The Saratoga Film Forum Presents "Compliance" in Tandem with Panel of Guest Speakers : A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

This week, the Saratoga Film Forum will host a film series based on the themes of authority and resistance. Craig Zobel's Compliance will be shown at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, followed by a panel discussion of guest speakers. Stanley Kramer's Judgment at Nuremberg will conclude the series, which opens at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 30.

The Film Forum is the only theatre in the region screening Compliance. Rated R, the film explores the nature of authority, fear, human nature and cruelty.

The film is based on the true story of an incident at a Kentucky McDonalds in 2004. An alleged police officer re-investigates an employee who has stolen money from a customer, and orders the manager to detain the worker. This initiates a confusing and terrible situation, obfuscating the difference between right and wrong, legal and illegal.

Tirdad Derakhshani of the Philadelphia Inquirer calls Compliance "a harrowing, gut-wrenching fable...that shows that even the most well-adjusted, ordinary person could be tempted to degrade and dehumanize their neighbor."

Justice at Nurembergis a 1961 Oscar-winning film from director Stanley Kramer that addresses similar issues to ones explored in Compliance. The film's focus is an American court in occupied Germany during World War II that is in the process of trying four Nazi judges for their heinous war crimes. The film is hard-hitting and filled with a star-studded cast, including Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, Burt Lancaster, Spencer Tracy and William Shatner.

The discussion panel following Compliance will be moderated by Dede Hill. Hill is a Professor at Albany Law School where her teaching and scholarship focus on employment, labor and immigration issues. Prior to joining Albany Law School, Hill worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, an Assistant Solicitor General for the New York State Attorney General's Office and an associate with the New York City labor law firm Cohen, Weiss and Simon.

Friday night's panel features Matt Douglas, Richard Gotti and Pat Oles. Douglas is the Lead Crime Analyst within the Office of Field Intelligence in the Schenectady Police Department. He is charged with gathering, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to aid in the capture, identification and prosecution of criminals to increase efficiency and effectiveness of police personnel.

Richard Gotti is a professor at Empire State College, where he teaches human services, psychology and creative writing. He is also a psychotherapist and a writer.

Oles has worked as a clinician and administrator in residential treatment centers for teens and is now an associate professor of Social Work at Skidmore College. He writes about and teaches classes on social policy and social work practice. The issues he teaches are portrayed powerfully in Compliance, most notably coping with vulnerability, coercion, and exploitation.

Relevant Majors and Interests for Compliance: Women's Studies, Labor Issues, Sociology and Psychology.

Relevant Majors and Interests for Judgement at Nuremberg: Judaic Studies, History, Labor Issues and Social Action groups.

Stay tuned next week for a review of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," which comes to the Film Forum on Dec. 6.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" Explores Chaos and Range of Human Emotion: A Press Release

This past weekend marked the opening of theTheatreDepartment's fall main stage Production,Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The play is directed by lecturer and alumnus Doug Seldin '08. Performancesran at 8:00p.m. from Nov. 16-18 and, will resume after Thanksgiving break at the same time onNov. 29- Dec. 2. The exception is Sunday's matinee at 2p.m.. All performances will be held in the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, but the play is much more than a light, exuberant farce. Mortals, mechanicals, fairies and enchanted lovers combine to fill this Shakespearean favorite with humor, magic and erotic love. Four lovelorn young people encounter quarrelsome fairy royalty in magical woods. Add to this a troupe of traveling amateur actors and a bit of fairy dust and the result is cosmically comic, playful, and dark.

"All Shakespeare plays begin, or quickly reveal, a world in chaos," said Seldin in a recent press release, "And, for the rest of the play, the characters attempt to find their way out of that madness. In tragedies, balance is restored through death and downfall, while comedies find resolution through union (often in the form of marriage) and the creation of new life. So the questions became: what is the chaos? What is off-balanced about this Athenian world?"

"Through our rehearsal process, a company of exceptional Skidmore actors and designers play within the whole of the human experience, from the pits of despair to the highest peaks of joy and back again, with the hope of creating a story that allows both love and reason to finally find their way into harmony."

For reservations, call the Skidmore Theater Box Office at (518) 580-5439 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. For group sales, contact Kathy Mendenhall at (518) 580-5431 or kmendenh@skidmore.edu.

"Searching for Sugar Man" Revisits Decade Old Mystery and Grooves out in the Process: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

Malik Bendjelloul's "Searching for Sugar Man" opens at the Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov 16. The film will also play at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18.

"Searching for Sugar Man" revisits the decade old mystery of music icon Rodriguez and grooves out in the process. This documentary tells the story of a mystifying figure that unintentionally became a poster child for the Anti-Apartheid movement.

In the late '60s, a passionate musician named Rodriguez was discovered in a Detroit bar. The artist's time in the public eye was short lived however, due to the failure of his debut album in the U.S., and rumors of a brutal on-stage suicide. By some strange happenstance, a bootleg Rodriguez recording found its way to South Africa, where it became somewhat divinatory in nature.

Passionate pop songwriter Rodriguez was discovered in a Detroit bar in the late 1960s. His promising career was cut short however, due to a failed debut album and rumors of a brutal on-stage suicide. By some strange happenstance however, a bootleg Rodriguez recording found its way to South Africa. Bootleg cassettes proliferated, and a star was born. Over the next 20 years Rodriguez became a legendary figure in South Africa, surrounded by mystery and intrigue. This film follows two lifelong fans as they track his legacy back to Detroit, and, to their amazement, find the man who started it all.

Searching for Sugar Man" has intrigue as a documentary, and rather than throwing facts in your face, it creates its own original evolving story. It's about the cruel realities of the music industry, and a man whose lyrics are as honorable and timeless as his own personal convictions. The film also relates a kind of history of South African Apartheid, and adds a new and unexpected depth to this story. This weekend at the Saratoga Film Forum, the 70s and a long-forgotten pop icon will sweep you off your feet.

Brent Simon of Shared Darkness calls "Searching for Sugar Man" an "unexpectedly fresh nonfiction tale that rustles up deep feelings of a life stolen. [The film is] part docu-mystery [and] part uplifting valentine about the universality and resonating power of music."

Relevant Majors: Music, History, Business, Psychology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.

The Film Forum will also hold a special screening of "Peter Pan" at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, Nov. 15.

The rarely viewed silent film from 1924 will be accompanied by Seattle harpist and composer Leslie McMichael. Reviewed by many top critics as one of the greatest films for children, it is still a pleasure to watch and should be quite the theatrical experience.

This special event has slightly higher pricing: $9 for the general public, and $7 for members and students. Join us Thursday for a magical experience!

Relevant majors: Theater, Music, and Photography.

Stay tuned for next week's review of "Easy Money," coming to the Film Forum on Nov. 23.

Sylvia Stoner Entertains while "In Her Element" at Zankel

Posted by Sara Gangon

The Music Department presented operatic soprano and alumna Sylvia Stoner '94 at 8 p.m. last Friday Nov. 9 in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall as part of the Filene Alumni Concert Series.

The performance featured a selection of operatic pieces accompanied by pianist Ellen Bottorf, as well as jazz pianist Wayne Hawkins, Stoner's husband. The program, appropriately entitled "In Her Element," included pieces reflecting the forces of nature represented in four sections: Water, Air, Fire and Earth.

After graduating from Skidmore with a B.A. in Music and Theater, Stoner earned her master's in Vocal Performance at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and then her doctorate at the University of Kansas. She not only performs in operas and shows such as Narnia and Little Women, but is also a stage director, vocal teacher and coach. Despite her great success, Stoner seemed incredibly proud to return to her alma mater.

Stoner opened with the element of Water, represented by Antonin Dvorak's "Song to the Moon" from the opera Rusalka. A vibrant performer, Stoner let her voice soar over the hall as Bottorf accompanied, imitating the dramatic operatic performance of the piece. She then introduced her program, remarking that she felt delighted to be "back in her element" at Skidmore.

The second and third segments presented Air, with Franz Schubert's "Suleika I & II" and Fire, a performance of the "Letter Scene" from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky'sopera Eugene Onegin. Beautifully performed in German, "Suleika I & II," told a love story using images of the natural world. Stoner had played Tatyana in Eugene Onegin in 2003, and her passion for theater and opera was evident in her performance of the "Letter Scene."

The Earth section of the recital began with "Allah, Akbar!" from Karol Szymanowski's Songs of the Infatuated Muezzin. The Slavic musical literature Stoner selected was homage to her Polish heritage, and she performed "Allah, Akbar!" in Polish.

The next piece was followed by "Dawn Canticle," a piece written by Forrest Pierce specifically for Stoner and her husband. The piece showcased their combined talent, featuring jazz piano chords with a soprano vocal arrangement.

