358—Contemporary European Horror. This class takes a deep analytical look at 13 films from different counties in regards to genre, psychoanalytical philosophies and social and political views. More than you thought you could find in a horror flick? You are not alone. Many people seem to look down on horror movies. So why European horror, or even horror in general? McRoy not only disagrees with those who look down on the entire genre, but explains a thing or two about these genres and his class.

When I asked why he chose contemporary European horror for this semester’s class, he said that “Most genre classes stick to the larger overarching genre classifications,” and that “with a scope that expansive I find it difficult to find any kind of sustained inquiry.” Mcroy stated that when the “horror genre is often grounded on paradoxes, it becomes difficult to get new-aged analysis” in a class that begins with the classics and works all the way through time. He chose contemporary horror from one part of the world so that he could spend his time, as well as the class discussions, in focusing on things that I never knew were part of the horror genre, things such as “shifting political climates.” He also told me about his past in working mostly Asian horror, primarily Japanese horror. He has multiple essays and articles published in the subject, as well as having written an entire book on Asian horror. Although he has taught a class in Asian horror before, he is looking for a refresher through other cultures, but could possibly return to it someday when he has “fresh eyes” for the subject matter.

To those people who say that horror movies as a whole are bad or that it is the worst genre, McRoy says, “Sometimes they are right. Most of the films created, a good 80-90 percent, are really bad.” He points out that most people feel this way because of a preconceived idea that all the horror movies are the same, which a lot of them are. “Horror is a genre that people assume is relatively easy because of certain tropes that are indicative of horror which then become cliché unless you’re going to push boundaries and do something new,” something that he strongly believes everyone should do. He points out that other types of movies also follow a formulaic ritual such as romantic comedies or the ever so popular superhero movie. These have a sort of “recipe” that they follow, and by going through the motions create sometimes the same movie over and over again. Never fear, there is a hope for these genres. McRoy says that “With any film tradition there are moments where you can be innovative. Take an element of horror cinema like a focus on bodies, have an image based on certain philosophies or social ideas.”

As a teacher and an artist, McRoy strongly thinks that everyone should create art. “I feel like everyone should create; write, paint, draw, even if you don’t have the talent for it. Because eventually you won’t be able to.” When asked about his own films that he has created as part of his art and the screenplays that go into making them, he says that because he is more of an experimentalist his screenplays are really a “series of prompts” rather than written dialogue. He believes that even a well-trained actor will read a dialogue as just that: a written dialogue. That being said, his belief in making art and doing things that you’d like to see done yourself because no one else is going to do it for you, makes him recommend a class being offered in screenwriting through both the English and the Theater departments next semester, which is to be taught by Patrick McGuire. I suggest that on top of picking up that class, make sure to keep an eye out for McRoy’s next film genre class. Chances are it won’t be in European horror, but I have no doubt that it will be interesting, challenging and well worth the time no matter what he chooses next.

Article by Krista Skweres

UW-Parkside Hosts Two Comic Book Inspired Art Exhibitions

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With school getting back into full swing, heavy loads of homework and studies, and the cold weather settling in, life can become flat and uninspiring. That is why I advocate that you all attend UW-Parkside’s galleries, where they’re currently hosting two excellent art shows. It will surely put a smile on your face and spark inspiration, as it did for me. Both feature a collection of beautiful and genius comic art. One gallery spotlights the comic art of local artists and the star Denis Kitchen and other national cartoonists.

The first exhibit, the Local Underground Comics exhibition features four talented, local artists: David Beyer, Jeff Moddy, Jerry Belland and Kristopher Pollard. It is located in the Foundation Gallery in Rita D101.

David Beyer’s is one of the local cartoonist and and an illustrator. In the gallery, his featured work is titled “Ballyho.” It is a stunning and emotion-filled graphic novel illustrated with pen and ink. The story is set in a 1955 circus. The main character is an eighteen year old girl, Mary Jo, who’s part of a freak show!

