The Brutal Hardships of War Expressed In Film

 Recently, I have discovered that I have become slightly (no, deeply) obsessed with war films. It all started when I was eleven years old, when I saw films such as Saving Private Ryan and The Hurt Locker (yes I might've been a little too young to watch these, but whatever) I instantly became hooked. So, after watching many many many other war films over the previously weeks, I've decided to celebrate them by creating a list of the top ten greatest of all.

10. Inglourious Basterds 

 Okay, so Inglourious Basterds isn't exactly your typical World War Two film, one thing being that what happens in it... didn't actually happen. Although, it is still a very highly acclaimed, wonderfully entertaining movie, and shows a terrific twist where the Jews of the Holocaust fight back and win against Hitler and the Nazis. It has all the controversial violence, loads of quality acting, an extraordinary plot and its director is one of the greatest of all time: Quentin Tarantino. If you want to see a war film with style and substance, then this is the one to see.

9. Black Hawk Down

 This is a tale of modern warfare, and really takes the audience into the events which happen in Black Hawk Down. The film was controversial, and can be incredibly difficult to watch through, as a mountain of gore and violence takes place throughout it. But it will keep one at the edge of their seat, feeling as if one is actually part of the destruction and degradation. Director, Ridley Scott, is successful as the its realism takes us to a new era of war film. 

8. The Thin Red Line 

The Thin Red Line is a haunting phenomenon, which dives into the memories of the Second World War. It's theme is how bloody combat, men with their big guns, can destroy the nature around the battlefield they're fighting in. The really interesting thing about this film is how there are moments of such beauty in it, when it ironically touches such horrid events. The sense of depth inside it fascinates anyone who watches it, and toys with the mind even after one has watched it. 

7. Platoon 

 This film, a winner of four Academy Awards, is a terrifyingly realistic drama which shows devastating chaos and horror in the Vietnam War. So much trauma is expressed throughout it, although the worst is the iconic scene of the death of Sgt. Elias, played by William Dafoe. The deep emotive bloodbath, when the character is defeated by the Vietcong, falls on his knees to the jungle terrain, and throws his arms into the air in an act of a 'too-late' surrender, bullets seen busting throw his chest. With a mesmerising soundtrack too, watching this is an experience one would not want to miss.

6. Saving Private Ryan 

 In this 90s epic starring Tom Hanks, one witnesses love, friendship and determination, but one also witnesses grief and bloodshed. Saving Private Ryan is about the gruesome combat of the war, all wars. It lays the cold, brutal truth of the violence, which is perfectly expressed in the very first, gut-wretching scene full of mass destruction. It's a film which will pluck at anyone's heart strings, and will make one cry in agony with the men experiencing all that pain throughout it.

5. Schindler's List

 Steven Speilberg usually creates films for all ages to enjoy, but this film was completely different, and shows how talented and diverse the director was. Even when it was made in the 90s, the film was shot in a black and white median, to further emphasis the dark themes throughout it. It's based on a true story, of a hero called Oscar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson), and the helpless Jews who had to experience the Holocaust in World War Two. Schindler's List shows the evilness of some people during the war, but it also shows the deep goodness of others, and I would say it's one of the director's best work to date.

4. Full Metal Jacket 

 Stanley Kubrick's war time masterpiece could definitely be higher above this list, and personally, it is one of my favourite films ever. To watch this, one must have actual bravery, because many scenes throughout it can leave someone feeling so emotionally distressed. Full Metal Jacket is an anti-war film: it explores the mind of a soldier and shows how good men are turned into natural killers. Although it portrays a soldier's strength and determination, it also shows their deep lunacy inside. Throughout it a message is given: that war is not as glamourous as it is expressed to be, and instead it is one (literally) soul destroying, heart breaking and mind busting trauma. 

3. The Deer Hunter

 Yet another film about the Vietnam War, The Deer Hunter is astoundingly vicious and powerful. Unlike most war films, this one focuses on surviving a game of torture: Russian Roulette. Robert de Niro and Christopher Walken play two soldiers who were captured by the Vietcong, and are forced to play the horrific game. Seeing this onscreen is one of the most intense things, completely chilling to the bone. This film, with so many memorable moments, won 5 Academy Awards, and will be considered one of the best in cinematic history. 

