Saturday, August 6, 2011

[New post] Check out Patrick Meaney's documentary on legendary comic scribe Warren Ellis: 'Captured Ghosts'

Check out Patrick Meaney's documentary on legendary comic scribe Warren Ellis: 'Captured Ghosts'

A larger than life icon of modern comic books, Warren Ellis. Already established in comics, it wasn't until his Vertigo series Transmetropolitan gained a cult following that Ellis became the focus of the public eye. One of his boldest and most profitable ideas was to relate to his readers through the internet in ways that have yet to be topped. This relationship created a deep bond between the author and reader, making the experience personal and unique (akin to his one time column for CBR.com 'Come in Alone'). I even emailed him once for suggestions on a handheld writing device that I planned on purchasing. He comes across in his writing as a curmudgeon and a cranky old man, but the story I have heard is that he is a fun-loving guy who just adores comics, smoking, music and cigarettes... but not necessarily in that order.

Interviewed in a marathon eight hours with several cans of Red Bull, bottles of whiskey and a forest of discarded cigarette butts surrounding him, Ellis provided some deep insight into his writing process and his relationship with his readers. The documentary was previewed at the San Diego Comic Con (coverage here) where fans clamored for more.

I met filmmaker Patrick Meaney online and shared a table with him at MoCCA in NY when I premiered my own project Zebramag. Patrick went on to direct a stunning documentary on Grant Morrison that attracted the attention of comicdom and beyond including Wired Magazine. Currently it is one of the most popular documentaries on Hulu (but please buy a copy).

Patrick's Warren Ellis documentary looks to be the closest you can get to the writer without actually sharing his cigarette fumes.

Trailer
watch?v=CLEg6gxzxRk

Warren Ellis sees the future. He is a comic book writer and cyberpunk philosopher living on the edge of tomorrow. He speaks to a cult audience of artists, journalists, scientists and fans who hail him as INTERNET JESUS.

The film features the most extensive interview Ellis has ever given, and spans his life, from his first memory watching the moon landing as a child, to his recent cross-media success with the film adaptation of Red. Along the way, Ellis's acerbic wit and core belief in humanity comes across like never before.

Complimenting Ellis's own words are interviews with his artistic collaborators, friends and admirers from across all media, including actress Helen Mirren, comedian Patton Oswalt, Adult Film Star Stoya, Musician Claudio Sanchez (of Coheed and Cambria), comics writers Matt Fraction and Antony Johnston, and futurist Jamais Cascio. Ellis's comics collaborators like Marvel Comics CCO Joe Quesada, artists Darick Robertson, Ben Templesmith and Phil Jimenez also provide insight into Ellis's mind and creative workings. The film features numerous ambient interludes that spotlight Ellis's prose and writing from both his online columns and his comics.

The film was shot over the course of 2010 and 2011 in England, San Diego and New York, and is nearing the end of photography now. It will be completed by the summer, released theatrically in the Fall with a late 2011 DVD release to follow.

The film was directed by Patrick Meaney, shot by Jordan Rennert, and produced by Respect Films and Sequart, as a followup to the critically acclaimed Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods

Transmetropolitan clip
watch?v=vG2ZagzG1F4

More info here: http://www.warrenellismovie.com/

Bonus:

Here's a preview of Patrick's forthcoming X-Men documentary...

watch?v=BxJSL6uqiCM

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Picasso cushion collection at the Conran Shop

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 08:30 AM PDT

Picasso

Coming next month to the Conran Shop is the new Picasso cushion collection, a range that has been developed exclusively for the Conran Shop, in association with the Picasso Foundation.

The latest cushions feature three different pieces of the great man's artwork - Matador (1970), Portrait of a woman with a hat (1962) and Head of the Woman (1962). All have been created by specialist craftsmen at a mill outside Paris, the cushions combining the traditions of tapestry with art that is anything but traditional.

All are available from September for £69 each. if you can't wait that long, the original collection of three designs is still available online for the same price.

Find out more at the Conran Shop website

Midcentury-style Nina occasional chair at John Lewis

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 08:19 AM PDT

Nina

Liking the quirkiness of this new arrival at John Lewis, the Nina occasional chair.

A new piece, but with a midcentury-inspired design and a funky bit of upholstery (Voyage fabric), very much in keeping with the era that inspires it. Those legs are stained hardwood, as are the back supports.

If you want one, £599 is the price.

Find out more at the John Lewis website

eBay watch: 1950s midcentury-style mini sideboard

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 06:11 AM PDT

50s

It could probably be described in various ways, but we're naming it as a mini sideboard, which is up for auction now and still at a modest price.

A 1950s design with a midcentury look, this sideboard or cabinet open to offer up two shelves for storage within, those doors finished off with those contrasting period handles. Also worth noting are those angled legs and overhanging sides, with the veneer said to be 'birch or pear' (no, we don't get the latter either).

According to the seller, the sideboard is in 'very good original condition', with some scratches on the 'top plate' and 'small veneer damage' on top edge of one door (which isn't visible when the door is shut). Price is reasonable right now though, standing at £12.50.

Find out more at the eBay website

George Nelson-like Solaris wall clock at Asda

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 05:05 AM PDT

Nelson

Are you thinking what we're thinking? Yes, this Solaris wall clock at Asda has more than a passing resemblance to the midcentury George Nelson clock range. Specifically the George Nelson Ball Clock. But this is much, much cheaper.

For good reason too. This isn't a Nelson design, it lacks the character and colour for a start. Indeed, we suspect the materials aren't up to the official reissue either. 'Hi-shine silver metal' and plastic are mentioned in the product description.

But it certainly has the look and it has price very much on its side. Right now, this 35.5cm diameter clock is just £5 online. Battery extra of course.

Find out more at the Asda website

Puma Suede Classic Eco trainers

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 04:30 AM PDT

Classic

It's a style we've featured many times, but as the name suggests, the Puma Suede Classic Eco trainers offer something a little extra - they've gone green.

Not in colour, we're talking a red and grey mix for that. We means in terms of the materials used. According to Puma, this version of the 1970s basketball classic is made from recycled, ecologically sound materials and practices, but without losing any of the style features.

Those include a suede upper, contrast stripes and laces plus a vulcanised sole. £55 is the price.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Wooden Skittles Set from Dotcomgiftshop

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 12:53 AM PDT

Skittle

Be prepared to be bowled over by this nifty Wooden Skittles Set from Dotcomgiftshop; guaranteed to get you off the sofa and outside in the garden to indulge in some good old fashioned fun this summer.

Suitable for kids big & small, the set comes with twelve wooden pins, a ball and a bag, making it a must have for summer staycations. It's also suitable for indoor use should August prove to be a grey one. Retro rounders and croquet sets are also available in the range.

The set is £39.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.

Decker scatter cushion from Made.com

Posted: 05 Aug 2011 12:53 AM PDT

Bus

You could say we have a bit of a thing for the Routemaster bus, but with so many goodies out there adorned with this iconic piece of transport history, it's no wonder.

This Decker scatter cushion from Made.com is the latest in a long line of Routemaster memorabilia that you can sit on. The oversized cushion is covered in Warhol-esque pop art versions of the great British bus in a multitude of colours. There's also a matching bench available on the site.

£39 from Made.comSee the website for more details.

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