"Off the map"

Stan Berning


I finally got to see the whole of "Off the map" which was on my list of movies recommended. It's an interesting film about self discovery and redefining our past so we can embrace the present. Or at least that's what I got out of it.

It's funny I watched the film about half way through and had to stop...two little gals kept interrupting and just making it hard to focus on a film that calls for attention. It's full of visual beauty as well as interesting dialog. Apparently, this was originally a play and was adapted for film. The very first scene is a detailed look at a painting. After this, a set of the house is just so stage-like it makes you wonder if it's going to go beyond the confines of a room. The film does and though the main character, Bo, is a bit overly cutesy at times I was able to get into the story.

What really intrigues me is not so much the family but the artist or the character that transforms into an artist, William Gibbs. I was so interested in this character that I looked him up only to find he was purely mythical in nature. The art showed in the beginning of the film and credited to the made up character of William Gibbs is by Stan Berning a prolific, contemporary artist.

So, after so web snooping I found out that Berning is the artist responsible for the beautiful work filmed so tenderly. I even found out that the artist really did do a painting on wallpaper "scrolls" and later mounted it to linen. Of course, guess who wants to try this out? Yep...and I found some old wallpaper in my garage of all things dusty and forgotten. So, I may be trying this out...

The film is that sort of film that makes a person want to give painting a try, or live simply for a bit or go hunting for berries or some such thing. If anything, the "Off the map" makes you feel a bit like taking time to think and contemplate...something that is often missing in this hectic world of ours.

Comments

Stan B said…
Dear Emily,

I just googled myself and, much to my delight, found your blog entry about OFF THE MAP. Anyway, just on a lark I thought I would say hi. I'm pleased you enjoyed the film.

Stan Berning

PS: Here is a link to a just recently published book. http://www.aboutartbook.com/
Stan Berning said…
Dear Emily,

I just googled myself and, much to my delight, found your blog entry about OFF THE MAP. Anyway, just on a lark I thought I would say hi. I'm pleased you enjoyed the film.

Stan Berning

PS: Here is a link to a just recently published book. It has a bit to do with the film. http://www.aboutartbook.com/
Emily said…
Dear Stan,
Thank you for commenting! I enjoyed the film very much and was very impressed with your work/studies...I'll check out your book as well. I thought the film did a wonderful job of showing the expression of the artist and their work.

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