2. Paths of Glory 

Yet another anti-war film from the infamous Stanley Kubrick. Released in 1957, it's the oldest film on this list. Although unsuccessful when first released, the movie is now considered one of the all-time greats. It stars Kirk Douglas, who acts out some outstanding performances throughout it and following the events of World War One, it can be known to be one of the darkest war films ever made. Kubrick was only 29 when he directed it, but the movie portrays such a harsh and stark setting that it shows the real mature perfectionist the director was.

1. Apocalypse Now 

 "I love the smell of napalm in the morning!" Based on Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, this film has to be the best. Watching it is an atmospheric and twisted rollercoaster of insanity and brutality. It roles into the life of the psychotic character Colonal Kurtz (played by the timeless Marlon Brando), whose use of monologue and intensity makes sure that one can't take their eyes off the screen. Even though it was a beast to film (and film it brilliantly) Coppola still created it into the classic it is, and that we won't forget about it ever.

- Hayley 

BOOK REVIEW: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

Today's post is going to be a little different, I've decided to do a book review of the wonderful 'Where  Things Come Back' by John Corey Whaley. Tho book was released in the last year or two, but is an all time favourite of mine. It claims to have had numerous awards, and to be very well known, and although I had not heard of it until I purchased it, it is definitely worth the hype that was created in reviews and so on. This is Whaley's first novel, and in my opinion one of the most well thought out and interesting books I have ever read, and I hope his future novels will be just as brilliant.

The story is about Cullen Witter and his brother Gabriel, and is set in the small town of Lily, Arkansas. To Cullen, Gabriel is the most down to earth, intelligent, and interesting person he knows, and he praises him and loves him very much. When Gabriel disappears, with no apparent reason, everything changes. It is a relatable book, the characters make mistakes and make references to books and films as anyone would, which makes it more enjoyable. It is also a modern American novel, which makes it easier to read and understand in my opinion, but still very well written. 

It took me a few chapters to understand the book properly, as I didn't read the blurb properly first and I was completely lost (my mistake). Parallel to the story of the main character there is a story of a young missionary in Africa who's life revolves around religion, and living up to his family's expectations, and the fact he is  losing  faith and coming face to face with betrayal. He appears in every other chapter or so, from his point of view. 

The story begins properly at the beginning of Gabriel's absence, and as the book progresses the two stories meet, and it all makes sense. But, I don't want to spoil anything, as it is a truly great read. There is obviously a lot more to the story, and there is also a lot of symbolism beautifully merged into the novel, which keeps the reader thinking, and appreciating these little touches. I would recommend it to everyone and anyone who enjoys to (or can physically) read. It is a book I will definitely re-read, and if I had to rate it, (cliche I know) I would give it 4/5. 

I hope this review was interesting, and I apologise if my constant praising of this book got a little boring. I do hope that you will consider picking up a copy in the future, you won't regret it. Thank you for reading!

- Rhianwen

P.S - John Corey Whaley is releasing his second novel next month, 'Noggin', which I will definitely be reviewing in the future!

MALE STYLE ICONS

Today's post is a style post, focusing on male style icons of the past and present, and my favourites. 

5. The Beatles 

What can I say, the Beatles were style icons without even knowing it.

 The genius Brian Epstein gave the Beatles their style. He gave them a smart and sophisticated image, all matching in suits of different shapes and styles. They went on, changing with the times, but they always matched, which is fascinating to me, and gave them their iconic image. 

For instance during the Help! phase there were the army suits and black suits and capes that were similar, but with quirky touches to give them all their own 'thing', then we have Sgt. Peppers, with the multicoloured mock- military style, which was bizarre, but acceptable in the Beatles' case. 

They were one of the first bands to do this sort of style, and it has definitely inspired many.

4. Kurt cobain 

I mentioned Kurt's style in my 'Top 5 Personal Style Icons' post, but I just had to include him in this post too. 

His style may seem a little boring to some, but I do think he had an iconic messy look.

 It was the simplicity of not caring, and wearing what he was comfortable in; ripped jeans, oversized cardigans, converse, etc. 

His outfits looked worn, grunge, and effortless, which is what he was presumably aiming for, and in my opinion, this careless look is quite iconic.

3. Matt Bellamy

Being a huge fan of Muse and Matt Bellamy himself, I definitely would say his style makes statements. Sometimes dark and interesting, others just weird, he has a very memorable style, that changes from time to time. 

