WE
‘
...
We Heart is a part of Pixel to Print magazine, where we show all the best films, books and apps we have discovered in the past couple of months. We are very excited to bring you the first issue. In this first issue we look at some of our must see movies (page 2), just a few of our favourite books (page 8), we’ve searched high and low to bring you some cool gadgets (page 10) and been stuck to our phones to show you some addictive apps (page 12).
1
‘
...
Lily Price-Jenkins (@Lily_dw_I) tells us about her must-see movies at the moment, giving her honest opinion on some of the most thought-provoking films of the 21st Century.
Howl’s Moving Castle Howl’s Moving Castle, adapted upon a Welsh folk tale by Diana Wynne Jones, tells the story of Sofi, an unconfident young girl, longing for freedom from the mundane day to day life she leads. Becoming cursed by an evil witch, she suffers a debilitating and aging illness, forcing her to seek enjoyment and adventure, in order to help stay young and rid herself of the curse. Fate brings Sofi into an encounter with Howl & his unique Moving Castle. Enchanted by the quirky magician Sofi quickly becomes part of his disfunctional, magical surroundings. Howl’s own insecurities and split personality combine with Sofi’s drive to live life, making for a colourful and imaginative journey into themes we can all relate to. As one of many in the series of Hayao
Released: 2004 Director: Hayao Miyazaki Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Miyazaki’s Ghibli films, Howls Moving Castle doesnt falter to offer the traditional Ghibli themes of adventure, love & conflict, via a range of engaging characters within a captivating, twisting plotline. Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the more fascinating Ghibli films for me, as it isn’t just a film to watch to absorb the weird and wonderful worlds of Miyazaki, but a film that makes these weird and wonderful worlds and their adventures accessible to everyone and their own mundane lives.
The Darjeeling Limited A wise woman once told me that “Everything in life should either be, or lead to a journey, whether literal or metaphorical. This includes arguments, theme-park rides and films.” It would seem that Wes Anderson takes this advice too when it comes to plot of The Darjeeling Limited. The Darjeeling Limited follows the self titled ‘spiritual journey’ of three brothers through India, featuring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman, and Anjelica Huston as their mother - all of who are veterans to Anderson’s films. We follow them on their spiritual jaunt, attempting to strengthen their relationship via petty arguments, long-term resentment and woeful organization. During which, the trio drag themselves through India in a film that is every bit as eventful as a heated argument or rollercoaster.
Released: 2007 Director: Wes Anderson Stars: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman
Anderson captures their journey with beautiful scenes in vivid surroundings whilst punctuating the ever bizarre ideas of Francis, the romantic ventures of Jack and the indifferent skepticism of Peter. The cast create a likeable and comic collection of characters, with a bond that is evident even before they even attempt their venture. The spiritual journey Anderson tackles in this film is definitely rewatchable, not only for the classic cast, or plot, but also for the setting of the film. With Wes Anderson’s films in the past, he has always given an alternative angle on things we may see in day to day life. In The Darjeeling Limited, he takes this journey further visually, as an auetur, directing & writing films that everyone seem to love. Perhaps he too has been taking advice from the wise woman that is my mother.
‘
...
50/50 Some could say that the title of 50/50 is an apt name for a film, given that its current reviews are somewhat varied. However for a film that features contemporary indie-film regulars, such as Joseph Gordon Levett, Seth Rogen & Anna Kendrick, you could be mistaken if you were to assume that 50/50 was a film that wouldn’t take itself seriously. The film’s fundamental plotline centres around the notion of it’s main character, Adam, who is suffering from cancer.
4
Joseph Gordeon-Levett as Adam, is diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 27, plunging his otherwise comfortable and healthy life into disarray. Adam’s struggle lies in attempting and understanding how to cope with his
Released: 2011 Director: Jonathan Levine Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick
dramatically altered lifestyle, amongst a set of people who are equally doing their best to help him out. Seth Rogen features as always, as his inappropriate but amusing best friend Kyle, helping Adam attempt to make the best out of a bad situation. The film shares many of the glistening witty moments you’d expect from this cast, even as the film takes a turn for the worse, emotions and a genuine empathy for the characters desends. It’s difficult to say that this film isnt moving, especially given the plotline’s subject, but what is equally upsetting is that Joseph Gordon-Levett’s performance and ever likeable characters, keep breaking my heart.
Melancholia Melancholia is crushing to say the least, but when you’re faced with a planet that is on a course to collide with earth, there aren’t may other adjectives to describe such an event. With a cast that features Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg & Kiefer Sutherland, Melancholia takes place in two distinctive parts. Part one follows Justine (Dunst) on her crumbling wedding night, and part two follows Claire (Gainsbourg) on her mental struggle leading up to Melancholia’s dramatic visit. Each part follows their lifes and personal ordeals up until they are put into perspective by the mysterious blue planet. With an opening sequence that bears
Released: 2011 Director: Lars von Trier Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg
extremely slow motion hints to the outcome of the film, the scene is set for an also slightly-slow film, that eventually culminates in a fast planetary-paced ending. Still worth a watch for ideas on how to tackle the impending 2012 apocalyspe, though.
5
‘
...
lost in translation Lost in Translation i.e Stuck in Japan is a film that captures everyone’s worst nightmare, but my personal dream - To be stuck alone in Japan, not knowing where you are, or having anyone to spend time with. The desire to break loose, and adventure, leaving you devoid of any inhibitions takes over and eventually, you have the most incredble & memorable time of your life. For Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanssen this is exactly what happens, and for Murray a lonely actor stuck promoting Whisky and Johanssen neglected by her husband on a work’s trip, their unlikely pairing leads to some spontaneous and special moments between the two.
