According to an interview between the Kubrick and Michel Ciment, Kubrick attempted to create this photograph initially using extras. But was unhappy with the result. The photo we now know, was ultimately shopped together. Kubrick literally photographed Jack Nicholson from an approximate high angle shot peering down. Then airbrushed Nicholson into the “picture library” photo Kubrick found. Incredible.
Did you have all those extras pose for the last shot?
“No, they were in a photograph taken in 1921 which we found in a picture library. I originally planned to use extras, but it proved impossible to make them look as good as the people in the photograph. So I very carefully photographed Jack, matching the angle and the lighting of the 1921 photograph, and shooting him from different distances too, so that his face would be larger and smaller on the negative. This allowed the choice of an image size which when enlarged would match the grain structure in the original photograph. The photograph of Jack’s face was then airbrushed into the main photograph, and I think the result looked perfect. Every face around Jack is an archetype of the period.”
I’m absolutely distraught to learn that the incomparable Scott Wampler has passed. He leaves behind such a vast void. He had a way with words. I loved hearing his perspectives on film, fiction and horror. He was a stalwart in the film community and was the former editor over at Birth.Movies.Death.
He was close with filmmakers, writers, directors and creatives from all walks of life. The man was a bonafide comedian and in recent memory, began reaching new heights with The Kingcast, a podcast that largely covers the works of Stephen King. Guests included Elijah Wood, Guillermo del Toro and of course, Stephen King and more.
Oh man…Scott Wampler was a truly singular force; passionate, hilarious and loved by everyone who knew him. My heart is with his friends and family. What a shocking loss.
Looking at our collective bookshelf at our apartment, Leah (@dumcurator) and I collect a wide array of books, and mediums of the written word. From audiobooks to comic books. We snag em up when we can.
Between the spines of Stephen King novels and Brian K. Vaughn trades — lie some incredible female writers and illustrators. Hell, our dog is named after Mary Shelley’s legendary cautionary tale, Frankenstein.
My favorite comic as of writing, is probably Saga, and notably not because of Vaughn’s writing this time (although friends and LOST fans know just how much I love that man). I enjoy Saga for the story, sure — but really, I love the series because of Fiona Staples.
I bring up Fiona because I love her style and work. I previously quoted a story about Dave Dorman. For brevity’s sake, Dorman had published a controversial critique of Staples cover — but it turns out his wife wrote the post. Despite the criticism (penned by either Dave or his wife), it’s still without merit. The cover in question is from Volume 1, is amazing. Take a look:
Cool, right?
So, why am I bringing all this up? Well, this week has been teeming with amazing work on Twitter. Work from hundreds, if not thousands of wonderful female artists that deserve the spotlight. I’m of course talking about #VisibleWomen. Fiona didn’t start this hashtag movement (more on that in a bit), but it serves as a segue into why we need more #VisibleWomen (in all creative industries).
A sampling of some of my favorite artists so far (in no particular order):
Hi #VisibleWomen 🙂 I'm Agathe, an animation student, interested in visdev, design and illustration. I love colour, gouache and books (really into #HisDarkMaterials atm)
An amazing collection no doubt. The textures, techniques, and approaches are all so refreshing and lovely. Variety is what makes the creative industry so fantastic. Suppressing that variety (i.e. malicious criticisms and sexism), needs to stop.
Best part? Milkfed put together a spreadsheet of artists looking for work so anyone in the comic industry looking for fresh talent knows where to look:
