graeme mitchell

“I am Cuba” was a film done as Cuban social propaganda in the sixties, which I won’t pretend to know anything about, politics that is…or the sixties. It was funded and shot by the Russians, and it is an absolute must see if you’re into beautiful and trippy film experiences. Incredibly long takes, wide angles, huge huge pans and cable cam shots, all black and white, a camera that NEVER stops moving. I’ll just say, that half way through I was exhausted b/c I had numerous ideas tumbling around in my head inspired by the film. For more specific details on the movie read here.

My personal suggestion is put the film on, turn the volume off on the tv, turn on some Air, and just let it go.

still: from I am Cuba

still: from I am Cuba

still: from I am Cuba

still: from I am Cuba

I look much to literature for inspiration, and much to film. I don’t know anything about cinematography except that most contemporary work is of little interest to me, but the work I’ve seen of Christopher Doyle’s has always impressed me in it’s beauty and it’s effortlessness. See In the Mood for Love, Hero, 2046, Chungking Express. The Wong Kar Wai films can be trying, but visually they’re worth the effort I think.

still from 2046

still from 2046

still from Hero