There were the Showbiz  days with his skinny frame, blue/black/bleach blonde and black fitted clothes, there were the 'pre- Origin' and Origin of Symmetry days with the spiky red hair and drawn on veins, and the Absolution tour he wore a lab coat with black suits underneath, with jet black hair. Between then and the most recent album, he kept it subtle but cool with mainly black and white clothes and black hair, with a bright statement piece.

The 2nd Law, that is something else. We have the 'cool' side with his leather and futuristic jackets and graphic t shirts, to crimson furry jackets, light-up glasses and neon leggings. He never stops. 

2. Jimi Hendrix 

Jimi Hendrix was a musical prodigy, with a modest charm and an optimistic outlook, he was loved by many, and continues to be loved dearly today. He was iconic with his dark curly 'Afro' hair, the occasional scarf wrapped around his forehead, and his patterned mock military outfits, similar to the Beatles. 

Others similar to him (fashion-wise), in my opinion, are people such as Syd Barrett, in whom I can personally see a resemblance in style to Jimi Hendrix, whether influenced or not. Jimi Hendrix is one of my personal heroes, and I admire how he wore what he wanted, and wasn't afraid of being a little obscure, like quite a few musicians in the 60s.

1. David Bowie 

What more is there to say? David Bowie is one of the most loved and talented musicians on the planet. 

He transitioned through the decades smoothly without the embarrassment of being 'stuck in the past'. He adjusts himself to the different decades style-wise, and is always very accepting and involved with other musicians, he is respectful and appreciative of new artists, and is a great all-round human being. He is extremely versatile and unique, and I am personally a huge admirer of his. 

There are so many people and musicians around today who have been influenced by his style, and I definitely believe his style will live on for many

many years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you very much for reading!

- Rhianwen

It's A Little Chilly

   Have you ever listened to a song or heard a speech that filled you with so much emotional that you got goosebumps? Has anything ever been so powerful it sends a tingle up your spine and gives you the most pleasant of chills? This is called a 'frisson', and it's probably something some of you have felt many times.

   I can describe the sensation being as if there are thousands of tiny stars popping and shivering in my joints, which leave me with dimpled skin and a europhic feeling. Now these frissons usually occur when people feel the deepest of emotions for perhaps music, art, speeches or scenes in films. They are most likely to happen if something becomes extremely exciting or emotive. In musical cases, for example, whenever there's a huge crescendo or polyphonic rhythms, you are likely to get a frisson. The big fat sound you hear can stimulate your senses, your pupils dialate and the hair on your skin rises. 

 I find that the song which gives me frissons the most is 'You And Whose Army?' by my favourite band, Radiohead. Of course, most Radiohead tracks are so powerful I always find myself getting shivers when I hear them, although I find that this one is more special. The song starts off incredibly quiet, almost muffled, but once it's two minutes in, there's a huge build up of discords. Then, lead singer Thom Yorke wails 'WE RIDE TONIIIIIIIIGHT' in an almost ghostly fashion above all the clashing instruments, a bombardment of sound crashes into my eardrums, and it feels like my is heart beating 20 times a second. It's a tantalizing crescendo of musical chaos in a beautiful art form, filled with soul and emotion. Just thinking about it is giving me goosebumps. 

  I also can get this europhic feeling when watching certain movies. Perhaps if a scene is extremely intense or meaningful then the shivers will go down my spine. Some of these include the (SPOILER ALERT) last seconds of 'Fight Club' when Marla and The Narrator hold hands while they watch the chaos of credit card company buildings fall around them, the revealing of what's inside 'The Box' in 'Se7en', the "I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE" from 'There Will Be Blood', and especially the famous 'plastic bag' scene from one of my favourite films 'American Beauty' (you'll know what I mean if you've watched it).

