I had just seen the film two hours ago. It is really a finely crafted satire, that threads delicately, between 'taking the mickey' out of the mullahs, and a soulful and engaging drama of redemption. It did a lot of things without being overdone, and it tells a very plausible story, where I recalled an acquaintance of mine once did.
I remembered in Pekan, in 1981, when we did measured drawings as a group of architecture students. One of the guys although a bit older than us, looks much older, and he had a spot of beard as well. He decided to wear one of those red and white long head scarfs into a semi turban and a white flowing robe for Friday prayers. He told us that, after the prayers, people at the congregation went to him to shake his hands, literally, went out of their way towards him. A few even kissed his hands.
Back to the film. Even a con artist cum thief or anyone for that matter, with the right garb, the confidence, and some oratory skills could convince people that they are the real deal. A religious leader. But I always think the garb and shall we say, outer form is the first impressionable 'pull' that convince people.
I leave you with some more interesting websites on the film:
Tiscali Film Review
Persian Journal
Friday, August 26, 2005
Marmoulak [The Lizard] 2004 - Part 1
I am in the middle of doing my 2nd chapter and it is not easy. People probably wondering why PhD is so hard, and I tell you why, as now I know why. The writing part of PhD is hard because you need to get the point and elaborate in your own words. You are actually trying to summarize what you read and what you find and summaries of sentences make up paragraphs of summaries (got me?) and from one paragraph to another they have to flow to make a coherent (note) story.
It's like this. Try writing a story from your own words (that may be easy) but try writing a story about a topic (say, pedestrian crossings) based on 3 or 4 different people saying about that topic. Okay, that's one paragraph, try doing 50,000 words! (One paragraph could be 50 words). How many words can you make to write about pedestrian crossings anyway? And, you have to find new things to say about it based on one or more research method/s. Come to think of it, you might just get a Masters in Philosophy only. So, how to get a PhD? I got to figure that out... that's why it's difficult.
Actually, what I want to share today is not about PhD but about the film which I am going to see tonight. It's an Iranian film called Marmoulak, meaning 'The Lizard' It was banned in Iran after being shown for awhile because it was a satire on the ulamak (religious leaders), who did not take kindly to the story. It's a comedy (hence, satire), where a petty thief decided to pose as a mullah to escape jail and it became too much when the people wanted him to be their leader. Well, I am looking forward to see the film.
With all these issues on Muslim Leadership in the UK recently, I am interested to see this film, from the Iranian perspective. So, I hope to give my view on it later. But for the time being, I am sharing something from a film review website.
Here is a review by Michael Hayden,
"...Released in Iran to a whirlwind of protest that made Christian America's reaction to Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ look like a Sunday school scuffle, The Lizard had been hugely popular with the public and broken box office records before the government decided to pull the film under intense pressure from the influential Islamic clergy. The appealing comic set up may give a hint as to why it caused such outcry. Reza (Parvis Parastouie) is a petty thief who escapes jail by posing as a mullah. When he has to stay in disguise for longer than he expected, he accidentally becomes the revered leader of a smalltown mosque, bringing people flooding in with his on the hoof sermons featuring sexual innuendo and references to 'brother' Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. While clearly satirical, The Lizard is never overly cynical, and, with Parastoui's turn, contains a comic performance curiously reminiscent of, and indeed worthy of comparisons to, Eric Morecombe or Les Dawson. It's a million miles, then, from the serious artistic statements of a Kiarostami or a Makhmalbaf for which Iranian cinema is renowned, but that just makes it all the more refreshing..."
It's like this. Try writing a story from your own words (that may be easy) but try writing a story about a topic (say, pedestrian crossings) based on 3 or 4 different people saying about that topic. Okay, that's one paragraph, try doing 50,000 words! (One paragraph could be 50 words). How many words can you make to write about pedestrian crossings anyway? And, you have to find new things to say about it based on one or more research method/s. Come to think of it, you might just get a Masters in Philosophy only. So, how to get a PhD? I got to figure that out... that's why it's difficult.
Actually, what I want to share today is not about PhD but about the film which I am going to see tonight. It's an Iranian film called Marmoulak, meaning 'The Lizard' It was banned in Iran after being shown for awhile because it was a satire on the ulamak (religious leaders), who did not take kindly to the story. It's a comedy (hence, satire), where a petty thief decided to pose as a mullah to escape jail and it became too much when the people wanted him to be their leader. Well, I am looking forward to see the film.
