Essay: Video games - dangerous or not?

I wrote this short essay as a homework for my English class about two weeks ago. I thought I could share it on my blog ...

 

 

Thanks to the evolution of technology and the accessibility of the Internet, video games have become more and more popular in the last years. However, what many people consider harmless fun, many others believe to be dangerous. Which effects might a game have on a person?

 

People of my generation may remember throwing bananas during high speed car chases in Super Mario Kart or taking part in Zelda's exciting adventures. Or who hasn't caught and exchanged some Pokémon with other kids in the schoolyard? And who didn't show some kick-ass moves and become the champion in Street Fighter II? If you have played a video game at least one time in your life and then claimed you didn't have a good time with it, you would be lying.

 

Video games allow the player to enter in a world that has been living somewhere in a corner of their imagination. This could be a wondrous place with elves and wizards or in a galaxy far, far away. You not only have the opportunity to be part of the hero's adventure - you become the hero. The One that has to overcome many obstacles and face dangers in order to find a hidden treasure or to rescue a princess imprisoned by a terrifying monster. Thanks to the magic of video games, dreams turn into reality, which can be experienced on a computer, a Play Station, a Nintento Wii and on many other devices - a simulated reality of course. But isn't there a thin line between reality and imagination?

 

Due to the standards of modern technology, video games have become more and more sophisticated both technically and artistically, exhibiting a remarkably good simulation of real environments. Is it possible that video games can blur someone's sense of reality at that point? At times, we all have heard in the news that murderers or young people who have run amok were often associated with playing video games. Is it a medium that provokes a person to harm or even kill other people?

 

It is common knowledge that passionate players can easily spend hours in front of the computer or the TV playing their favourite games. As a consequence, they subconsciously adapt an unhealthy lifestyle. They lock themselves in their bedrooms for the rest of the day, they practise no sports and occasionally eat, mostly fast food, while they are playing. In the case of children, they begin to neglect important tasks such as doing their homework, learning for school and pursuing other hobbies. Whether you are a child or an adult, both cases can lead to a state that might become dangerous, too: addiction.

 

I do believe that video games have psychological effects similar to alcohol, drugs or pornography. I think a glass of good whisky or reading an erotic novel are allowed every once a while. There is nothing wrong with small pleasures, as long as they are consumed moderately. It could turn into a problem if the doses get bigger and the thirst insatiable. What happens with too much alcohol, for instance, is that it changes a person's behaviour. This can show aspects of aggressiviness and social anxiety, which ultimately leads to isolation. In my opinion, it isn't much different with video games.

 

Furthermore, we have only to observe how our society has evolved in the last twenty years to see the undeniable fact that violence, in a subtle manner, has managed to take over the world of the media in more than just video games - movies, advertisings, press, news etc. Everything needs to be filled with more action and excitement. In addition to that, it is almost impossible to avoid these things, because due to the breakthrough of the internet, we have access to literally everything. Things that not even parents are able to control. Through the internet, their children might e.g. play games that would normally be age-restricted. I believe that an early exposure to violent films, ugly scenes portrayed on the news, etc. have a deep impact on younger minds. They might interpret it the wrong way, because they are not able to understand these things at that age.

 

With regard to the elaborated points above, I conclude that the question, if video games are dangerous, cannot be answered with a resounding yes or no. There are many other aspects we must consider as well such as in which circumstances we live in our society. I think the main point is not only how video games (and other media) affect us, but how we absorb them. And this depends on each person and how she or he deals with it. The world we live in nowadays is like a huge swamp in a mist, where we can easily get lost. And if we happen to step in a hole that slowly absorbs us, we must find a way to get out of it on our own ...

 

 

What do you think about this topic? Are video games considered to be dangerous?

 

 

source: picture from thegospelcoalition.org

 

 

 

Movie Review: "THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey", directed by Peter Jackson

Since The Return of The King came out in 2003, it has been my dream that Peter Jackson would take me back to Middle-Earth one day with adapting J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit for the big screen. After the nerve-wracking process of the movie's production (MGM's financial issues, production delays etc.), this dream finally became reality: Yesterday, on the 10th of December of 2012, thanks to my beloved sister who works at Warner Bros., I attended the Swiss premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. I couldn't hide my excitement when we took our seats (I squeaked like a 5-year old girl). When the lights went out, the first notes of Howard Shore's score emerged and the title appeared in golden letters on the Screen, the journey began ...