Although, I think a perfect example of a 'frisson stimulator' is the final moments of the film 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'. Now, if you've not seen the movie then I suggest you don't read this part, because I am basically just about to describe the film's finale. Anyway, in a movie which is about a man's experiences in a mental institution, one can always expect an emotive ending - and that's exactly what one gets. The exact moment which gives me frissons more than anything is when (ahem, SPOILER ALERT!) supporting character, Chief, has just found out that protagonist Randal McMurphy has been lobotomised, and is now reduced to a vegetable-like state. I am in a stunned silence as I watch Chief (humanely) suffocate his friend to death, so he won't have to live a life without mental control, although my heart really starts pumping faster and faster as the actions afterwards go ahead. Chief follows McMurphy's earlier plans to escape the mental institution, and with difficultly tries to lift a washroom sink which he can use to smash one of the hospital windows. Maybe it's the build up of the childishly sweet but sad music, or the cheering of the other patients in the ward when they watch the event take, but I think the moment which gets me the most is the second the mighty Chief throws the sink into the window, shattering the glass into a million pieces. Seeing him afterwards run off into the distance knowing that he now has his freedom as the film exits and the music fades out is an immaculate way to further emphasis this hair raising, spine tingling scene, something which I think everyone must watch one day...

Here is a list of great frisson songs y'all should listen to:

1. You And Whose Army? - Radiohead

2. Forget Myself - Elbow

3. Loaded - Primal Scream

4. Los Endos - Genesis

5. The Intense Humming of Evil - Manic Street Preachers 

6. The End - The Doors

7. Quicksand - David Bowie 

8. Hoppipolla - Sigur Ros

9. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

10. West Ryder Siblar Bullet - Kasabian 

11. Roxanne - The Police 

12. Heroin - The Velvet Underground

13. Let Down - Radiohead 

14. Butterflies and Hurricanes - Muse

15. Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield (yes all of it)

16. The Great Gig In The Sky - Pink Floyd

17. 20th Century Boy - T-Rex

18. Megalomania - Muse

19. She's A Rainbow - The Rolling Stones

20. Everything In It's Right Place - Radiohead

- Hayley

"We still have a great deal of work to do." - Interview with B-EAT!

Hello, it was Eating Disorder Awareness Week a few weeks ago, and luckily enough I managed to interview a spokesperson named Rebecca for a very helpful campaign called Beat Eating Disorders. I asked Rebecca her thoughts on the Urban Outfitters scandal and what was being done to help those who suffer from eating disorders that aren't as common as Bulimia and Anorexia. This post may be triggering to some, but I hope this answers any questions any of you had!

1.    It was recently Eating Disorder Awareness Week, why do you think we still need a week of awareness?

We have come a long way in raising awareness of eating disorders but we still have a great deal of work to do. Individuals and families affected by eating disorders still face stigma because of their association with an eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting 1.6 million people in the UK, they claim more lives than any other mental illness but we know that they are treatable and recovery is possible. The sooner someone gets this treatment they need the more likely they are to make a full recovery. Eating Disorders Awareness Weeks gives us the opportunity to raise these important messages to let people know how serious eating disorders are and how we are working to beating them.

2.    Do you find that Binge Eating Disorder isn't taken as seriously as other forms of eating disorders, i.e. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia?

Binge Eating Disorder has recently been included in the DSM-V which is the manual used in America for diagnostic criteria. It is a big step forward and we expect to see the equivalent manual in the UK follow suit. Very often there is lots of emphasis put on anorexia in particular by the media even though it is the least common eating disorder – only 10% of all eating disorder sufferers will have an anorexia diagnosis. There is still a considerable amount of misunderstanding about Binge Eating Disorder, like Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder is a serious mental illness, it isn’t about laziness or greed but an illness which needs treatment for recovery. We have recently launched an emotional overeating support group project set up for those who emotionally overeat.

3.    Why do you think some people are willing to risk their health and safety to lose weight? Is the media to blame?

It’s important to remember that eating disorders aren’t a lifestyle choice – somebody doesn’t choose to have an eating disorder. They can start as a way to feel in control of an area of an individuals’ life while everything else seems to be falling apart – a bereavement, pressure from work, sport or school, family break up, personal relationship break down are just a few examples. Quite often however, this control or coping mechanism for something else becomes the thing that controls them.

4.    Going back to the previous question, would you say the media is the main reason for eating disorders, or is there a wider picture?

Eating disorders are complex and there is no one single cause why someone develops an eating disorder. A whole range of different factors combine such as genetic, psychological, environmental, social and biological influences. Latest research is showing us that they are much more hard wired and biologically based than we previously thought. The media does place pressure on individuals to be a certain weight or shape but it is too easy to point the finger in their direction. The media might be toxic to vulnerable individuals but they do not cause eating disorders.

5.    It recently became public that Urban Outfitters have been selling t-shirts with the slogan "Eat Less" on them  - has Anorexia become a trend? 

