Movies of the year 2007

The year 2007 wasn't very successful year for me in terms of watching many movies as I wanted to. My old days would never come back like I used to watch films in the MOMA's downstairs theathers when I didn't have classes in college. Anyway, these three titles are my picks for this passing year.


"Armin" directed Ognjen Svilicic, 2007. A croatian boy from his rural town comes to the city with his father to participate in an audition for a role in a movie. Minimizing the characters' spoken words throughout the movie, the relationship between the son and father is poignantly expressed, indirectly yet explicitly juxtaposing what they're going through during and post comminist era in that nation. 5 stars.



"Persepolis" directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi, 2007. Based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical comic, the always-curious, outspoken Iranian girl Marjane comes to age during the Islamic revolution. Compared to two other movies I picked here this one is probably less complicated except her politically charged background. I like the main character has been honest to herself, maybe it's a most difficult thing for a woman in the Islamic country sometimes. 4 stars.



"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" directed by Julian Schnabel, 2007. Although I am never a big fun of his paintings, his filmmaking is outstanding. The man Jean-Dominique is completing his book writing by communicating with his incredibly patient helper to dictate his words as to let this beautiful story came out as this french man's memoir in 1997. After a severe stroke, he has been paralyzed except his left eye & eye lid and ability to comprehend and imagine freely. The people around him such as speech therapists and family are ultimately encouraging and his presence itself is almost hope despite of his helpless condition. Yet, the story goes on narrated by this physically incapable man Jean-Do, the journalist & editor of Elle magainze, with his humor and wit that make this movie distinct. The cinematography is also remarkable, not too artsy, I was impressed by the colors and hues based on sand-washed soft blue and all kinds of lights that Schnabel and Janusz Kaminski intentionally used when we see the world from this lock-in sydrome man's eye.
4.8 stars.

Miami Art Fairs

Yes, I was in Miami as my second time to check out art fairs. Look how tired we were of seeing all these fairs (over 20 fairs?).
Actually we only made it out to about handful fairs and exhibitions. This is in front of CIFO.

Shanghart Installation at Art Basel Miami.

I was planning to upload more photos that I took with some comments but changed my mind. Just too much..
This is a taxidermy squirrel work by Elaine Bradford in Art Palace's room at Aqua art fair on Collins Avenue.

At Fredericke Taylor's booth in Pulse, baby Jesus was born in a manger of pizza.

Another work of Cheeses of Nazareth by Franco Mondini-Ruiz. Wishing you had a wonderful Christmas:)

Bowery Bash

A long waited new building of the New Museum finally opened its door.
http://www.newmuseum.org
Ugo Rondinone's "Hell, Yes!" welcomes the visitors.


The building has 7 floors with distinct characteristics to make you spend a whole day here. You can have a fantastic view of downtown from its top floor (sorry no picture) and the resource center is located on the 5th floor.

There is a theather in the basement. It turned a bar lounge to schmooze during the opening.

The building was designed by the Tokyo based architecture firm SANAA. It's simple yet some subtle details can be found at every corner. This 50 feet long, narrow staircase connects the 3rd and 4th floor.

The first floor lobby is open for free during the museum hours. There may not be DJs available every time but it's a definite stop when you are on lower East side!