170 minutes later, I walked out of the theatre with an immense feeling of satisfaction and the impression that I had been part of an exceptional adventure. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey offers everything what every die-hard fan of Tolkien and the previous Lord of the Rings film trilogy wants to see.

You immediately feel carried back to Middle-Earth from the very beginning of the movie. Seeing the Shire again with its green hills and trees, the small folks and Bag End put a huge smile on my face and also everytime 'old new faces' from the previous movies did their appearance (such as Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel). Furthermore, we discover magnificient corners of New Zealand we haven't seen before, beautifully captured in wide scenic landscape shots, and we experience new exciting, action-filled battle sequences.

 

There are of course the new elements of the story, starting with the characters that are being introduced, among them are the 13 dwarves of the company: the wise Balin (Ken Stott), the ferocious Dwalin (Graham McTavish), the feisty Bifur (William Kircher), the endearing Bofur (James Nesbitt), the enormous Bombur (Stephen Hunter), the young and handsome Fili (Dean O'Gorman), the other handsome (and sexy) Kili (Aidan Turner), the polite Ori (Adam Brown), Dori (Mark Hadlow), Nori (Jed Brophy), Oin (John Callen), Gloin (Peter Hambleton)  and the leader of the company, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). If you're not able to distinguish each dwarf from the other at the end of the movie, don't feel bad about yourself, because I can't neither. The entire dwarf cast is fantastic, each one is special on their own and it's hard to pick only one favourite. Being an important character, I especially love Richard Armitage's portrayal of the fearless and respected Dwarf prince Thorin Oakenshield and his struggle to succeed in his mission to regain the lost Dwarven Kingdom Erebor.

I've been looking forward to see Sylvester McCoy as the distracted and odd wizard Radagast the Brown. He is exactly how I have imagined him when I read the book (The Fellowship of the Ring). He could have come off as a ridiculous and annoying character (like Jar Jar Binks was in the Star Wars prequels), but McCoy manages to walk the fine line perfectly without being over the top. He immediately became one of my favourite characters.
Ian McKellen reprising his role as Gandalf! It's such a delight to see him again, especially as Gandalf the Grey. Compared to the one we saw in FotR, this Gandalf has at times a very laid-back side, which is very entertaining to watch. Of course, he also cares for the company and remains a responsible guardian of Middle-Earth. Ian McKellen is simply excellent.
And there is Andy Serkis as Gollum... what an actor! Thanks to the latest standards of motion capture technology, Andy Serkis is able to deliver a performance that is fully palpable, his  mask gets close to digital make-up, you can see every small mouvement of his facial expressions -  in The Hobbit, the 'CGI barrier' seems to have vanished. I saw an actor acting. At this point, it's the last chance for the Academy to finally acknowledge Serkis' work.
Finally, there is Martin Freeman as young Bilbo Baggins. Peter Jackson couldn't have found a better actor that would fit this part ... Freeman literally owns this role, his performance captures the audience the moment he delivers his very first line. He plays Bilbo how he is supposed to be played. Freeman portrays the hobbit's evolution during his journey very well, first being a carefree and conservative hobbit and then slowly growing into a courageous and respectable person. 

Howard Shore has fulfilled all my expectations in regard to the score. He managed to reach the same level and epic dimensions of his work for The Lord of the Rings. It's like he has never left Middle-Earth.   The music has fantastic new melodies, especially the themes related to the Dwarven culture. It's a delight to hear some returning themes from the previous trilogy as well, he succeeded in using the right amount of them, with, and I really hate to say that, only one exception at the end of the movie. Overall, an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score should be secured.
Regarding the technical aspects, the movie as a whole looks absolutely gorgeous. Weapons, costumes, production design, cinematography ... everyone behind the camera put the same passion and dedication in their work like they did in The Lord of the Rings. The special effects are eye-popping and the 3D works very well. I can't say much about the 48 fps because the theatre wasn't equipped for it (but I'm eager to see how it looks like). The movie has good chances to be nominated in the 'small' categories.

