Michael Semoff

"Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost"

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TANK GIRL: Color Classics Trilogy ( Hewlett & Martin / 1988-1995 )

Titan Comics (box set - 2022)

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"Forbidden Fruit"

Alex Garland's directorial work has become less mainstream-penetrable with each new entry, and his latest "Men" works almost exclusively as a twisty, folk horror-laden stream of conscienceness. There are big ideas here, a pair of stellar performances, and a film that is bold and utterly enthralling in it's audacity.

"Men" (Dir. Alex Garland - 2022)

Starring: Jessie Buckley, Rory Kinnear

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Right at home in the "New French Extremity" subgenre of the 2000s, "Titane" is a savagely violent, Cronenberg-esque Body-horror film, and a kinda weird, kinda sweet familial drama? Oh hell, descriptors needn't apply here; a woman gets impregnated by a car in Julia Ducournau's ("Raw") batshit insane and highly controversial "Palm D'or" winner! Just see it.

"Titane" (Dir. Julia Ducournau - 2021)

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Robert Altman's "Gosford Park" features one of the most breathlessly impressive acting ensembles committed too film, as well as a dizzyingly dense and rewarding screenplay (Wr. Julian Fellowes - a precursor of sorts too his own "Downton Abbey"); concerning the inner-functions of a posh, British country estate and hunting lodge over the course of a weekend's festivities.

The manor's bougoise upper floor and maid and cook-centric lower level are meticulously explored amidst dozens of characters from differing classes and... motivations - last of which is key, when "Gosford Park" ultimately becomes what it was always meant too; an exhaustively detailed, performance padded, who-dunnit, murder mystery!

"Gosford Park" (Dir. Robert Altman - 2001)

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In the same way Eloise is transported each night to the seedy London of the early 60s in the film, so does Edgar Wright transport his audience too a different era in mainstream filmmaking entirely.

"Last Night in Soho" (Dir. Edgar Wright - 2021)

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"Death as a Dancer" (pencils and sketch pens)

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"11:00pm/ Out Back (Waiting)" (pencils + sketch pens on recycled paper)

"A brisk spring air, too be sure."

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"Rider of the Second Horse" (pencils and sketch pens of recycled paper)

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"The Art of Robert E. McGinnis" (2014)

A modern master. A sublime hardcover compendium.

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"Runway.Runaway" (pencils and sketch pens on recycled paper)

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"Sheet Music/ Sunday Morning" (pencils and sketch pens)

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"Hateful" (pens and pencils)

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"Moonlight" (pencils + pens)

"Beneath the bebop moon, I want to croon with you. Beneath the mambo sun, I got to be the one..."

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Found these remnants recently of an obsessive Wes Anderson phase (circa 2004? Around there). Back then, my routine was a simple one: School, Movies, sketching, repeat. Wes Anderson definitely opened my eyes too cinema outside the confines of my local multiplex. Of that, I'm greatful!

(Inspiration and replication courtesy of The Criterion Collection and the fabulous work of Eric Chase Anderson)

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"Milliner" (pencils, pens, ink)

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"Nomad" (pencils, pens, sketchbook)

"And the earth becomes my throne. I adapt to the unknown; under wandering stars I've grown. By myself, but not alone."

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"Vagabond" (pencils, pens, sketchbook)

"Anywhere I roam... where I lay my head is home."