FANGORIA: The Beginning of My Journey

FANGORIA, the first in fright since 1979. This most simply written mission statement says it all.  Since its first inception in 1978 as FANTASTICA, FANGORIA has gone through many changes over the year.  With the changes in magazine publications and mass media as a whole, FANGORIA has never lost touch of being the forerunner in bringing genre fans up-to-date information on everything that encompasses the wonderful world of horror. 

I remember being a teenager running to Strawberries, Coconuts, and Sam Goodie, (all record stores now only a memory to some), or Borders and Barnes & Nobles to pick up the newest issue of FANGORIA. It’s funny, I never ordered a subscription because I didn’t want the mail man to bend it, so I would make my parents drive me to those aforementioned stores. Once in the store I grew so excited to see which movies would be featured in that particular months issue.

Instantly I would skim through the pages to get an idea of the many articles, however I would always read the “coming soon” section first.  It was the most exciting part of the magazine; to find out what was hitting the theater in the months to follow, sometimes in the year to follow. As my fingers would guide my eyes through each and every line of every article my heart would race with the anticipation that one day my name, whether I was the interviewer or interviewee, would be printed on those pages.

Now, those memories fuel my desire to be the most successful intern that this magazine has ever had.

It is with great honor that I have been chosen to not only work with such a great team of very talented men and women in the field, but also to be given the opportunity to write for the magazine itself.  I know that my love of horror and my utmost respect that I have for FANGORIA will only help me in providing the first in fright as others have before me.   

This is only the beginning of my journey.  I look forward to what the future has in store for me and it is with the greatest of hope that over the next year great things will be happening.  More to come soon...

Finding Beauty in Tragedy:

Photo taken by Frank Relle from his collection "Until the Water"

It is probably safe to say that Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters that some Americans have ever faced. The loss of life, culture, and history was devastating, not to mention the immeasurable impact this force of nature had on Louisiana and the world itself. Now, ten years after the tragic events of August 21-August 31 of 2005, photojournalist Frank Relle has captured the horror and the beauty in his collection hauntingly titled "Until the Water. I discovered this particular photo in the Photography, Video, and Visual Journalism section of  New York Times. 

Instantly I felt a deep connection with the picture for a few reason, one being, I didn't actually think it was real. At first glance it looked like an advertisement for a scary attraction, or new horror movie hitting the theaters.  It wasn't until I actually read the tag line for the photo that it in fact it was an image of an area that had fallen victim to mother natures powerful vengeance. 

The depth of perception and the way the water acts as a mirror to the sadness allows any viewer to create thousands of stories about the who, what, when, where, how, and why.  It is as universal as it is central. The use of lighting allows the image to almost seem 3-D. The background color of the sky seems to push forward the foreground to a level that surpasses the page, making the viewer a part of the image. Even the darkness itself plays a large role in creating a sense of dread and consumption of emptiness that makes this photograph haunting and unimaginably real.  However, there is still a sense of hope that one could feel from this, as the bright color of green pushing through the waters edge as well as from atop the almost lifeless cypress trees. 

Anyway you look at this picture, one can find the beauty and the beast of life and disaster. This photograph, along with the entire collection that Relle has collected thus far, enables audiences to see life through the eyes of an artist. His ability to capture the realness of life is spectacular as well as honorable.  

Here are a few other samples of "Until the Water", which is still in the process of being completed...

Follow along as we look at more pictures from Frank Relle as well as a glimpse into the life of the photojournalist himself. 

...next time we will take a look into Nightscapes

We Still Have Hope: A Review of Southpaw

Staring:                                               Directed By:                       Written By:

Jake Gyllenhaal                                  Antoine Fuqua                    Kurt Sutter     

Rachel McAdams

Forest Whitaker

Oona Laurence

Naomie Harris

Unabashedly heartbreaking, undeniably inspiring, and undisputedly a champion of films amongst some lackluster entries this summer.

Boxing has been in the center ring of many a film including Rocky and Raging Bull, and when it comes to sport flicks, stories are often rehashed for younger generations. Yet, what separates these films and makes them unique is the work and effort put into the storyline and characters.  In this boxing film, hot-headed street-kid turned world famous boxer Billy Hope, must over come the tragic death of his wife, (this is not a spoiler…it’s in the preview folks), his daughters sentence to be taken into child protective services, and the complete deconstruction of his life and career. A film, when introduced like so, may seem comparable to other films, however this is not the case with Southpaw.

Kurt Sutter 

Antoine Fuqua 

After seeing this moving film, it was obvious that the men and women that worked on this project were at the top of their games. Kurt Sutter, hot off the final, and brilliant season of the epic Sons of Anarchy, creates a world that is realistic, harsh, and soulfully deep. Antoine Fuqua, director of Training Day and Olympus Has Fallen, (and if you have not seen those two films...you need to), brilliantly directs this film in a way that makes you feel as if you are a part of this journey of self redemption. Southpaw hits audiences with a combination of beautifully damaged characters, and phenomenal actors bringing them to life.  The movie never once hits the breaks on action, emotions, and storyline.

Jake Gyllenhaal Variety

With Jake Gyllenhaal at the top of his game, both physically and professionally, it is hard to even imagine anyone else playing Billy Hope. The role was originally set to be played by Eminem however his part in the films musical tone was top notch. Phenomenal, is quiet brilliant and could very well be the newest Eye of the Tiger. Gyllenhaal brought such life to his performance that he seemed to disappear into the character and for the two hour running time, there was only Hope; his pain, his sadness, and his undefeatable strength. He just may finally have his day at the Oscars.

Rachel McAdams Huffington Post

Forest Whitaker Variety

Oona Laurence 

The supporting cast of Southpaw shines brightly making this film more than your average boxing flick. Rachel McAdams, the ill-fated wife of Hope is superb and her death scene alone deserves a best supporting actress nomination. More so, Forest Whitaker undoubtedly deserves a nomination and a win for his role as Willis, an ex-professional boxer, trainer, and Hopes’ (one) blue-eyed mentor. Whitaker seemed so comfortable and each time he spoke you knew he was going to say something memorable.  As far as moving performances, 10 year old Oona Laurence will break your heart and then piece it back together for you…bring tissues…for you emotional types.

Terrific through and through, Southpaw may very well have a chance in becoming a contender as one of the greatest boxing films in cinematic history.  Yet, that all depends on what you think.  Go to the movies, buy a ticket, sit back with an champion-sized popcorn and soda, and enjoy the film.

        Please, feel free to tweet me or comment here telling me what you thought of the film!