Anorexia is not a fad, phase, trend or diet gone wrong, it is a serious mental illness.

6.    What can we do to help people who are suffering with an eating disorder?

The first port of call is your GP, who will be able to refer individuals onto relevant services. Although serious, eating disorders are treatable and full recovery is possible. We know from our daily contact with people affected that they can and do make a full recovery – their lives no longer dominated by fear of food. Beat also provides support for anybody affected by eating disorders – individuals and those who care for them – families, friends, teachers, employees and professionals. Information about eating disorders can be found on our website at www.b-eat.co.uk where there are online support services and we also have a Helpline which people can call, text or email (0845 634 1414, help@b-eat.co.uk or text 07786 201820).

FEMALE FILM STYLE ICONS

Hello! Today's post of going to be another fashion post, focusing on female fashion icons in film. Enjoy!

 Claire - The Breakfast Club (Molly Ringwald)

The Breakfast Club (John Hughes, 1985) is an 80s classic. Molly Ringwald portrays the 'princess' in the film, Claire, and in my opinion her style is iconic, but in a subtle way. 

Obviously she only wore one outfit in this film, but this one outfit is quite a statement. She wears a brown pencil skirt and brown boots on the bottom, which are quite dull in colour ranges, but the oversized pink v neck on top balances this out well, still keeping her girly character. 

The huge leather jacket she wears over this outfit gives a very relaxed 80s vibe, contrasting with her feminine outfit and hair. I love how wearable this look is, and will always be one of my favourites.

Penny Lane - Almost Famous (Kate Hudson)

Almost Famous (Cameron Crowe, 2000)  is an absolute must for any 60s/70s music fan, and anyone in general, really. This film is beautifully made and has a definite 70s hazy feel to it. 

Kate Hudson plays the brilliant Penny Lane in the film, and her statement item is a jacket with a fur collar, and the John Lennon- esque sunglasses. 

She is bare faced but beautiful in this film, with cork-screw curls, and a really cool attitude. 

Jo - Funny Face (Audrey Hepburn)

Ah yes, Audrey Hepburn. Well, I was going to discuss Breakfast at Tiffanys, but I thought that would be a bit cliche. 

Funny Face (1957) is a lovely film/musical, and even though clearly very 1950s, is timeless. Audrey's style in this film is just perfect. 

At the beginning she is natural and boyish, embracing her slim frame, but as the film progresses we see a number of iconic gowns and suits, and she can pull them all off. 

Her character is the perfect mix of intelligence and beauty, and shows the versatility of her style. 

At the time she had full, brilliant eyebrows, and her eyes were made to look very big and pretty, and this balanced out her boyish (at times) look in the film very well. 

Jordana Bevan - Submarine (Yasmin Paige)

Submarine (Richard Ayoade, 2010) is wonderful. It is very detailed and beautifully filmed, and is unique as it is not set in a certain year, which makes it very current and timeless.

 Jordana Bevan is played by Yasmin Paige, and is a very moody character, which is a contrast from the eager but strange Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts). 

Her style in the film is very simple but is a statement, for instance, her bright red coat, with black clothes underneath, and a general dark colour range. Her image is very vintage too, and her hair is very basic and short, giving a vintage vibe. 

Her style is very simple in all honesty, and character is very realistic and relatable. I think her style is very easy to recreate, but also unique enough to appreciate and for it to stand out. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope this post was interesting in some way, and thank you very much for reading! 

- Rhianwen 

“And are the men doing this, as well?” If they aren’t, chances are you’re dealing with what we strident feminists refer to as “some total fucking bullshit.” ~ Caitlin Moran

March 8^th had the women of Twitter (and the world, probably) united – to celebrate their own international day. International Women’s Day had women all over the globe praising other women, whether it be women like the Suffragettes or their mothers and sisters, and it was glorious. The only downside to it all? The few men and white women saying “but when’s international men’s day?” and “Isn’t it sexist to have an international women’s day?” and “why do we need an international women’s day?” Maybe Lily Allen’s interview where she disses feminism (a couple of months after she released a song very much pro feminism) was a downside too.

But we won’t focus on the negativity; instead we’ll focus on women. Brilliant, intelligent women who are always overshadowed by men in the same profession.