Now comes the burning question we all ask to ourselves ...

Is The Hobbit as good as The Lord of the Rings?

 

Indeed,  there are some aspects that The Hobbit can't compete with LotR, there are notably small difficulties with the fluidity of the rhythm at some moments, mostly during the first 40 minutes of the movie, but they didn't really distracted me from enjoying it.

Some average moviegoers probably would criticize the fact that there are too many familiar characteristics from LotR that are being shown. It is true that they are a lot of déja-vu moments in The Hobbit (which is very pleasing to watch for the fans), but you can't really blame Peter Jackson for that, because both stories (The Hobbit and FotR) begin in the same place and they follow similar paths and events.

 

Otherwise, it is wrong to make a direct comparison of The Hobbit and the LotR (... but how can you not, we pratically have the same crew who worked on LotR ...). It is important to consider that both are completely different in their tone. Those who have read both, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have noticed this aspect.
Once you read the first chapter of The Hobbit, you would say it has been written for children. It is in fact more gentle, innocent, lighter, funnier ... Peter Jackson managed to reflect these qualities. His adaption comes closer to what we would call a 'typical fantasy movie'. The Lord of the Rings is more realistic, sophisticated, bigger, darker and is dealing with more complex, moral and philosophical issues (and let's not forget that The Hobbit was published in 1937 and LotR almost 20 years later).

 

If you separate The Hobbit from the LotR trilogy and consider it as a movie on its own, it is quite spectacular and a unique cinematic experience. It has some really great and epic moments that have the same quality we encounter in The Lord of the Rings. What I love is how Peter Jackson actually sticks very faithfully to the book (that is the advantage when you make a trilogy out of a book of approximately 320 pages). I particularly was glad that he incorporated the apprendices from RotK.

 

Let's put it that way: If you stick to much to the expectation that The Hobbit will be as epic as The Lord of the Rings, you might won't enjoy the movie as much as you should. If you bear this in mind, I think you will have more pleasure to watch the movie for the second time.


To conclude, I am very happy how The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey turned out. It is fun to watch, it is very entertaining, it has an outstanding cast (notably Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Sylvester McCoy and Ian McKellen of course), a fantastic score by Howard Shore, impressive visual effects and unforgettable moments. You have the feeling to be part of this adventure, this movie is a gift for every Tolkien fan. I can't wait to watch it again (and in 48 fps) and I am already anticipating the sequel, The Desolation of Smaug, which is due to come out on December 13 of 2013.

What do you think of The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey?
Leave your comment below!


source: pictures belong to Warner Bros. 

A few thoughts on Howard Shore's "Mrs. Doubtfire"

Yesterday, I watched Mrs. Doubtfire, a comedy directed by Chris Columbus in 1993 and starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and Harvey Fierstein. Being part of my favourite movies of my childhood, having watched it again after a long time was a beautiful experience. Even if you haven't watched it for years, you still remember every single sequence, the sound of Robin Williams' entertaining voices and which funny accidents were going to follow. Some lines you didn't understand back then (because you were too young to understand them) now appear hilarious and make you appreciate the movie even more (e.g. quoting Mrs. Doubtfire to Pierce Brosnan's character: "[...] Dear, you own that big expensive car out there? Well, they say a man who has to buy a big car like that is trying to compensate for smaller genitals."). After all these years, this movie still holds a special place in my heart, not only thanks to Robin Williams' unforgettable performance, its fabulous script and plot, but also thanks to Howard Shore's music. 

 

When we think of Howard Shore, the first thing that would come into our minds is his contribution to the legendary trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, probably followed by the anticipated The Hobbit in the near future. His music for Mrs. Doubtfire is one of his "smaller" scores, a sparkling little diamond, showing Shore's talent to write a charming comedy score with a deeply moving undertone.

Howard Shore created a very simple concept for the score. He composed the main theme ("Mrs. Doubtfire"), a lovely and heartwarming melody, that would play an important role throughout the whole movie. Carried by warm flutes, strings and sweet piano sounds, it functions as a leitmotif. To me, it portraits the unconditional love Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams' character) has for his three children. Since its first appearance at the beginning of the movie, when Daniel picks up his kids from school, the main theme always reappears in relation to them, e.g. when Daniel's wife announces him she wants to divorce him. In this moment, Daniel not only realizes that his marriage is ending, but he also sees his worst fear becoming reality: being separated from his children. 

