O Tamaiti: young boy who is expected to play guardian to his siblings
"Sima Urale's debut short film, beautifully realised in black and white, tells the story of a young Samoan boy who is expected to play guardian to his siblings. As his parents struggle in their new country, he is overwhelmed by the responsibility. When faced with his grief, the adults fail to recognise his pain. Poignant attention to details that convey a child's perspective (eg. the movement of a spacies game and shopping trolley are intercut) saw O Tamaiti win awards at film festivals around the globe, including the prestigious Silver Lion at Venice."
(NZ On Screen)
Fig. 1 Dir. Sima Urale, 15mins, NZ, 1996, black & white, 1.1:66
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
Ophelia re-visited through vacant expressions and alienating surroundings
"In 1851-1852 John Everett Millais painted a canvas that would become his most famous work: Ophelia. This compelling picture of the tragic heroine of Shakespeare's Hamlet, floating in the water, has inspired artists for generations. Striking parallels to Millais's oeuvre are to be found in the work of contemporary photographers, such as Rineke Dijkstra, Hellen van Meene, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin. The influence of Ophelia is noticeable in the models' vacant expressions, the hushed atmosphere of the compositions and the alienating surroundings. ...
Ophelia is also referred to in film and pop music. For instance, Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue based their music video where the wild roses grow on the painting by Millais. Another example is the cover picture of PJ Harvey's album To bring you my love."
(Van Gogh Museum)
Fig.1 Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue (1996). "Where the Wild Roses Grow".
Fig.2 PJ Harvey (1995). "Down By The Water".
Fig.3 John Everett Millais (1851-52). "Ophelia".
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