Stoner then performed "Moonfall" from Rupert Holmes' The Mystery of Edwin Drood, her very first audition selection for the Theater Department , and a song which she told the audience had always stayed with her. Stoner dedicated the piece to Professor Anne Turner, her voice teacher, who she said helped her get to where she is today. Stoner seemed elated to sing "Moonfall" again at the College and did so beautifully.

Stoner and her husband ended with a performance of "My Ship" from Kurt Weill's Lady in the Dark. This piece featured a jazz piano solo, bringing the jazz world and operatic world together. The two had great chemistry onstage performing and seemed to truly be in their elements.

Stoner and Bottorff returned to the stage to perform "Joy" by Ricky Ian Gordon as their encore. The piece is a favorite of the two, as Stoner told the audience, and their love for the piece was evident in watching them perform. With that, the recital ended, on a very high note.

Terry Adkins's Lone Wolf Recital Corps Presents "Factets" (Preview)

Posted by Dylan Lustrin

On Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. artist Terry Adkins's Lone Wolf Recital Corps, along with students and regional musicians will perform a collection of recitals at the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Bringing together sound, video, light, costume, and spoken word, Facets expands on the exhibition Terry Adkins Recital at the Tang Museum.

Acting as a retrospective of sorts, Recital brings together works created by Adkins over the past thirty years. Using found materials and imagery, the artist re-purposes and re-imagines objects with the ultimate goal of bringing to light the stories of historical figures who have been forgotten, or are in danger of slipping into obscurity. Included in this exhibition are pieces addressing the history and memory of figures such as Bessie Smith, W.E.B. Du Bois, Matthew Henson and Ludwig van Beethoven .

In a similar fashion to Recital, Facets is a compilation, a careful selection of past recitals tailored for the College and the Saratoga Springs community. In order to engage his surroundings, Adkins has selected twelve local musicians and actors to perform with him and the Lone Wolf Recital Corps. This group is made up of ten students (four horn players, a bassist, and five stagehands and readers) and two regional percussionists.

In a Sculpture interview with Judith Page, Adkins stresses the importance of the connection to community that he cultivates with each exhibition and performance. Speaking specifically about his project at the University of Akron dealing with John Brown, AfterFlame, Adkins claims, "The beautiful thing about [being a visiting artist] is that it does involve other people. I meet business people, community activists and students, and they are delighted to be involved. It is gratifying to develop relationships with people who don't normally deal with artists."

Founded in Zurich in 1987, the Lone Wolf Recital Corps has performed at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, the American Academy in Rome and MoMA PS1 in New York. Consisting of a revolving roster of musicians and artists, the Corps is currently made up of Clifford Owens, Kamau Patton and Jessica Slaven. Exploring themes of collective memory, ritual and viewer interaction, these three multi-disciplinary artists have exhibited separately at venues including MoMA PS1, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

Facets is free and open to the public; tickets may be reserved at www.skidmore.edu/zankel.

Jarecki's "Arbitrage" Thrills with Intricacy and Eloquence: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

Nicholas Jarecki's "Arbitrage" opens at the Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 and Friday, Nov. 9. The film will also be shown at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Arbitrage is a dramatic Wall Street thriller packed with intricacies, eloquence and Oscar worthy performances. Robert Miller, played by Richard Gere, is a highly successful hedge fund magnate in New York City. He lives a lavish lifestyle with his loving wife (Susan Sarandon) and intelligent daughter (Brit Marling). However, behind this veil of success lies an unfaithful, dishonest and guilty man.

Miller is in too deep, attempting to cover up fraud with a giant business deal whilst keeping his fiery affair with French art-dealer Julie Cote (Laetetia Casta) under wraps. Miller almost escapes blame until a deadly accident simultaneously crumbles his stable world and catches the interest of detective Michael Bryer, played by the ever-excellent Tim Roth.

Arbitrage is a clever film that keeps you guessing, thanks to its excellent script written by first-time director Nicholas Jarecki. It is an excellent character study of the different morals and ideals that exist within Wall Street. Dialogue is sharp and the film has been well thought out, based on various true events and stories from Wall Street. Richard Gere provides his usual high caliber acting, and Nate Parker's portrayal of Jimmy Grant is especially successful.

The film was shot on location, showcasing Wall Street and the buildings, restaurants and great halls truly frequented by the elite, giving it a more grounded feeling of reality.

Roger Ebert of Chicago Sun-Times raves, "Hitchcock called his most familiar subject 'The Innocent Man Wrongly Accused'. Jarecki pumps up the pressure here by giving us a Guilty Man Accurately Accused, [making] the film so ingeniously involving."

