HBO Films "John Adams"

It always seems when I don't have the time to actually sit down and fully enjoy televison, there's something amazing on. I've been glued to HBO Films' miniseries, John Adams. Not only due to the fact that I love the period of Colonial America, but the way the movie is presented is simply phenomenal. The film, which is supposed to be the most historically accurate film on the subject to date, is real eye candy in terms of production. In the "Making Of" segment, it was mind-blowing to find out that nearly all of the scenes were matte painted; the attention to historical detail; the set designs; costumes. . .WOW. The visuals and music during the opening credits is mesmerizing, and, not to forget, the film's content in itself, is presented beautifully. It's the most entertaining history lesson you can get. Learning so much as I watch this, I can't help but wonder (and the filmmakers brought this up, too) what sort of country would the U.S. have become if we didn't have men like John Adams, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson alive together at the same time as they were? The era truly marked what I view as the American Renaissance. God Bless America. I can't wait to see the last few episodes.

John Adams Theme Song (HBO Intro)

John Adams: Making Of (HBO)

The Artiste Reinvents Himself Again

It's been a while since I've spent a typical Friday night out at the movies, and when it comes to movies with Johnny Depp in the lead, well, I'm usually one of the ones in line for the midnight release. This is because I know I'm always going to be surprised to see what Depp is going to do next. Sweeney Todd was something else. Putting all the gore and cringing aside, I think the movie was masterfully done. The creative results that arise from the Depp/Burton duo are always bound to be something, and it is proved once again with this film. The scenes, costumes, and cinematography were super, and I especially loved the film's monochromatic color key. And Johnny Depp a singer? Don't know much about singing but it sounded good to me.

I never cease to be amazed by the cool roles Depp chooses, and the level of creativity he brings to each of them. He's a true artist, and I applaud his originality and the fact that when watching him, you're seeing someone who truly loves what they're doing. Such people are inspirational to me as an artist. Check out the movie if you're not too squeamish. For the artistic sake of it, it's really worth it.