Author Archives: Cimaxion

The Live Streaming Supersonic Freefall From Space

by Cimaxion

Red Bull is a drink company that I always associate with a general low-brow, trailer trash sort of existence. Chances are if you are drinking Red Bull you are an abject fool in a tank top. Maybe you’ve got a tattoo right at the top part of your ass. You’re just a lumbering primate who thinks they need some extra energy. Okay? Deal with it.

But this former Air Force parachutist is preparing to jump out of a balloon capsule from 23 miles up wearing a pressurized suit that will allow him to survive a supersonic fall from the edge of space. That’s pretty interesting because you just have to wonder if he will make it in one piece. Can a person re-enter earth’s atmosphere from space? I’m sure one can. I enjoy this little advertising film for the live stream of the jump. Hopefully, the stream will actually show us something in the next few days since inclement weather has so far delayed the jumper, Felix Baumgartner.

The live stream of the Stratos jump will be here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zDxLl-qDy1A#!

Masters of Photography: Diane Arbus

by Cimaxion

This 1972 documentary on the brilliant photographer Diane Arbus contains her own words which turn out to be quite possibly some of the most penetrating observations and comments about the art of photography that one will ever hear. She says she never takes a photograph that she intended. She says what a photograph is of is more important than what it is.

 

Grand Central: Animation by Fred Aujas

by Cimaxion

Okay, I have no idea what this is but it was submitted to my Vimeo short films group and I like it. It has a goofy look and it just makes me laugh even though it’s in French. It actually appears to be the work of a graphic designer named Fred Aujas. Here is how his web site describes this little film:

Outrageously Ferocious and vulgar !
A trashy animated series worthy of the great grindhouse films of the 70s.

I mean seriously this thing should just go straight through to a full-blown TV series. Right now.

The artist has a very cool web site.

The Quixotic Videos of Steve Roden

by Cimaxion

Artbound produced this short documentary video about artist and video-maker Steve Roden whose recent work has taken inspiration from composer John Cage, philosopher Walter Benjamin and choreographer Martha Graham.

The artist says,

I think failure is one of the most important things you have as a maker because that’s when you learn the most and you realize what you want. It’s not just about doing something bitchin’.

Artbound has an article about the artist’s recent exhibition.

Aelita Queen of Mars: First Russian Science Fiction Film 1924

by Cimaxion

This is regarded as being the first Soviet science fiction film. Made in 1924, it’s an operatic scenario involving a mysterious radio signal sent toward earth, a scientist who builds a spaceship to get to the red planet only to find a totalitarian state, and a dictator’s daughter who wants to lead a revolution. There’s even a hammer and sickle to go along with the establishment of a socialist republic on Mars.

The film combines outlandish stage scenery representing Mars with the gritty streets and factories of Moscow. There’s some really beautiful photography and truly absurd costumes throughout.

Directed By Yakov Protozoan
Written By Aleksei Fajko and Fyodor Otsep
Based On A Play By Aleksei Tolstoy

All six parts of the film can be seen in this YouTube playlist.