Thurston on Mike Watt

Albert

Midnight Star Wednesday

What’s the matter with this place?

For when I’m asked ‘where are you from then?’



I grew up about a couple of miles away from most of the opening shots. And I sailed acrss the South Forty Foot on a potato pallet when I was 14.



I have line danced too. Well, I was made to, that's my excuse.



There are also here collectors of Morris Marinas, double decker buses and a man who made a private railway in his own garden.

Solaris & Stalker

The original 1972 Solaris is a slow film. Even when compared, which it often is, to 2001. But there is something quite beautiful about the way it’s shot. I like the opening scene in the forest and the rather peculiar ‘road’ scene that goes on, and on, and on.






The director Tarkovsky considered the film a failure and preferred his 1979 Stalker.

Pierre Huyghe

When I'm asked 'who's your favourite artist', the first person who springs to mind is Pierre Huyghe. In 2007 a retrospective of his work was held at the Tate Modern. As soon as I walked through the (moving) front doors I was interested. But if I'm honest some of the work (which you can see in the video) was a bit 'meh'. I understand the idea and concept of ownership; it was just a bit impersonal and dry.

But then I saw his video work, in particular ‘Streamside Day’ and something just clicked. Inventing a carnival for a new housing development is more than just telling stories and exploring the concept of ownership (there’s that word again). There's warmth and a human quality to it.

You'll find little about Pierre on the Internet. Have a look at his Wikipedia page, read about his journey to find an albino penguin and if you have a chance to go to a gallery and look at his work, go. You won’t regret it.

High Scores

High scores is the story of Bill Carlton, an Oregon man who attempts to smash the high score record held for the Missile Command coin op. So how high is that score? Pretty high: 80 million points. He had to play non-stop for two days. Sounds boring right? Ah but you’re overlooking this everyman’s determination and the sheer despair he experiences when his coin op crashes a day in, simply because it’s too old. Does he make it? Find out. don't know how, it's not on Amazon, but keep an eye out.

Wes Anderson Wednesday

Today's music is Creation 'Making Time', featured in the film 'Rushmore'.



Then, The Who 'A Quick One While He's Away', which is in Wes' film The Royal Tenenbaums.



I love the way Keith mimes away.

Faith