The Blind Side: My Review.

"You're changing that boys life." "No. He's changing mine."
It's time to kick back and relax with this motion picture! If you haven't seen The Blind Side yet, I would definitely recommend it. Not because its one of my favourite films but mainly because it should be illegal not to have seen it!
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of seeing this stunning studio product, Ill give you a brief overview: The story follows a boy who grew up in the ghetto and later finds himself on the streets. Pining after an education to lead him to a better life than what his family have lead, he enrols at a school where his head teacher soon finds out his circumstance and takes him under her wing in a bid to help him achieve the better life he deserves. 
I don't want to give away the plot as I would love it if you took my recommendation and watched it too and let me know what you thought by commenting on this post. However, I will say that the story follows a heart-warming adventure that challenges the connections between middle and working-class citizens and the common misconception that middle-class citizens become oblivious to the less fortunate world around them. 
I am a huge fan of John Lee Hancock and was first in line to see the recent 'Saving Mr.Banks', his work takes the simplest things in life to a whole new level and bringing together polar opposites that somehow just click together in a way that not many people could pull off. 
Not only does this compelling story celebrate the great connections that Americans can have with one another but challenges the alienation of black, working class boys as a continual factor in society as Michael seeks the acceptance of his peers in school.
The film isn't all serious, it had me giggling in numerous parts and is highly entertaining as well as sincere, I perceive the term a 'must-see' to be much to  overused. However, in terms of how great this film really is, i'm going to go against my views and say... This film certainly is a must-see movie!
Ill leave you to get on Amazon, Netflix or wherever else you  are willing to watch this film and express your own views in the comments below! 
Thanks as always for taking time out of your day to read this, I'll be back posting again very soon!

Abbey

Photo of the Day: Robert Frank

Today's Photo of the Day is by Robert Frank, an American photographer from the 1950's. I thought I would share his work with you as I believe, similarly to Henri Cartoer-Bresson, he has moulded the way we look through the lens. Frank never used staged photography, and applaud him for that because what he has created with a simple camera and no organisation is astounding. Frank was a controversial post-war photographer and he gained his status as controversial through his depiction of America's inequality with black people, native Americans and women. This piece I'm showing you is, in my opinion, one of his greatest shots. The ambiance of America is really captured, in such an ordinary setting, so much isolation and alienation shines through each windowpane. Frank was never discriminative against anyone however he picked up on the social tension in society and I think this photograph is the best representation of what he saw. The black people show no emotion, but of course- what emotion could they possibly show? In a time where they were looked down on like diet on the bottom of a shoe, they didn't hold much hope. 

This piece is pretty much self explanatory so I won't go on for too long but if you do have a spare minute, check out "The Americans", which is a picture book published by Frank containing all of his most powerful pieces, and powerful they are!!

Thank you as always for taking time to read this, I'll be back soon! 

Abbey. 

The Shawshank Redemption: My Review.

This film HAS to be one of the  planet's most rated films. But i'm gonna rate it some more...
There's nothing I can really say that hasn't already been said but I never get tired of reading reviews on The Shawshank Redemption. For those of you who haven't already seen it (And I would highly recommend it if you haven't) the plot is based upon a man that is falsely convicted of killing his wife and her "bit on the side". Whilst inside the prison, Andy soon realises there's no real escape. Brooks, a friend he makes on the inside, was set "free" from Shawshank institution only to commit suicide due to the fact he just couldn't get to grips with everything that had changed since he was summoned to the cells 20 years beforehand. Andy also befriends a character named Red who proves to be very inspirational.
For those who have seen it, I apologise about the recap, so here goes the review...
I think its absolutely fantastic how the idea of freedom is portrayed throughout the movie, even when Brooks is released, he feels so isolated by a society that has changed so much that he feels he has no other option but to take his own life (ironically the crime that landed him in jail in the first time). "Maybe I should get me a gun and rob the Food-Way, so they'd send me home.", the message in the film is so powerful, the idea of 'prison' being homely and safer than the outside world left me gob-smacked. Why? Because in reality, its the truth. Most communication that's had between an inmate and an ex-inmate is through letters, emphasising the disconnection from the 'inmates family'.
Skipping to all my key favourite parts (I don't want to bore you for too long!), Andy later manages to escape through a hole in his wall covered up by a photograph of Marilyn Monroe provided by Red, which I think shows a real turning point in the power of women. Some argue this is controversial as it objectified women however in reality, Marilyn Monroe was the one that allowed Andy his freedom. Red earns the respect of the viewers right from the get-go so its no surprise that we're all weeping tears of joy when he's finally released from Shawshank. For me, he is the main source of hope in the film. And it is hope that keeps the inmates together.
Anyway, I could go on for ever but the film really  speaks for itself so no matter how old you are, what films you're normally into go out, grab a copy and put your feet up! Its a truly magnificent film with a fantastic performance from both Freeman (as usual) and Robbins, it had me riding the infamous emotion roller-coaster right the way through.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read this! I'll finish with my favourite quote from the film:

"I have trouble sleeping at night. I have bad dreams, like i'm falling. I wake up scared. Sometimes it takes me a while to remember where I am. Maybe I should get me a gun and rob the Food-Way, so they'd send me home. I could shoot the manager while I was at it, sort of like a bonus. I guess I'm too old for that sort of nonsense anymore. I don't like it here. I'm tired of being afraid all the time. I've decided not to stay. I doubt they'll kick up any fuss. Not for an old crook like me." -Brooks Hatlen


Thanks again, Abbey.

Photo of the Day!

As a graphics design student I am forever coming across new and exciting pieces of art and photography so I thought I would start sharing them on my blog. I came across this piece the other day, it's by a up and coming photographer named Daniella Zalcman (I would recommend a Google search!) and thought it was so good I would add it into my personal study (mini end-of-year dissertation). I love the way Zalcman has captured the depth of London, the stereotype of London's extravagant sights covering the city is challenged by London's larger Business sector. I love the way the scenery merges together to create a beautiful scene, showing off all that is good about the industrial revolution.
Anyway, even if this piece isn't your thing I'm trying to add a diverse range of photographs to my blog so check back another day to see what else I have posted! If you are a fan of Zalcman, you can also check again for more breath-taking pieces! Thanks for looking.

Henri Cartier-Bresson... Wow!

So, I have been doing a personal study in graphics and chose to explore 'The Development of Urban Photography' and came across this piece by Henri Cartier-Bresson. I have to say I had never really looked at photography from before the 1950's as I found a lot of it was very cliché. That been said, I am a sucker for the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson and I am thoroughly amazed!
The layer upon layer of detail incorporated in this piece is astonishing considering the distinct lack of developed technology in the 1930s. I love how the photograph contradicts the stereotypes of Paris at the time. The backdrop displays nothing but  shabby scenery in a supposedly middle-class/tourist section of Paris and the silhouettes have no identity where the people are supposedly distinguished, lavish and out-going. 
Photography from the earlier days may not be everyone's cup of tea but I think this piece should be an exception! Henri is certainly a talented man, with nothing but a simple camera and a head for photojournalism!

Introduction to my blog!

Hi there! 

My name is Abbey, I am a 17 year old student studying English, Graphic Design, Business Studies and Sociology at 6th Form. I am passionate about media (photography, media production and digital journalism) so I decided to set up this blog! Follow me on my journey through the digital world where I will post my work, progress and opinions on various pieces of other pieces of work. 
Thanks for looking!

Abbey :)