Reviewing the Already Reviewed

I generally don't like to write about what has already been written, especially when it's to the point of exhaustion. However, I'll turn some attention to a couple must-see things I've recently witnessed and do my best to maneuver some new content between the lines.

In order of appearance, I finally went to the Kara Walker show at The Whitney this past weekend (picture from The New York Times).
While aware of Walker's work for years, this was actually the first time I've seen those graphic large scale paper cut-outs. They are rich visually, in content, in being able to disturb, and in having a cartoon whimsy. Walker is fixated on racism in America and she's managed on crafting something which is both beautiful and ugly (at least in her best work). Some of her paintings and drawings serve more as an ugly function and while they don't offer as much of a gut-hitting experience, they do show an artist full of creative discontent. Racism is alive, and Kara Walker isn't afraid to take that difficult fact and kick you in the teeth with it.

Next Up: There Will Be Blood

I wasn't sure what to expect when I finally got to see this picture. Yes, the trailers looked promising and I had been a follower of Paul Thomas Anderson's other work (though not an avid one). Attempts to see the movie the first week of its release was a frustrating experience. It had gotten its Golden Globe nominations while it was playing in just one theater in New York City. It struck me as a poor way to circulate a film, but I digress.

Those packed theaters were completely warranted. In what has been a year of some fantastic movies, this was an excellent way to end the year (or begin this new one). The story, obviously, has its connection between blood and oil. One will kill to protect such a thing and one will overlook his own blood (as in son) to acquire every last drop of it. It's in the character of Daniel Plainview that this story digs into dark territory. Plainview, a much more complicated character than I've seen played out in years, is a mix of Travis Bickle and Charles Foster Kane. Despite being crude and having very few opportunities handed to him, Plainview is full of cunning. This, and his awareness of the human condition, only makes him want to destroy and exploit all of those around him. Somehow, despite his chilling deeds, we also see someone that is still enjoyable. Plainview isn't completely without compassion, he just lacks any when he needs it most. Sprinkle in a few slimy characters and God and I found myself at one of the best American movies I've ever seen. Please go and buy a ticket for it now.