 

It is unconditional love that drives Daniel forward, it is the reason why he decides to put the mask of this fictional character, Mrs. Doubtfire, just to be near his beloved children. But it is also thanks to her that he is becoming a better person, musically beautifully represented by a variation of the main theme.

In addition to it, there are of course the comedic aspects of the score (and the movie). Already given by Robin Williams' solid performace, Shore just needed to add the cherish on the top of the cake: with very subtle and mischievous underscoring music.

For me, Mrs. Doubtfire is one of these movies you never get tired of watching. With his simple approach, Howard Shore just did everything right, his music never seems to get unnecessarily over-exaggerated (like in other comedy movies), it keeps the tone of the movie well-balanced. It is so simply written ... it speaks for itself ... just like the language of love.

 



CONCERT REVIEW: Homage to John Williams - 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Boys Choir Lucerne, conducted by Ludwig Wicki



 

Founded in 1999, the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra has established a remarkable reputation as Switzerland's leading symphony orchestra in performing film music live. Along with the 21st Century Chorus and under the direction of conductor Ludwig Wicki, the 21st Century Orchestra has realised projects ("James Bond in Concert", "War & Love", "Heroes" etc.) and has worked with renowned composers such as George Fenton, Randy Newman and Michael Giacchino. One of the orchestra's highlights and most rewarding experiences was its collaboration with Academy Award winning composer Howard Shore, world-premiering the music of the epic fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings live to the projected movie on the big screen ... and eventually perform it in the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York in 2009. It has also performed live to Charlie Chaplin's City Lights, Disney's Fantasia or Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.



On Friday 2nd of November, I had the immense pleasure to experience a selection of five-time Academy Award winning composer John Williams' finest works - brought to life by the 21st Century Orchestra & Chorus and the Boys Choir Lucerne, under the baton of Ludwig Wicki at the KKL Lucerne, Switzerland.

The concert starts with the Ouverture from the Western movie The Cowboys (1972) - one of the lesser known pieces by John Williams, nevertheless it contains the same sense of adventure and feel-good sensation we already know from the maestro. A great opening number and a promise for an exciting evening!
The following Suite from The Patriot (2000) carries us back in the late 18th century during the American Revolutionary War. It includes the warm and heroic melody from the main theme which is soon overshadowed by colonial war music, indicating the endangered peace of the main character's family and life. Simultaneously, we see a battle scene (muted) from the movie on the big screen.
The next piece marks the first - and impressive - entry of the 21st Century Chorus and the Boys Choir Lucerne. The powerful voices give a beautiful and heartfelt rendition of Dry your Tears, Afrika from Steven Spielberg's Amistad (1997), based on a poem by Bernard Dadie, sung in African dialect and driven by African percussions. This piece is a perfect example to show John Williams' versatility as a composer and his skill to know how to integrate traditional instruments in a big orchestra.
The noble solo trumpet opens the Suite from Oliver Stone's political drama JFK (1991), accompanied by military-related snare drum roll, emphasizing the national pride and glory of the United States of America. The main theme also radiates deep emotional and melancholic aspects, reminding us of the hopeful era of John F. Kennedy. Yet the music also lets the story's dark moments pass before our mind's eyes - the assassination and the court scene.

The Flight to Neverland from Steven Spielberg's fantasy adventure movie Hook (1991) takes us back to our childhoods. The sparkling glockenspiel combined with dazzling strings and a blasting wind section, spread sheer joy and excitement. The 21st Century Orchestra handles the high-flying virtuosity of this complex composition by Williams with ease and elation. The screen presents us the scene in how the adult Peter Pan regains his ability to fly, followed by the tender moment between him and 'grown-up' Tinkerbell, though this part wasn't appropriate to show because the dynamic aspect of the performed piece didn't match with the romantic mood of the scene.

The next piece couldn't make a bigger contrast with the previous one. The famous and probably most threatening two-note-motif of film music history cause some nervous laughs among audience members - it's the main theme from Jaws (1975), one of John Williams' iconic compositions. First emerged by low double basses, then slowly rising to a crescendo and unleashing its terror. 