We’ll start with the obvious; Florence Nightingale. Nightingale was an English nurse in the Victorian era. Unlike other women, she didn’t plan to sit at home and cook for her husband or clean the house or look after the children – instead, she used her intellect and her passion to become more than your average housewife. She wanted to work and that’s exactly what she did. After Nightingale’s medical training, the Crimean war began and she gathered a group of thirty eight nurses to clean up a disgustingly dirty military hospital, and they then treated the soldiers. The death rate fell by two thirds. After Nightingale’s mother’s death, Florence Nightingale focussed on her work more intensely, and therefore managed to reform hospitals and even open a school for training nurses.

Florence Nightingale is one inspiring woman; three more are Caitlin Moran, Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath. Woolf and Plath being classic novelists, and Moran being a nineties music fan and outspoken feminist journalist.  Plath isn’t really remembered for her feminist views exactly; unfortunately people focus more on her gruesome death, but Plath preached in her semi-autobiography The Bell Jar how she believed women and men deserve the same opportunities and are obviously equal.  Woolf was similar; in her famous essay A Room Of One’s Own she describes the difficulties women faced and continue to face in a world that is ran by men. Virginia Woolf is an incredible feminist icon, because she was fearless with these essays.

Caitlin Moran is something different all together; she’s a modern author most known for her novel How To Be a Woman. This is one of my favourite books, and she tackles the problems of being fat, bras and liking boys who don’t like you. Moran is my favourite feminist of the modern era, because she’s hilarious, she’s smart and she doesn’t hate men. I think it’s important for women not to hate men (apart from sexists. We can hate those). I recommend you all read How To Be a Woman as it’s the book I turn to in a crisis and it’s really bloody funny. Likewise you should all follow Caitlin on Twitter – she has interesting opinions and, like I’ve already said, is really bloody funny.

And then that brings us to politics – Maggie Thatcher isn’t who I’m going to be talking about though. My main interest when it comes to females and politics is Pussy  Riot – they are the best thing to ever happen to women and I’m not even exaggerating. I appreciate their existence so much. A Russian band consisting of about 11 women in the age range of 20 – 35. They first danced their way into the media with their controversial performance of  “Punk Prayer”  back in 2012. The song is about Vladimir Putin, and to be honest I can understand why he was offended. Pussy Riot are the modern, musical equivalent to the brilliant Suffragettes.  Similar to Emily Davison being trampled on by a horse, Pussy Riot were famously beaten outside the Winter Olympics – only for protesting.  Eventually, of course, the Suffragettes managed to get women’s votes here in the UK. We can only hope Pussy Riot will gain what they want for the women of Russia.

[Here is a playlist of my favourite feminist songs]

Top 5 Actors Who Haven't Won An Oscar

I was going to write a review of 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', which was released today, yet sadly my local cinema wasn't showing it (which destroyed me to a huge emotional extent). So instead, I decided on the spot just to do a list of talented actors who have surprisingly never won an Oscar. I touched this topic last week in my other article about the Oscars, so I just thought I should explore it further. Clearly there are hundreds of incredible actors who have not bagged an Academy Award, but I've tried to narrow it down to the top 5...

5. Edward Norton

  Eddie Norton is a man with an extremely pleasant nature, but also a sensational yet unrecognised acting career. He has stared in many cult thrillers, his most know being 'Fight Club', 'American History X' and his brilliant debut 'Primal Fear'. Norton's performances can be relatable to stirring to hilarious, and I find that it's insane how he has never won an Oscar award.

4. Albert Finney

  This British treasure has won many BAFTAS, Golden Globes and Emmys, and has been nominated for an Oscar five times, but still hasn't won one. He has received great credit for his roles in 'Murder on the Orient Express', 'Under the Volcano' and 'The Dresser', making even the coldest of souls seem likable in his completely outstanding performances. Thankfully, even in his late 70s he's still working today.

 

3. Leonardo DiCaprio

In these days, Leonardo DiCaprio seems to be everyone's favourite non-Oscar winning actor, and that's very understandable. He's been in many highly acclaimed films like 'Titanic', 'Blood Diamond' and 'Django Unchained', and gives thrilling, powerful performances in each of his roles. Having been nominated for an Academy Award 3 times without a win, it's easy to see how people get very very frustrated when this talent is yet to win. 

