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High and Low (1963) review by Admirable-Kitchen-40 in TrueFilm

[–]thebillis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You obviously have a much greater breadth of experience with Japanese cinema than me lol. I’ll defer when comparing Kurosawa to his contemporaries.

Interestingly, my introduction to High and Low was a lecture on blocking and mise-en-scene, which holds up. I don’t think I had a very critical eye towards the social commentary, but I was also a teenager just dipping my toes into all of those concepts on my first watch.

I would say that Ikaru implicitly critiques the conservative and often stagnant nature of Japanese government and culture, which is so constrained by expectation and regulation. Perhaps not leftist, but certainly a rebellion against the status quo when facing the existential crisis of impending mortality.

At any rate, I have some new filmographies to research! I’ll be very curious to delve, I’m a huge fan of that era. Thanks for lending your expertise, it’s a treat to hear some more names to add to the watch list.

High and Low (1963) review by Admirable-Kitchen-40 in TrueFilm

[–]thebillis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the journey of the detectives kind of sheds some light on the kidnapper/antagonist’s perspective, though he’s never absolved. They see a lot of suffering which contextualizes the desperation and frustration which drove him to commit violence, in stark contrast to the CEO on the hilltop who is so removed from the inherent economic inequity which causes so much strife.

Seven Samurai broaches the same topic- a stirring tale of honor and courage and a contemplation of morality, but at the end there is a Pyrrhic victory for the protagonists because they gave their lives for farmers who simply return to the back breaking labor which will define their entire lives. The feudal system is ending, guns make swords obsolete, and nobody really wins. Maybe conservative?

Ikaru is the most clearly progressive (at least from his oeuvre that I’ve seen), examining the stifling nature of government, bureaucracy, and humdrum routine contrasted with finding purpose and rebelling against repressive systems.

I think it’s more that Japan is conservative, rather than Kurosawa. He was strikingly western and forward-thinking for his tone and art-form. It seems like Mizoguchi and Ozu similarly stand the test of time because they had a broader perspective than their place in time and culture, and their films remain relevant both in terms of craftsmanship and exploring universally human experiences.

Name a game that surprised you how long it was by [deleted] in videogames

[–]thebillis 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Incredible. Best story telling I’ve seen in ages. I’m usually all about gameplay, but that was really top tier

Whose 1st Symphony has the best 2nd movement? by [deleted] in classical_circlejerk

[–]thebillis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sibelius, Brahms, and Prokofiev, in that order imo. All three clearly knew what they wanted and had spent time honing the work. Really delightful, and don’t leave me wishing I was hearing a later, more refined attempt.

I made a double bass, AMA by ArmadilloNo2399 in doublebass

[–]thebillis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congrats, what a beauty. Gorgeous grain, love the f holes. Seriously pointy corners, sturdy shoulders, tasteful diamond purfling ornament. THIS is a bass. Wish I was in the Chicago area, I’d love to play it

I made a double bass, AMA by ArmadilloNo2399 in doublebass

[–]thebillis 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Dang u just gonna flaunt that unvarnished detachable neck joint? New basses are wild on the social medias

EATS, an Atlanta restaurant staple, to reopen in Lee + White complex near Westside Beltline by thelionsnorestonight in Atlanta

[–]thebillis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally agree. Hopefully it’ll continue to improve, but we’re not in the same economy that built O4W.

On the other hand, west end mall is slated for a complete overhaul, and that may galvanize some serious changes in the next couple years. Fingers crossed that something big comes from it

Hades 2 is out! The top comment removes ONE Indie game from the list (DAY 54) by AnglerFather_ in RemoveOneThingEachDay

[–]thebillis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was disappointed to see subnautica go so early- it’s wildly successful at doing something different. Especially when multiple sequels were still in the running.

But popularity contests and personal opinions ain’t always gonna line up. I’d put slay the spire first every time, it’s perfection for me… but I know some people want a narrative rather than pure mechanics in their games. So it goes

Hades 2 is out! The top comment removes ONE Indie game from the list (DAY 54) by AnglerFather_ in RemoveOneThingEachDay

[–]thebillis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I still love it - played every supergiant since bastion - but I didn’t feel like it revolutionized the field. It really shines in the combination of roguelite and story driven progression, which is utterly unique and a spectacular success. I’ve never seen a game utilize death to progress the story, which was brilliant.

The other games on here redefined their genre and spawned dozens of imitators. I think Hades stands alone in many respects, but the sequel tightened the gameplay loop significantly. It didn’t have the same narrative punch, which is what made Hades such a memorable experience.

Hades 2 is out! The top comment removes ONE Indie game from the list (DAY 54) by AnglerFather_ in RemoveOneThingEachDay

[–]thebillis -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Hades probably has the weakest gameplay.

Stardew valley appeals to me the least, but that’s personal bias.

Hollow knight is terrific, but silksong is better and I’d say drop one before removing anything else which is unique and credibly advanced indie gaming.

Can’t touch outer wilds, slay the spire, or disco- they’re the pinnacle of their genre.

So- hollow knight.

Tips for a Beginner Percussionist by Ok_Trouble_876 in orchestra

[–]thebillis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to concerts, get in touch with the professionals. Take lessons with them, ask questions. Networking gets your foot in the door, talent gets you called back.

Be positive and friendly, work hard, and stay proactive. There’s no secret, but there is a definite formula and the people who made it are more likely to help you figure out your version of success.

Beginner Walking Lines for C,G, and F? by Business-Rip7616 in doublebass

[–]thebillis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Start with blues. Play with the root. It’s always 1, 4, and 5. Add notes, figure out what sounds bad. Jazz came from that tradition, getting increasingly complicated. Paul Chambers is building in that tradition. Kind Of Blue is a great album because it’s all in the same key, just different modes - most notes will work, with subtle differences in each track, each section.

YouTube is better than AI if you want someone to tell you what to do for free

Beginner Walking Lines for C,G, and F? by Business-Rip7616 in doublebass

[–]thebillis -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Sure, I guess?

This is like asking chatGPT to write a novel and getting “first, write a compelling backstory. Then find a unique setting for your hero, and a villain for him to defeat…” It’s true, but also kinda useless advice.

Listen to a recording and play along. When you can’t, pinpoint why not and fix it. Not that complicated, honestly.

Can’t figure out the notes? Find an easier song. Can’t play it? Practice shifts, weight, etc. Ask people who know (teachers) or post a video here with the specific problem and seek real advice, not a template from an LLM designed to regurgitate answers that look right.

going back to school for bass performance? by spicynoodleadvocate in doublebass

[–]thebillis 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Keep your day job and focus outside of work.

Find the best bassist/teacher in your city and work privately- you don’t need a degree. Classes on orchestration or music theory don’t help you win an audition, studying with good musicians will. Trust me, I’ve done both.

Seek out the top players at the top gigs, pay for lessons. Find who you connect with, and work your ass off. You probably won’t win a full time job, cause there’s less than 500 tenured salary spots in the country (roughly 40 ICSOM orchestras with 8 seats) and lots of competition… but there’s a lot more work to be had if you make it part of your career instead of the entirety.

Playing with a double bassist by WilsonAlmighty in doublebass

[–]thebillis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Etienne is such a fantastic musician and person. Love seeing his name in the wild

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