Less frightening, but not in a less dangerous area plays the following Main Theme from Jurassic Park: The Lost World (1997). Driven by heavy percussions and mainly brass instruments, John Williams' music gives us a taste of how the prehistoric world might have looked like. Once again, a scene from the movie flickers on the screen.
After frightening dinosaurs and sharks, we are transported to the magical and wondrous world of Harry Potter. Having composed for the first three movies of the saga, the orchestra performs three pieces from each film, starting with the warm and touching Fawkes the Phoenix (from The Chamber of Secrets), followed by the playful and mischievous Double Trouble (The Prisoner of Azkaban), wonderfully sung again by both choirs and finally the magical Hedwig's Theme, which includes the celesta, a mini-piano which produces a bell-like sound.
After a 15-minute break, the musical adventure goes on with the Main Title from Superman (1978), another iconic piece by John Williams and the ideal definition of a superhero theme. Dynamic brass winds, supported by high-flying strings and woodwinds and energetic percussions form this exquisite fanfare.
After all the action and excitement, the following two pieces on the repertoire show another side of John Williams: his mastery in writing subtle, yet deeply expressive music. One is his score to the Jean-Jacques Annaud drama Seven Years in Tibet (1997), in my opinion an underrated work by the maestro. The End Credits includes the main theme, played by a gorgeous cello solo (steadily perfomed by section leader Gerhard Pawlica) and majestic passages for the orchestra, mainly dominated by lush strings and harps at the beginning, then joined by loud brass instruments, portraying the grandeur of the Himalayan mountains. Williams involves authentic Tibetan instruments as well, allowing the listener to enter in a meditative state of mind.
The other piece I indicated above comes from one of Williams' most famous scores: Schindler's List (1993). Many have expected to hear the popular main theme played by the heartbreaking violin, but the orchestra introduced Jewish Town instead, featuring folkloristic elements and including an elegant, yet mourning violin solo (performed with great sensitivity by concert master Brigitte Lang), causing watery eyes in my case.
The transition to a happier music causes now, ironically, teary eyes. It's no other theme like the Flying Theme from E.T. (1982) - another lifting journey into my childhood. What more can I say? Without a doubt one of John Williams' greatest compositions.
We are slowly getting to the end of our musical journey ... and what better way to conclude this evening than with Star Wars ... a Suite combining some of my favourite pieces and the great opportunity to unite the 21st Century Orchestra and 21st Century Chorus one last time. Opening with the epic Battle of the Heroes (Episode III - Revenge of the Sith), followed by the dramatic and romantic love theme Across the Stars (Episode II - Attack of the Clones), the even more epic (what is the superlative of this word?!) and my top-favourite Star Wars piece: Duel of the Fates (Episode I - The Phantom Menace). All these three pieces are accompanied by montages from the Star Wars prequels, emphasizing the importance and influence the music has on these films. And finally, of course, the Main Theme, John Williams' ultimate signature work. Every piece fabulously performed. Just watch by yourself:

 

 

Today we have the film music we have nowadays thanks to John Williams. In other words: with that revolutionary, operatic and iconic music for Star Wars, which remains as one of the most important scores  in the history of cinema, John Williams has resurrected the classical symphonic orchestra from the Golden Age film era.

 

After the enthusiastic applause by the audience, the evening is crowned with two encores: The beloved Indiana Jones Theme The Raider's March from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and, I am really looking forward to Christmas, the lovely Somewhere in my memory from Home Alone (1990). 

It was the 8th time I've watched the 21st Century Orchestra perform live (including all three Lord of the Rings films, PotC: The Curse of the Black Pearl and An Evening with Michael Giacchino) and every single time I've been impressed by the high level of technique, the fluidity in their playing and the rich sound they produce. All (professional) musicians play very well together, like all the small mechanincs in a watch. I was also impressed with the 21st Century Chorus. Being considered as a semi-professional choir, they did an excellent job in performing.
Conductor Ludwig Wicki also plays an essential part of the success. Only by watching him conducting, you can clearly see his enthusiasm, the fun and the passion he has in what he is doing - aspects that, in my opinion, are the most crucial for - not a good - but for an outstanding performance. If these qualities come across the orchestra, they will finally come across the audience and therefore they will feel connected to the music that is being played. And they did.
I also liked how some scenes were shown on the big screen during the performances, not always, because the purpose was to focus on the music, and not on the actions on the screen (we do that anyway when we are watching a movie). Sometimes, I had little issues with the balance between music and picture. At some points, they didn't harmonized with each other, especially during the Flight to Neverland sequence (as I explained above) and towards the end of The Patriot sequence. But for all that, it was of secondary importance.