Jeff Moody is another local artist that runs a music review comic strip called “Stripwax,” which he began in 2000, and is featured in this gallery.The strip runs on music websites in US and Canada and in various weekly newspapers.

The third artist highlighted is Kpolly or Kristopher Pollard. This local illustrator and artist lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The gallery show cases 21 of his stunningly intricate pen and ink portraits of fictitious hip-hop rappers, entitled “Fake A$$ Rappers.” Each portrait coincides with a delightful and comically brief poem.

The final local artist featured is Jerry Belland. The gallery presents his colorful and vivid “Scott Walker in Hell” series. His political satire is illustrated with ink and acrylic, and sure to delight. If you could not already tell by his subject matter, Balland is a Racine, Wisconsin artist. He also is accomplished in writing and has had many of his works published.

The Local Underground Comics exhibition runs from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. I highly recommend you stop by and see the joyful and funny work of these local artists. The opening reception is on Thursday night, Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The second exhibition is “The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen.” The exhibit stars comic artist and Wisconsin native, Denis Kitchen and features a number of other national cartoonists like Al Capp, Will Eisner and Robert Crumb. Each artist’s work is delightful, brilliant, funny and is a must see. The exhibit is in the Fine Arts Gallery located in Rita D129. The gallery is open from Aug. 1 to Oct. 10. The opening reception is on Thursday Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., where Denis Kitchen will be presenting from 6:30 to 7:15 and Michael Schumacher at 7:30 to 8:30. Earlier that day, there will also be a panel discussion from 2 to 3:30 p.m.! I encourage all of you to attend!

 

Article by Liv Gripko

Submarine: Quirky and Cute

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The University’s well-known Foreign Film series started the season with a coming-of-age story written and directed by Richard Ayoade, primarily known to American audiences from his part in the 2012 film The Watch. The film stars Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins and Paddy Considine. The story tells a traditional coming-of-age story behind the life of 15 year-old Oliver Tate who is reaching the age where sex has become the most important thing in life. He sets out on a journey to lose his virginity, and along the way finds out that there is more to life. Young Oliver faces challenges throughout the film that make him re-evaluate those around him and even how he views himself, as most coming-of-age films do.

The main difference to this particular film in comparison to other teenage stories stands in that the movie almost seems self-aware. The film starts out with a message to the viewer, greeting American viewers specifically by introducing itself as a biopic film from Wales, and even describing how the audience would know Wales by naming world famous actors from there. He says that the events that happened in the film are important and to watch with care. It is signed by the protagonist, Oliver Tate. The film also shows itself as being self-aware by having moments where the leading actor talks directly to the audience about what is going on or what is about to take place on screen. These moments are usually followed by a quirky montage which gives the movie a certain charm that is usually lacking in most of this genre.

Another difference is that the movie seems to have a very unusual pace. Things that the viewer would typically think would take the entire movie to happen, took mere minutes. The film was broken into 3 parts, as well as an epilogue much like a novel would have. Each of the parts of the film had their own issues, their own main conflicts, as well as their own antagonists. With the different parts each having their own issues that needed to be resolved in equal parts of an hour and a half, the confrontations leading up to the main solution often happened in a shorter time frame than most movies. This both added to the film and took away. Certain things that usually would need more explanation seemed rushed, whereas other bits of plot which seemed unimportant, though entertaining, would have made the movie seem longer than it really was if it were dragged out more. Although the differences in the film did stand out, the similarities of the formulated genre were equally evident. Despite the hard attempt to make the movie have a hipster-esque sort of oddness, there was a lacking in surprise. Everything that usually happens in a story of a teenager finding themselves happened. Happy endings for all!

All in all, Adyoade’s 2010 film was enjoyable. With a cast that was very good at the type of “quirk” I believe Adyoade desired, and a unique take on how the film was introduced without the generic “based on a true story” hand-camera style, he was able to bring to the screen a film with the warm heartedness that viewers were looking for.

 

Article by Krista Skweres