With all these issues on Muslim Leadership in the UK recently, I am interested to see this film, from the Iranian perspective. So, I hope to give my view on it later. But for the time being, I am sharing something from a film review website.
Here is a review by Michael Hayden,
"...Released in Iran to a whirlwind of protest that made Christian America's reaction to Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ look like a Sunday school scuffle, The Lizard had been hugely popular with the public and broken box office records before the government decided to pull the film under intense pressure from the influential Islamic clergy. The appealing comic set up may give a hint as to why it caused such outcry. Reza (Parvis Parastouie) is a petty thief who escapes jail by posing as a mullah. When he has to stay in disguise for longer than he expected, he accidentally becomes the revered leader of a smalltown mosque, bringing people flooding in with his on the hoof sermons featuring sexual innuendo and references to 'brother' Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. While clearly satirical, The Lizard is never overly cynical, and, with Parastoui's turn, contains a comic performance curiously reminiscent of, and indeed worthy of comparisons to, Eric Morecombe or Les Dawson. It's a million miles, then, from the serious artistic statements of a Kiarostami or a Makhmalbaf for which Iranian cinema is renowned, but that just makes it all the more refreshing..."
Friday, August 19, 2005
Andrew King
Check this out. Quirky humour and art. Using acrylic on canvas and boards, Andrew King creates snippets of humour out of clear, geometrical, tectonic, and defined caricatures. Really inspiring stuff here.
The information provided below were taken from Andrew King's website.
Andrew King Studio
Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Andrew moved to Ottawa in 1991 to study Industrial Design at Carleton University. During this time, he contributed to the Ottawa Citizen's comics page with a weekly strip entitled "Off The Wall" which was published from 1993 to 1997. A number of his comics were printed in newspapers across North America through King Features Syndicate. Andrew followed his love of cartooning and was accepted into the Television Animation program at Algonquin College where he graduated with Honours in 1997.
After graduating, Andrew began working in television with a number of local animation studios and continued his freelance design and animation work with studios in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Currently Andrew resides near Westboro in Ottawa, where he continues to work as a freelance designer for animated television shows as well as doing conceptual design work for both live action and video game productions.
During the summer of 2003 while on hiatus between projects, Andrew began to paint. Utilizing his design skills, animation background and uniquely wacky brand of humour, his latest works vary from contemporary landsacpes to almost graphic cartoon style images.
His work has been featured in a number of local art shows, store displays and galleries. Andrew has completed many pieces since 2003, selling works to clients from around the world. His paintings now grace the walls of homes in places as far away as Belgium, Australia, New York City and even an embassy in Bangladesh! His work appeals to a wide range of audiences and continues to evolve as he progresses his artform.
This is called country cottage, and I really love the composition and texture of the painting.
This one is really funny. Something to do with the host trying to humour his guest with his after dinner antics.
This one is about 'nothing to do' and look at the satire and content of this painting. Lovely.
The information provided below were taken from Andrew King's website.
Andrew King Studio
Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Andrew moved to Ottawa in 1991 to study Industrial Design at Carleton University. During this time, he contributed to the Ottawa Citizen's comics page with a weekly strip entitled "Off The Wall" which was published from 1993 to 1997. A number of his comics were printed in newspapers across North America through King Features Syndicate. Andrew followed his love of cartooning and was accepted into the Television Animation program at Algonquin College where he graduated with Honours in 1997.
After graduating, Andrew began working in television with a number of local animation studios and continued his freelance design and animation work with studios in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Currently Andrew resides near Westboro in Ottawa, where he continues to work as a freelance designer for animated television shows as well as doing conceptual design work for both live action and video game productions.
During the summer of 2003 while on hiatus between projects, Andrew began to paint. Utilizing his design skills, animation background and uniquely wacky brand of humour, his latest works vary from contemporary landsacpes to almost graphic cartoon style images.
His work has been featured in a number of local art shows, store displays and galleries. Andrew has completed many pieces since 2003, selling works to clients from around the world. His paintings now grace the walls of homes in places as far away as Belgium, Australia, New York City and even an embassy in Bangladesh! His work appeals to a wide range of audiences and continues to evolve as he progresses his artform.