Overall, I spent a highly enjoyable evening full of emotions and grand melodies. I will carry it in my memory for a very long time.

In celebration of John Williams' 80th anniversary, Ludwig Wicki, the 21st Century Orchestra & Chorus and the Boys Choir Lucerne payed tribute to one of the greatest composers - if not the best composer - of all time.

Thank you guys for these magical moments!

Long live John Williams!


sources: KKL Luzern (picture) and schulerst (video) 

"The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey" - Soundtrack Details & New Tracks released!

Things are getting real!

A few days ago, an unreleased track from the upcoming, highly anticipated movie The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey has been released - "Radagast the Brown"
 

Howard Shore's iconic signature music from The Lord of the Rings is immediately recognizable. Warm, soothing angelic voices from a children's choir open the piece ... you instantly feel carried back to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien ... yet, an unexpected, Slavic-influenced violin solo marks a fresh and new touch to the familiar sound of Middle-Earth. Agitated strings drive the piece forward, making it becoming darker and more dramatic.

It took me several times to listen to the entire track again to get used to that new sound. But with each time, I've more and more fallen in love with it. Now it belongs to my everyday playlist until the movie is coming out in theaters on December 14th.

Besides "Radagast the Brown", an old new track has made its appereance on the official Hobbit website - "Old Friends", already known from The Lord of the Rings, yet slightly varied, injecting some hints of adventure and mystery, quoting even the melody from the moment we see the famous map at Bag End in The Fellowship of the Rings. We are excited!

Below is the official soundtrack list for the Standard Edition

Disc 1:

My Dear Frodo
Old Friends*
An Unexpected Party*
Blunt the Knives performed by The Dwarf Cast*
Axe or Sword?
Misty Mountains performed by Richard Armitage and The Dwarf Cast
The Adventure Begins
The World is Ahead
An Ancient Enemy
Radagast the Brown*
The Trollshaws
Roast Mutton*
A Troll-hoard
The Hill of Sorcery
Warg-scouts

Disc 2:

The Hidden Valley
Moon Runes*
The Defiler
The White Council*
Over Hill
A Thunder Battle
Under Hill
Riddles in the Dark
Brass Buttons
Out of the Frying-Pan
A Good Omen
Song of the Lonely Mountain* performed by Neil Finn
Dreaming of Bag End

The Special Edition adds to the above list with the scores below, as well as extended versions of seven above tracks(*) :

A Very Respectable Hobbit
Erebor
The Dwarf Lords
The Edge of the Wild

 

The soundtrack will be available both digitally and as a 2 CD Set on December 11th 2012.

 

Welcome to my Blog!

Hello dear subscribers, movie lovers, movie score lovers and others ...  I officially welcome you to my blog! :)

First, I'd like to start with introducing myself with some quick facts ... My name means "defending men" or "protector of man". I was born in the year of the dragon, or, to be more specific, in the year when David Byrne, Cong Su and Ryuichi Sakamoto took home the Best Original Score Oscar for "The Last Emperor". The country where I was born is famous for its chocolate. :o)

The idea for creating this blog came up in relation to my YouTube channel that I’ve been running since October 2011. You'll find various video montages from movies which underscore the corresponding themes. While I am working on a video, I like to philosophize about its movie / music ... why it affects me and how I can bring out the best of the movie's musical language ... My idea is to share some of this thoughts on this blog, like some kind of "making of / behind-the scenes" of my videos. Furthermore, I intend to post film score reviews, short movie reviews, general news and other stuff ...

Feel free to comment my posts or to ask me questions. :)

- Alexandra

PS: ... As you might have noticed ... English is not my first language ... so please, don't be mad at me. ;) My personal goal is to improve my English writing skills and vocabulary through this blog. Just to let you know.