6
Released: 2003 Director: Sofia Coppola Stars: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson
The film has minimal plot, but the gradual and beautiful friendship of the two unfolding more than makes up for it. Lost in Translation makes a great use of sound, both to convey Japan’s bustling and alien capital to the two, and to soundtrack the moments that Bob & Charlotte spend together, sharing a connection that needs no words to speak volumes.
the dreamers Set against the background of the 1960’s student riots in Paris, an American student and French brother & sister take you through the do’s and donts of a close-knit friendship spawned from a love of film, intensified by a regular game of ‘guess the film’. The relationship between the trio, played by Michael Pitt, Eva Green & Louis Garrel, is fuelled by typically french amounts of wine, cigarette and sex consumption. Their dedication to their ‘guess the film’ game culminates in a string of events that go from questionable, to worse. With a style that compliments the characters’s love of film, classic pre 60’s films are cut and blended into the
Released: 2003 Director: Bernardo Bertolucci Stars: Michael Pitt, Louis Garrel and Eva Green
scenes. These moments are particularly special, and for me - when coupled with one of the most memorable quotes the film becomes an essential watch. For The Dreamers, “It’s as if the camera is a the keyhole to your parents’ bedroom. And you spy on them, and you’re disgusted. You feel guilty but you can’t. . .you can’t look away.” And its true for the viewer too, its themes are questionable at best, but there’s something about it, which means you can’t look away either.
7
‘
... 2
1. Just My Type by Simon GarfieldA book containing the histories of fonts ranging from Helvetica to Comic Sans, written by a true connoisseur of fonts and type.
1
2. Hot Shots by Kevin MeredithKevin Meredith aka LomoKev is a photographer from Brighton. In this book he talks about his favourite tips and tricks for taking successful photos.
3. Hand Job by Michael Perry-
we
This book contains a selection of inspiring hand-drawn type from different artists and illustrators.
4. The Small Stakes: Music Posters by Jason Munn- Jason Munn is very well known 5. How to be an Explorer of the World by Keri Smith- Most people don’t
5
loo
notice the world around them. This book shows you techniques to discover what’s around you and have fun whilst doing so!
take a
in the music world for his unique gig posters, which are shown throughout this book.
ka
6. The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches by Susan Russo- Who doesn’t love sandwiches?! You’ve got to be mad not to and this book shows all the best recipes to put in between two slices of bread.
7. Make Hey! While the sun still shines by Pip Lincolne- Feeling a bit bored? Then this book shows you how to create your own handmade things for you and your home. 8. Shit London by Patrick Dalton- This is a series of photos depicting the ‘shit side’ of London, from graffiti to rubbish on the street.
All these books are available from good high-street bookstores and amazon.co.uk
8
lov
6
to
ur fa
3
4
ve boo
he
mom
ent
ks
avo u rti
t es a
t
8
7
9
...
1. Wacom Bamboo Pen This is the new model of the Wacom Bamboo. It’s great for everyone, from beginners to experts. It’s easy to use, stylish and won’t break the bank. Available from Amazon for around £50. 2. Hamburger Phone As seen on the film Juno, this is a fun and unique phone, which looks great. Available from Amazon for around £15.
2 1
4
we
‘
th
e
10
ar
4. Urban Ears Plattan Headphones These headphones come in a variety of colours, so you can choose a pair to match any outfit. They’re not only stylish but produce a great sound. Available from HMV for around £50.
Here
3. Gummy Bear Light Give this little bear a squeeze and he’ll light up. Great for adults as well as children. Available from Firebox for around £20.
e v o l
6
ec
oole
st
5. Lomography LomoKino The LomoKino is a 35mm movie camera, it fits 50 seconds of footage onto a standard 36frame roll. It creates a vintage style film, which looks great. Available from the Lomography store for around £65.
3
gadg
’ve
fou
nd
ets w s t e gadg
e
5 6. Mini Camera USB This USB flash drive is extremely cute and perfect for anyphotography lovers. Available from the Amazon for around £5.
7 7. Ice Cream Lamp This Ice cream shaped lamp will definitely stand out in your room. Available from the Fredflare for around £35.
11
‘
...
1. Instagram (Free)- This app is extremely popular at the moment and we can see why. It’s great for taking photos whilst out and about and sharing them with your friends. The app also allows you to add different vintage camera effects to each of your photos!
2. Little White Lies (Free)- This is the app for the magazine Little White Lies. Use this to discover new films, read film reviews and find out about indie films playing near you.
1
2
4
5
3. Clear (£1.99)- Love writing lists? Clear is a new app for making lists. It’s simple, quick and satisfying to use.
7
4. Draw Something (Free)- Everyone has gone mad for Draw Something. It’s like pictionary for your phone, play against people on the internet or against your friends. It’s really addictive!
12
8
5. Diptic (69p)- Make collages from your photos with this app. Add different layouts, borders and round the corners. You can make your photos look more interesting.
3 6. Sleep Cycle (Free)- This app tracks your sleeping pattern by tracking how much you move in your sleep. It then wakes you up at the optimum time, when you’re in your lightest sleep.
6 7. Cinemagram (free)- Animate small sections of your photos to bring them to life.
9
8. Robot Unicorn Attack (69p)- Race your robot unicorn through the skies, collecting stars and fairies. This app is really addictive and has great music as you play. 6. Blog Lovin’ (Free)- With this app you can follow all your favourite blogs and bloggers, from art and design to fashion and beauty.
13