So, yesterday I was out and about working on a side project, about to head home actually, when while at metro La Tour-Maubourg I couldn’t catch a train because they were all packed with Sri-Lankan protesters heading to manifest at Ecole Militaire. About the third train that stopped the conductor said, “The next station is saturated and it would be a better idea for the protesters to walk to Ecole Militaire, because he wasn’t moving”.

As a river of enthusiastic yet peaceful protesters disembarked the train and flowed up the stairs to the street I said to myself, “I’ve got my camera and some time; let’s check this out and maybe get some photos.” I’m happy I did. I took about 120 photos, some good some really not so good.

If you like I posted some others in my Flickr profile. You can head over there and check out the other photos  from Sri-Lankan (Tamouls) Manifest at Ecole Militaire Paris 4, Fev, 2009

Hey All,
I wanted to share this short that I came across. In my opinion it is way beyond excellent. Almost no dialogue I believe it is a piece that crosses cultural lines.

SIGNS from tr3nt3trois on Vimeo.

This piece was an entry into THE SCHWEPPES SHORT FILM FESTIVAL. You might notice some not so covert product placement of Schweppes and Coca-Cola. But hey maybe it was part of the rules since they sponsored the festival.

image credit: ©2007 Film 99 Francs-Pathé Distribution-Arte France Cinéma credit photos: Bernard Benant.

Let me first say that I am not in the habit of reviewing films nor will this blog be centered around film review. This is a one time thing.

This film, directed by Jan Kounen (which is based on the book 99 Francs written by Frédéric Beigbeder) is believed by myself to be a humorous commentary on consumerism. Working for agencies and being in this atmosphere I was already aware of consumerism, and I have to say that I am o.k. with that to an extent. Of course there are clients and ideas that I personally wouldn’t represent, but the general idea of shaping the public perception of an idea, company or product was and probably will remain to be the reason why I entered the field of advertising and design. You can hate me if you want, but remember this is a two way street. It takes spin and a healthy budget to advance the most noble of causes.

A brief synopsis of the film (and I mean brief): I’ll try not to spoil it.

Set in 2001 Paris, France – Octave, (Jean Dujardin) a successful ad-man lives the life that would make a rock star blush. He gorges himself with alcohol, cocaine and women. He is put on a pedal stool and his ego is stroked by his co-workers and hangers-on. A difficult client and a love interest that goes awry drive him to partake in more and more alcohol, women and of course drugs. After a series of events he is compelled to re-evaluate his priorities and profession. I told you it was brief.

Filled with transcendental dream sequences and superb art direction this film speaks to the viewers creative side. Even if you don’t agree with the message and the portrayal of the ad business the visual stimulus is enough to keep you entertained.

For those who aren’t already familiar with the ad-business “99 Francs” offers a step by step look into the self-fulfilling world of advertising and PR. More importantly, for those who wish to be or who already are in the realm of the advertising world the film brings you face to face with consumerism and overall excesses in our industry. For me, I was also able to come to terms with where I draw the line in what ideas, companies and products I would represent and at what price. The constant theme of consumerism is prevalent through-out the film, but there isn’t much of a stand for or against. There is a less than stellar attempt at the end of the film to inform you and shock you into reversing the consumerist ways of society. Almost as if Jan Kounen felt ashamed of making the ad world look so appealing.

I have only seen this film in its original French language format. I believe that it is available with subtitles, but I couldn’t say for certain. I found links to free rip off download sites (which I do not support) that had English subtitles, so I would guess that there are legal copies to be had out there. I have seen “99 Francs” five (5) times now and each time I grasp new imagery and ideas. Some comparisons and references will be evident the first time you watch it, ie. ( “Fight Club”, redemption and religious iconography [not just the "Last Super" scene other examples as well] ). Check it out and form your own opinions.

My mom must be proud.

I recently found out from a pal of mine living in China that my site is blocked over there. He can’t access anything. My portfolio site or any of my other sites / creations under my domain name.

I’m guessing, and this is only a guess, that is has something to do with a post I made on my blog about “How can advertisers spin the 2008 Olympic mess?“. Although it is a pretty tame piece. Or maybe it is the overwhelming nationalistic theme of my portfolio site that is the problem. Who knows… maybe they have a problem with Elvis.

Whatever the reason I can add it to my list of accomplishments. When I was a child I always said, “I want to be banned in China”.

I have the privilege of boasting my site is banned in China… Do you?