I can remember when the internet really began to be social. I can remember when I first came across the word ‘Blog’. What is that supposed to be? All started with MSN Spaces and the popularity that was Messenger. A perfect way to keeping in touch with people and the very first popular real-time communication vessel. Now I don’t know anyone who actually uses Messenger? I do have one big thing to thank to Messenger though.

Facebook changed things in a big way. There wasn’t much that was innovative or different on Facebook initially and the functionality was limited. Poke people, turn them into a vampire, send people flowers, vote for each other and upload some photos. Anything else? I can remember when I first set up a profile, I was really disappointed that I could not customise it to how I wanted it. I was a fan of MySpace initially as I could have the freedom to make my profile really different. As well as uploading photos, music, message people and post blogs etc.

It is incredible to see how the two horse race was won by the slower horse. Really it was! It was almost like a two cars coming on the market, one with power steering, AC, ABS, Sat Nav, bigger engine, stronger chassis, Slip Diff etc etc, the other with only half of that. Both at the same price. The winner, is the latter less features car. Why? Popularity.

Another similar fad that gets me confused. PC and Mac. To use the car analogy once more, the PC that is unreliable, cheaply made and slow against the stunning, reliable and fast Mac. Most people wish to drive the slow car that breaks down often. Why? Popularity.

In this world of innovation and design, it is not always the best that wins. Remember Betamax? What can often be a market leader, is just simply down to what is popular because if everyone else has one, you want one too.

I have set up a new Facebook account despite my whining and complaining. Don’t hate me, I’m just like you.

I love independent cinema and I especially love beautifully shot films. Being a photography enthusiast, as soon as I read anything that says, ‘Beautifully shot’, ’stunning cinematography’ or ‘perfectly filmed’, I feel compelled to go see it. I’m a fan of using the full landscape to show a scene and use the actors to interact with their surroundings. That not only makes it easier to watch but it brings out so much more than someone’s face or body language. You can almost see how we are a part of this earth and I love films that can show this to full extent.

Let me explain a little further. Wonderful Town was set in a sleepy post-Tsunami coastal town in the south of Thailand. For me, that part of Thailand (and the world) is exceptionally beautiful and it would be a crying shame to not include that stunning scenery as part of the film. It was achieved brilliantly. There was no complicated plot. A not very extensive script. A very basic storyline. Very few actors. On paper this would make quite a unappealing film to go and see. The beauty of Wonderful Town was all of the aforementioned characteristics. What was left was the interaction of the people in their environment in such a beautiful way.

Simplicity at its very best. Uncomplicated, unpretentious and very engaging. One such scene was very emotional to me. The lead character standing on the beach looking out to sea while the sun sets. Being a city person this was something that he did not get to see and the full splendour was shown with little camera movements and using the natural light. Accompanying this was a simple acoustic guitar soundtrack that added to its simplicity. The shot remained still and the character walks from edge to edge of the view, edited with some close ups of a face of thought, emotion and happiness. Nothing complicated, no effects and capturing beauty in the environment with a human beings’ interaction. I can relate to that so much as I was lucky enough to live there for a while too.

Why make a film that misses out the context of environment? Why use out of focus, shaky and close up shots of actors when it misses out on the full picture? A true masterpiece can sometimes say nothing much at all but speaks more words of wisdom through the whole picture. Pretentious?? Bah!

Also see for cinematography:

• Lost in Translation
• No Country for Old Men
• Apocalypse Now
• American Beauty
• Blade Runner

Catch me in the Land of Smiles this June.

Until then please check back soon as something should be appearing jolly soon.