Commentary &Daily post &SpornFilms 10 Oct 2009 08:12 am
Sendak/Poe
– NYC is currently celebrating Maurice Sendak. This obviously has all to do with the release of the new Spike Jonze feature based on the book, Where the Wild Things Are. The artwork, twelve drawings and two manuscript pages, will be on view in the Morgan Library‘s historic McKim building. The exhibit extends from now through Nov. 1st. (There’s a hefty admission fee – @12 – to the museum, but they also have a William Blake exhibit on display. As their catalogue reads: on display are “Blake’s most spectacular watercolors, prints, and illuminated books of poetry to dramatically underscore his genius and enduring influence.”)
The Animazing Gallery is featuriing another Sendak show. On display will be more than 200 pieces by Mr. Sendak. There will also be etchings, limited editions and posters for sale.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with the site Terrible Yellow Eyes, but I thought I’d mention it in case there are those who are not. It’s a site built to post artwork by invited artists who were inspired by Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. There are a lot of good, creative pieces on display at this site.
– As you all may or may not know, I’m working hard to put together an animated feature length biography of Edgar Allan Poe. I have become somewhat addicted to information about Poe and have continually sought more. Even though the script is complete and some of the voices are recorded, I’ve been planning some significant changes to the scope of the script and story. Naturally enough, I have a site dedicated to this film (Poestory.net) and infrequently update information in the production notes section.
This is the 200th anniversary for Poe, and two interesting events have come to my attention:
. The NYTimes reported that two ceremonial burials will be held for E. A. Poe this coming Sunday to celebrate the author. Poe’s death was so peculiar that he ended up buried in a pauper’s grave, then moved to the current grave. Fewer than 10 people attended the original service. The city of Baltimore is hoping to get it right this time.
. Secondly, The Baltimore Museum of Art has just opened a show that features artwork that celebrates Poe and his stories. Lots of Manet (who did an illustrated version of The Raven – above right – in 1875), Odilon Redon and even a Robert Motherwell.
I’m seriously thinking about making a trip to Baltimore, soon.
on 10 Oct 2009 at 12:08 pm 1.Scott Harpel said …
Poe Story (I assume that’s not the final name) looks excellent from top to bottom, I think considering the richness of the subjects life and stories 105 minutes would not be overly long, especially if yo find some great info. The voice talent looks great, although I always wand to hear Alan Rickman do the Telltale Heart.
After this perhaps an similar film for Edward Gorey!
Just kidding, always been a wish of mine since the credits for Mystery.
on 10 Oct 2009 at 4:53 pm 2.Michael said …
Thanks for the comment. Everything’s in the earliest stages.
The title’s POE.
on 11 Oct 2009 at 5:45 pm 3.Elliot Cowan said …
In the fifth grade we were asked to memorize a poem.
I don’t know if we were assigned El Dorado by Poe, or if I chose it myself but it stands to be just about the single thing I’ve deliberately committed to memory and retained (for about 25 years now, I think).
on 13 Oct 2009 at 10:06 am 4.Doug said …
Poe looks fantastic in all ways! Just spent quite some time pouring over the various posts. How exciting! I wish you all the success with the film – a wonderful subject and what you’ve posted looks to be a wonderful fit the man and his work.