2. Gary Oldman

  This cinematic shapeshifter has played almost every role imaginable. From a drug dealer, to a punk rock star, to a wizard's godfather, to a British interlligence agent, it's hard to find one role he can't play. By vividly expressing emotion and personality in each if his characters, Oldman has gained the status as one of the best actors of his time, yet with still no Oscars.

1. Peter O'Toole 

  In my last post, I talked about the talent of the tragically deceased Peter O'Toole; the man with the nominations but never the award. He has starred in highly claimed films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Becket' and 'The Lion in Winter'. With striking looks, a memorable voice, bundles of talent, and a 60 year career, he has been nominated for an Academy Award a record breaking 8 times, yet has never once seized it, which I think is truly an abomination.

Honourable Mentions: Johnny Depp, Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Amy Adams, Ewan McGregor & Julianne Moore

- Hayley

ART FOCUS: Storm Thorgerson

Today's post is going to be about the wonderful late Storm Thorgerson. He was an album designer and has designed some of the most famous albums in history, and his album artwork definitely has a lot to do with the popularity of the albums. 

He was a founder of Hipgnosis, and designed album covers at the time for many bands and artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Styx and more. His art work has definitely influenced many and is extremely iconic. I am a huge admirer of his, so here are a few of my favourites!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Absolution - Muse 

Not only is Absolution one of my favourite albums of all time, I also love the album cover. It shows a man looking up confusedly at the sky, with shadows of floating bodies in the sky on the ground around him. 

It apparently is a scenario of the man looking at the chosen ones to be taken away from the earth during an apocalypse, and he is left behind. This definitely goes along with the apocalyptic theme of the album.

 I love how the people vary on different versions of the album; i.e. the LP, the album tour DVD,  and the releases different countries. It is an all round beautiful album with a thoughtful and brilliant album cover. 

Dark Side of The Moon - Pink Floyd 

This album is a masterpiece. It's one of the most famous albums in the world and one of the most sold too. This was Storm's first graphic album cover as he was more of a photographic designer, but he took the challenge, and succeeded. I personally agree that it definitely is worth the hype, and the cover really does complete this album. It's unbelievably iconic and is to be found on t shirts in most clothing shops and even to non-fans of Pink Floyd this album cover is extremely familiar. This album artwork is mostly inspired by the band's  light shows,  and reflects the meaning and message of the album. The heartbeat on the inside of the sleeve is another aspect of the album, and also following the colour scheme. 

It is again a very thoughtful album cover, and its definitely evident that this is one of the most famous album covers in the world. 

Only revolutions - Biffy Clyro

Not only is this a stunning album, the cover is wonderfully simple, but at the same time catches the eye. The cover has a man holding a blue flag and a woman a red one, facing each other. It represents the strength of the album lyrically and the message, as the flags are huge and free and strong, and I really think it suits with the album well. It also symbolises the sexes. This shows how Storm could adjust to newer bands and music, which also applies to Muse, and even then always made sure his ideas were new and original. 

Wish you were here - Pink Floyd

Again, we have Pink Floyd. Storm designed many of Pink Floyd's album covers, including 'Animals' and 'Ummagumma', but this possibly being my favourite. Wish You Were Here is my favourite Pink Floyd album and one of my favourite albums in general.

 The album is themed around absence, and also partly on previous band member Syd Barrett's absence, with the song 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' as a tribute to him. Even though the album is just 5 tracks, it's beautifully done and I will never get tired of it. Back to the artwork, Storm went to a number of places around the world to get shots for this album art, including the inner sleeve artwork. They all represent the 4 Elements; earth, fire, air, and water. The cover was shot outside Warner Bros. studios in California of a man shaking hands with a man on fire. It goes along with the theme of 'getting burned' in the music industry, which is also a strong element to the album, i.e. 'Have a Cigar' and how easily used people can be for money. 

The man on fire turned after the shot and walked out of the frame after the fire accidentally went in his face, and the photographer took a picture of his exit, coincidentally but perfectly symbolising absence once again. The album and the whole artwork is completely genius, and this is definitely my favourite of all of Storm's  work. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you have any interest in Storm and his work I'd highly recommend the book 'Gathering Storm' which was released in October 2013, and is a book of his work with also his own commentary. It's a very interesting and wonderful book, and it shows how varied and unusual his work was, which is why I admire him.

I apologize for the length of this post, but I hope it was somewhat interesting, and thank you very much for reading! 

- Rhianwen 

(Disclaimer* no copyright intended for the photos!)