JT Spunk | Photography

Alone With Her Movies

The movie’s unsettling first section is viewed through the virtual eyes of Doug’s spying equipment. An early scene in a men’s room frames Doug from the chest down as he balances a duffel bag atop a sink, stuffs a camera inside, and then hides the lens, which is positioned at crotch height, by selectively closing the bag’s zipper. This image transforms the argument of Laura Mulvey’s landmark essay, “Visual Pleasure and the Narrative Cinema” — that cinema’s gaze is inherently male — into a rude sight gag.

Doug then uses his secretly acquired knowledge of Amy’s personality, musical taste and recent breakup to arrange a meeting with her, encourages an uneasy platonic friendship, then contrives a series of increasingly nasty misfortunes that will enable him to ride to her rescue.

For the most part, the spycam angles are convincingly realistic, though the sheer number of them suggests that Doug’s real frustration is artistic. Like the hero of Michael Powell’s “Peeping Tom,” which Mr. Nicholas explicitly invokes, Doug is equal parts milquetoast monster and budding filmmaker.

The performers are convincing, sometimes heartbreakingly vulnerable. Mr. Nicholas never loses sight of the invasive nature of Doug’s obsession. He’s sincerely interested in Amy’s collapsing self-esteem, and shows glimmers of empathy for Doug, an alienated loner whose propensity for icy chivalry suggests Travis Bickle (of “Taxi Driver”) in khakis. As unpleasantness inevitably builds toward violence, Doug and Amy seem to complete each other unhealthily.

In the end, though, the characters seem less archetypal than vague, and aside from its sophisticated presentation, “Alone With Her” doesn’t differ all that much from its template: the late-’80s and early-’90s Fill-In-the-Blanks-From-Hell movies that followed in the wake of “Fatal Attraction,” many of whose elements (including the heroine’s inquisitive, doomed best friend) Mr. Nicholas revives almost verbatim.

ALONE WITH HER

Opens today in Manhattan and on Video on Demand.

Written and directed by Eric Nicholas; director of photography, Nathan Wilson; edited by Cari Coughlin; music by David Russo; production designer, John Mott; produced by Tom Engelman and Robert Engelman; released by IFC First Take and the Weinstein Company. At the IFC Center, 323 Avenue of the Americas, at Third Street, Greenwich Village. Running time: 79 minutes. This film is not rated.

About the Author

http://www.moviesplayground.com/Alone_With_Her

ADVENTURE OF PHOTOGRAPHY (DVD) [2 DISCS] $38.45 Presents a history of photography from early daguerreotypes, to nudes, fashion, war and science photography. Genre: Art Artists Rating: NR Release Date: 15APR2003

Architectural Photography (Paperback) $51.06 Architectural photography is more than simply choosing a subject and pressing the shutter-release button; it`s more than just documenting a project. An architectural photograph shows the form and appeal of a building far better than any other medium. With the advent of the digital photographic workflow, architects are discovering exciting new opportunities to present and market their work. But what are the ingredients for a successful architectural photograph? What equipment do you need? How can you improve your images in your digital darkroom? Why does a building look different in reality than in a photographic image? In this book you will find the answers to these questions and much more. Author Adrian Schulz-both an architect and a photographer by training-uses real-world projects to teach you how to:Capture outstanding images of buildings, inside and out Choose the right equipment and use it effectively Compose architectural shots Work with ambient and artificial light Process images in an efficient workflow based on Adobe Photoshop This book is a step-by-step guide to architectural photography for both the aspiring amateur photographer interested in architectural photography and the professional photographer wanting to expand his skills in this domain. Moreover, architects themselves will find this book motivating and inspiring. This second edition has been extensively revised and includes 80 new images and illustrations, as well as an expanded chapter on shooting interior spaces. Also included is an updated discussion of post-processing techniques and the latest technical developments in the world of photography. With this book, you will learn a variety of creative tips, tricks, and guidelines for making the perfect architectural image.

MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY:EDWARD STEICHE (DVD) $23.4 Genre: Documentary Rating: NR Release Date: 27JUN2006

Event Photography Handbook (Paperback) $62.06 From parades, sporting events, and black-tie galas to political rallies, product-release parties, and anniversary celebrations, this is the definitive guide to event photography. With the recent advent of relatively inexpensive digital cameras, consumers are becoming increasingly proficient at capturing important moments on their own. In order to save their business and stay in front of the curve, professional photographers must proactively build their businesses by initiating new contacts, selecting the best equipment for each job, and enhancing their marketing and promotional skills. Detailed information on how to be successful before, during, and after the event-including proper professional etiquette, lighting and posing options, and snapping unobtrusive action shots-is included as well advice on working with both the images and client after a job.

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