This is called country cottage, and I really love the composition and texture of the painting.
This one is really funny. Something to do with the host trying to humour his guest with his after dinner antics.
This one is about 'nothing to do' and look at the satire and content of this painting. Lovely.
Salford Penitentiary
From October 2002 until the week before last, I studied at the Bridgewater Building, at the Meadow Road Site of the University of Salford.
The university is infamous for its barbed-wire looping around the building facade, parapet walls and fences all over the campus. A Scottish professor in Malaysia used to tell me how terrible the place was, but really, I had no choice as a PhD student. You would be choosing a university for the supervisor more than the university. But after staying here in my 34th month, I now know why.
The Bridgewater Building is located at the other side of the campus across the Peel Park, which unfortunately is lovely with lots of trees, provide hiding places for muggers and rapists. Two women were sexually assaulted last summer at the park, and women must cross the park with an assistant. My friend Stephie said that she had to ask a security guard to cross the park with her most of the times. It is terrible when you are a pedestrian around this area.
But now Stephie and I are at the other side of the campus, with spanking new facilities including cafes, banks, shop, galleries, library, leisure centre etc.
So, the picture below is a reminder of our life at the Salford Penitentiary.... doesn't it look like a prison? No, the broken furniture in the foreground was not the result of inmates throwing them out in a riot. This building will be torn down and I believe the site will be sold.
[Picture taken courtesy of Vanja Garaj. View taken from the pedestrian walkway to the Bridgewater Building.]
The university is infamous for its barbed-wire looping around the building facade, parapet walls and fences all over the campus. A Scottish professor in Malaysia used to tell me how terrible the place was, but really, I had no choice as a PhD student. You would be choosing a university for the supervisor more than the university. But after staying here in my 34th month, I now know why.
The Bridgewater Building is located at the other side of the campus across the Peel Park, which unfortunately is lovely with lots of trees, provide hiding places for muggers and rapists. Two women were sexually assaulted last summer at the park, and women must cross the park with an assistant. My friend Stephie said that she had to ask a security guard to cross the park with her most of the times. It is terrible when you are a pedestrian around this area.
But now Stephie and I are at the other side of the campus, with spanking new facilities including cafes, banks, shop, galleries, library, leisure centre etc.
So, the picture below is a reminder of our life at the Salford Penitentiary.... doesn't it look like a prison? No, the broken furniture in the foreground was not the result of inmates throwing them out in a riot. This building will be torn down and I believe the site will be sold.
[Picture taken courtesy of Vanja Garaj. View taken from the pedestrian walkway to the Bridgewater Building.]
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Local filmmaking: Breaking the mould
AllMalaysia.info: Local filmmaking: Breaking the mould
What's this then? (Refer to link).
Technical versus Conceptual.
I don't know what's the fuss about.
Okay, I am no film director or film-maker. But I figure that film-making has to do with the creative process, and I know a bit about that.
I find that the best films are not only well conceived, but well executed technically. Films like Wong Kar Wai's '2046', and the Thai movie, 'Last Life in the Universe' are those in the fore-front of cinematic gems.
I think Malaysian movie-makers (if it's true) should stop debating with each other and start pushing ahead film frontiers, and start competing with the others. For example, start competing with the Thais for example.
Well yes, there is the issue of censorship in Malaysia, but to me there is no excuse if you compete individually out there with other foreign films.
I keep on seeing more Thai films being screened in Manchester, and only once in a year, Malaysian films will be screened during the Commonwealth Film Festival and even that only once. If they are lucky, twice.
Thai filmes get screened for a week during regular screen sessions not in a once a year festival.
Perhaps, it is just like Thai football versus Malaysian Football then? Malaysia just have to many internal jealousies and bickering and the Thais just decide to buy Liverpool Football Club and compete with top class teams!
It's all in the attitude, and if we start spending more time on this we will realise that this Malaise (pronounced Malay) have invaded other aspects of the Malaysian life. We need to turn it around. Now.
What's this then? (Refer to link).
Technical versus Conceptual.
I don't know what's the fuss about.
Okay, I am no film director or film-maker. But I figure that film-making has to do with the creative process, and I know a bit about that.
I find that the best films are not only well conceived, but well executed technically. Films like Wong Kar Wai's '2046', and the Thai movie, 'Last Life in the Universe' are those in the fore-front of cinematic gems.
