Could the incredibly fun, bat-shit-insanely sadistic B-movie Hobo With a Shotgun possibly stand a chance of breaking through to the mainstream? Yes, according to New York Magazine, who called the film a sadistic pleasure that made them laugh so hard they cried. Esquire tweeted, “Hobo with a Shotgun: gleeful Grand Guignol/Grindhouse lark has gags to […]
Sue Carter Flinn
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Episodes
If there’s a lesson to be taken from Ricky Gervais’ performance as Golden Globes host (besides not pissing off the Scientologists), it’s that British and American humour is divided by more than an ocean of sharks. Perhaps Showcase’s Sunday night lineup—including the American remake of popular Shameless—is meant to bridge the post-colonial differences through the […]
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Rat Girl
Life should have been grand for Kristin Hersh: Throwing Muses was about to become the first American band to be signed to seminal label 4AD Records. But right before her 1980s indie band began recording its first major album, Hersh was quietly dealing with a personal hell. As a result of a traumatic bike accident […]
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Jenn Grant
Remember when Liz Phair tried to become a pop star? That risk certainly didn’t pay off for the indie rock icon. But Jenn Grant does it right, and with sincerity. She bravely leaves behind the devastating folk of Echoes to follow her heart wherever it leads—from the dance floor to the warmth of her kitchen […]
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Stamos’ evolution
For a choreographer, the starting point of a dance can come from anywhere: nature, an existing piece of art, a world event. Montreal choreographer and contemporary dancer George Stamos discovered the inspiration for Troglodyte Plastique, which premieres Thursday at the Sir James Dunn, at Value Village. In the secondhand store he found a bunch of […]
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My body of work
Here are a few things you may notice about Meghan Clarkston when you first meet her. A swath of fiery-red hair and short, chopped bangs framing a pretty, heart-shaped face. The tunnels in her earlobes. An engaging, honest laugh that reveals teeth. Clarkston carries around a large sketchbook. Today, it’s open to a page taken […]
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Golden opportunity
Atlantic Canadian companies Galloping Cows, Glass Harp Gallery, Michique, LouLouBell and Turbine will have swag available at the awards’ gifting suites. Beyond the exotic trips and hybrid cars, VIP types will be offered homegrown marmalade, jewellery, handbags, clothing and other accessories from this region. The companies came to the attention of Dubois, Pelin & Associates, […]
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A studio study
The smell of hops hits at the bottom of the stairs. It’s not an awful smell, it’s just pungent, like dirt after a rain storm. After some time the scent blends in, but doesn’t go away. That odour is like home-baked bread to the artists who work above Propeller Brewery. For 14 years, Halifax artists, […]
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Alcoholics unanimous
In the Country Strong trailer, Gwyneth Paltrow, dressed in black lingerie and drunken rage, rips a bottle of alcohol from her honky-tonk beau’s hand. “Give it to me!” she spits and yells, crying and red-faced, slumping to the floor. This is the cue that her character, country star Kelly Canter, has hit skidsville. Fighting for […]
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Eyelevel Gallery relocates
Disclaimer: Back before I became arts editor here, I was co-chair of the board at Eyelevel Gallery. During that time, I helped find locations and assist in two moves; one from Barrington and another move on Gottingen. I say this only because I know how disruptive it is to move a gallery, and how difficult […]
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NSCAD students go flying
As you’re lugging that overstuffed bag through Robert Stanfield International Airport, take a breather and check out maquettes from NSCAD’s Sculptural Propositions class (located conveniently just past the Burger King). Led by Steve Higgins, eight students imagined a public sculpture for the airport, taking into consideration appropriate materials and budgets. Above: a piece by Jessica […]
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Critics’ Picks 2010: books
Alexander MacLeod, Light Lifting (Biblioasis) MacLeod’s evocative short stories capture the motion (athletic competition, youthful thrill-seeking, chasing after kids, working), the emotions, motivations and meanings to these movements. –SF Amy Sedaris, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People (Grand Central Publishing) Amy, get your glue gun. Crafting for Jesus? Beer-cap and pipe-cleaner castanets? The queen of […]