Color in Films: Where the Wild Things Are

29 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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adventure, color, earthy, imagination, island, journey, Maurice Sendak, neutrals, palette, Spike Jonze, Where the Wild Things Are, Wild Things, youth

I have always loved this Maurice Sendak’s work. Being an artist, you just have to appreciate his beautiful illustrations. Where the Wild Things Are has been one of my all time favorite stories since a child, so you can imagine how happy I was when the film came out in 2009. The fact that Spike Jonze directed it was a bonus as well. I could not have been happier with how it turned out.

The film revolves around a lonely boy named Max, who has a wild imagination. One night he runs away after his mother yells at him and finds a small boat in a pond. Seeking new adventure, he hops on and arrives at an island where large creatures call home. It’s here he meets the Wild Things. He convinces them he is a king with magical powers and claims he can bring peace to the group, as they all have anger issues. They soon crown him king and the adventure begins.

The incidents that happen during the time on the island is a tale of truth and realization. They mimic Max’s daily life at home and how he has been acting and feeling. Eventually, he comes to realize this and decides to leave and go back to his family. The film is a heartfelt and youthful adaption of the book and the characters truly become alive on screen. It’s enough to make anyone feel young again and remember the days when being wild and free were so easy.

The color palette is earthy and subdued with neutrals being the main focus. Most scenes are shot outside so nature is incorporated a lot. Lighting really enables the scenes to shine, creating an intimate backdrop for the plot to unfold, as times of day are accented greatly. After I saw this film, I wished a small boat would take me to a far away land. A place where I can be wild and free and the adventures are endless. It proves there is a wild thing in all of us.

Color in Films: Where the Wild Things Are

Inspiration Photo Friday: Back in the Day

25 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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adventure, back in the day, crew, dance, friends, friendship, kids, music, new york, parties, raves, young, youth

As you get older, there are times you look back upon your life and think of the good old days when everything was much simpler. Of course there may have still been real life things to deal with but being young meant the world was yours to take. There was no doubt there would be obstacles in your way. However, good times are always what you remember and keeping those memories alive is something we all cherish.

For this Inspiration Photo Friday, I wanted to go back to a time when music was my life. I always loved to dance so it was a given I would get involved in the party scene during my teen years. From Jersey to Florida, I explored many of these “raves” with great friends and good people I met along the way. During this time I also experimented with a lot of mind altering substances and I am sure you can imagine the stories I can tell. Like I said, being young is bliss. For me, it meant being fearless. I wanted to experience everything that came my way and then some.

My friend, Kade, sent me this photo awhile ago. When I saw it I was in awe because it brought me back to a time in my life I hold so close. The excitement of the night to come, the many people I’d meet and friends I’d run into, and how could I forget the amazing music. Dancing all night for hours on end, sweating my ass off – those were the days. Every party was a journey, a vacation for my mind. Boy, do I miss it.

In the picture is my best friend Heather {squatting} and my friend Asunta from Florida who was visiting New York at the time {white shirt}. And there I am with one of my infamous poses, blue hat and Polo shirt. All the other kids are people we would chill with at parties. I believe this was early in the morning after an all nighter in the city. And I am sure we had an amazing time.

I will never forget all those good times. I was upset to see it end when the scene started changing but it wasn’t was it used to be. A whole new generation took over and it was transformed. My friends and I just didn’t fit in anymore. Maybe its because we were growing up, who knows. All I know for sure is life was once crazy and fun and all we cared about was each other and the new adventures that would come our way. Back in the day we ruled the world and I will never forget it.