I think Malaysian movie-makers (if it's true) should stop debating with each other and start pushing ahead film frontiers, and start competing with the others. For example, start competing with the Thais for example.
Well yes, there is the issue of censorship in Malaysia, but to me there is no excuse if you compete individually out there with other foreign films.
I keep on seeing more Thai films being screened in Manchester, and only once in a year, Malaysian films will be screened during the Commonwealth Film Festival and even that only once. If they are lucky, twice.
Thai filmes get screened for a week during regular screen sessions not in a once a year festival.
Perhaps, it is just like Thai football versus Malaysian Football then? Malaysia just have to many internal jealousies and bickering and the Thais just decide to buy Liverpool Football Club and compete with top class teams!
It's all in the attitude, and if we start spending more time on this we will realise that this Malaise (pronounced Malay) have invaded other aspects of the Malaysian life. We need to turn it around. Now.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum - Welcome
I am sharing this information on the Discovery Museum in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in North East England.
One of my interviewees said that during the Newcastle Seminar on Historic Environment, organised by the English Heritage, National Trust and the Disability Rights Commission, the CEO of the Discovery Museum himself gave a talk on the accessibility of the museum. It is unusual for the CEO to be interested in such matters.
But he illustrated this example to press the point that when it comes to accessibility, it is not just physical access, ie your ramps and lifts, but it is about cultural and management change in an organisation. And it is best to start from the leadership.
It would be interesting to find out more about the Discovery Museum.
I am sharing this information on the Discovery Museum in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in North East England.
One of my interviewees said that during the Newcastle Seminar on Historic Environment, organised by the English Heritage, National Trust and the Disability Rights Commission, the CEO of the Discovery Museum himself gave a talk on the accessibility of the museum. It is unusual for the CEO to be interested in such matters.
But he illustrated this example to press the point that when it comes to accessibility, it is not just physical access, ie your ramps and lifts, but it is about cultural and management change in an organisation. And it is best to start from the leadership.
It would be interesting to find out more about the Discovery Museum.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Development of Barrier-free Penang
Tan Kuan Aw sent me a link on the upgrading of pedestrian route in George Town, Penang, and it is good news indeed.
However, I shall include the STAR online article in it's entirety below as the link may cease to exist later on.
The first thing I felt was a sense of immense happiness that the work that I had done with the MPPP and my colleagues in Penang, such as Kuan Aw, has begun to bear some fruits.
I truly hope that this will continue with other barrier-free projects in Penang.
The Star Online > North
Wednesday July 27, 2005
‘User-friendly’ stretch
By TAN SIN CHOW
The 482m-long stretch in Upper Penang Road (UPR) is now user-friendly to the disabled.
Penang Municipal Council pre-sident Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib said the RM4.8mil project, from The Garage in Farquhar Street to the Penang Road-Chulia Street junction, took 10 months to complete.
“The attractive and user-friendly pedestrian walkway is based on a safe city concept.
“It is barrier free and convenient for a wheelchair-bound person to travel from Chulia Street to the E&O Hotel,” he said at the handing-over ceremony of the UPR project in Penang on Monday.
“At the same time, the historical and cultural features in the area have also been preserved for commercial re-stimulation and sustained urban growth.
Two wheelchair-bound people trying out the newly completed pedestrian walkway at the Chulia Street/Penang Road junction.
“For example, we have conserved the tram tracks at Chulia Street and installed several information plaques at strategic locations to highlight the historical buildings there,” he said.
UPR Promotion Society chairman Datuk Eric Lim said the road would be a centre of attraction for both locals and foreign tourists.
“We will stage a series of activities during festive seasons to promote the place,” he said.
Also present was state Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow.
On another matter, Ahmad Phesal said RM4 mil more would be spent to beautify the Gold Bazaar area.
“We will decide on the contractor after an open tender next month.
“Besides, the remaining RM2.6mil from the earlier allocation for a redevelopment project in Little India would also be fully utilised.
“The funds will be used to purchase two premises, which will be turned into information centres, as well as to repaint several old buildings in the area,” he said.
Ahmad Phesal said the council also planned to install 23 close- circuit television cameras at 13 strategic locations recommended by the police in the city.
“The council will bear the cost for the cameras and install them this year,” he said.
© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
However, I shall include the STAR online article in it's entirety below as the link may cease to exist later on.
The first thing I felt was a sense of immense happiness that the work that I had done with the MPPP and my colleagues in Penang, such as Kuan Aw, has begun to bear some fruits.
I truly hope that this will continue with other barrier-free projects in Penang.
The Star Online > North
Wednesday July 27, 2005
‘User-friendly’ stretch
By TAN SIN CHOW
The 482m-long stretch in Upper Penang Road (UPR) is now user-friendly to the disabled.
Penang Municipal Council pre-sident Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib said the RM4.8mil project, from The Garage in Farquhar Street to the Penang Road-Chulia Street junction, took 10 months to complete.
“The attractive and user-friendly pedestrian walkway is based on a safe city concept.
“It is barrier free and convenient for a wheelchair-bound person to travel from Chulia Street to the E&O Hotel,” he said at the handing-over ceremony of the UPR project in Penang on Monday.
“At the same time, the historical and cultural features in the area have also been preserved for commercial re-stimulation and sustained urban growth.
Two wheelchair-bound people trying out the newly completed pedestrian walkway at the Chulia Street/Penang Road junction.
“For example, we have conserved the tram tracks at Chulia Street and installed several information plaques at strategic locations to highlight the historical buildings there,” he said.
UPR Promotion Society chairman Datuk Eric Lim said the road would be a centre of attraction for both locals and foreign tourists.
“We will stage a series of activities during festive seasons to promote the place,” he said.
Also present was state Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow.
On another matter, Ahmad Phesal said RM4 mil more would be spent to beautify the Gold Bazaar area.
“We will decide on the contractor after an open tender next month.
“Besides, the remaining RM2.6mil from the earlier allocation for a redevelopment project in Little India would also be fully utilised.
“The funds will be used to purchase two premises, which will be turned into information centres, as well as to repaint several old buildings in the area,” he said.
Ahmad Phesal said the council also planned to install 23 close- circuit television cameras at 13 strategic locations recommended by the police in the city.
“The council will bear the cost for the cameras and install them this year,” he said.
© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
London
I am in London now. Tomorrow I will travel back to Salford via Manchester. I arrived at London on the 4th of August and nipped over to Cambridge over the weekend.
It has been a hectic 6 days when I had just completed the last and 4th interview just now. I spoke with a person from English Heritage, who was my 'gatekeeper', who helped me immensely by giving the names of people whom I could interview for my research. They come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust and the Historic Houses Association.
Traveling in and around London was at first a very daunting affair, as you can see from reading my previous posts. There was the odd security scare amd I experienced some delays, but generally the traveling was okay. On the 4th of August, security was heightened by added police presence as it was exactly two weeks after the last attempt of bombing and four weeks after the first bombings. Police were everywhere, on the platforms, at the concourse, scrutinising everyone. I also get the feel of people eyeing my rucksack when I enter a carriage.
I will be glad to get back and get on with my work. Summer will be over soon.
It has been a hectic 6 days when I had just completed the last and 4th interview just now. I spoke with a person from English Heritage, who was my 'gatekeeper', who helped me immensely by giving the names of people whom I could interview for my research. They come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust and the Historic Houses Association.
Traveling in and around London was at first a very daunting affair, as you can see from reading my previous posts. There was the odd security scare amd I experienced some delays, but generally the traveling was okay. On the 4th of August, security was heightened by added police presence as it was exactly two weeks after the last attempt of bombing and four weeks after the first bombings. Police were everywhere, on the platforms, at the concourse, scrutinising everyone. I also get the feel of people eyeing my rucksack when I enter a carriage.
I will be glad to get back and get on with my work. Summer will be over soon.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Grey Foxes & Red Squirrels
They are so amazing. Look at their bushy tails.
I am no expert on animals, so I am not going to say much. Just would like to share the images I have found.
So, have you heard the story about the Grey Fox who fell in love with the Red Squirrel? Hmmm...inter-species love story. How about that one, huh?
I had uploaded these various images of grey foxes and red squirrels from a few websites.
I am no expert on animals, so I am not going to say much. Just would like to share the images I have found.
So, have you heard the story about the Grey Fox who fell in love with the Red Squirrel? Hmmm...inter-species love story. How about that one, huh?
I had uploaded these various images of grey foxes and red squirrels from a few websites.
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