Relevant Majors: Business, Criminal Law, Dramatic Arts, History and Philosophy.

Stay tuned for next week's review of "Searching for Sugar Man," coming to the Film Forum on Nov. 16.

A one-night-only screening of the 1924 silent version of "Peter Pan" will also be held at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17. The film will be accompanied by a live score from Seattle harpist Leslie McMichael. Should be really a nice evening. 

Beatlemore Skidmania revamps operation and presentation for 2012

Posted by Kara Clark

Beatlemore Skidmania, one the College's most reputable events, will undergo several changes in operation and presentation this fall. Professor Gordon Thompson and students involved with the project sat down with Skidmore News to discuss these changes.

Thompson has enlisted students Sam Hoffmann '13, Xan Goldberg '13,

Cody DeFalco '14, Matt Kugler '14 and Oliver Mashburn '15 to organize and manage the concert this fall. The students will receive credit for the endeavor as an independent study.

Beatlemore will add another night show exclusively for the college community, extending its run from two nights to three. Tickets for this show will only be available at the Box Office and require a college ID for purchase. "The challenge [will be] to have a concert that is [only] known on campus," said Thompson, who has decided to omit this performance from the event's official press release.  "I like the idea of having the last show largely for Skidmore students," he continued to say, "there's just going to be a lot more energy in the room."

"It's just something we noticed about being in the show last year," said Goldberg, who acts as the program's recruiter. He explains that an audience with students as the minority lacks energy, as opposed to an audience filled with his peers. "There wasn't the same kind of fire that you get when you're friends are in the audience," he explained.

Beatlemore will also hold viewing parties for Alumni to watch the community-only show. These will take place in Boston and New York.

Thompson went on to mention that the proceeds of the Saturday college-only show will be given to the Office of Financial Aid, so "when the college starts handing out [aid] to students, there's some extra money there to help." The last time Beatlemore donated its proceeds to financial aid (in 2009), the concert earned around $1,000. "[That will be] cool because it's the college show," said Goldberg, "it's the community specifically contributing to that cause to help bring people into the community."

The college-only show will also sport limited edition merchandise, thanks to the cooperation of Art Professors Sang Wook Lee and Deborah Hall. Lee's textile class will create limited edition silkscreen T-shirts for the event, while Hall's Communication Design class will provide a small selection of posters. "That will be nice because they're designed by students for students," says Hoffmann, who predominantly manages publicity for Beatlemore.

Perhaps the most significant change to Beatlemore's operation was the decision to accept auditions via video submission. The Beatlemore student coordinators reviewed close to 32 auditions, the selection process taking almost five hours to complete. In the end, 17 groups were selected. The final program features college-affiliated groups such as The Accents and The Bandersnatches, as well as student formed bands like Los Elk and Bo Peep and the Funk Sheep.  

Last fall auditions occurred in person, and were managed by students enrolled in the Beatles music seminar. This process proved arduous for all parties involved. "We spent a total of twelve to thirteen hours sitting through auditions," Goldberg said. "Many people didn't [even] show up for their slots."

Beatlemore Skidmania will take place at 8 p.m. on Nov. 16 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17. The college-only show will begin at 8 p.m. on Nov. 17 as well. Tickets are currently available at the Zankel Box Office as well as online - with the exception of Nov. 17's last performance.

Camilla Busby '16 Displays Promising Talent In Case Gallery

Posted by Maddy Tank

First year student Camilla Busby held an exhibit in the Case Center Gallery this past week. Her work focuses primarily on the human body, exploring the shape and contour of the figure in all different forms.

Busby blends oils to create textural illusions that echo the feel of the body itself. Her other featured works depict surrealist settings, portraiture, and still life studies. 

Busby's artistic training includes a summer program at the Rhode Island School of Design, and a semester at Kunsth??jskolen Schoolin Holb??k, Denmark where she studied drawing and oil panting during her gap year between high school and college.

The majority of the paintings in Busby's show were created during her time in Denmark, while the others were completed during the latter half of her gap year in her hometown of Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut.

Camilla plans to pursue a studio art major with a concentration in painting during her time at Skidmore College. Camilla's work will also be featured in the upcoming Case Gallery show in late November, sponsored by AidsBenefit, which will be focused on the durability of the human body. 

"Robot & Frank" Presents a Quirky Take on Sci-Fi Genre: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

The Saratoga Film Forum will screen Christopher Ford and Jake Schreier's "Robot and Frank" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, and Friday, Nov. 2. The film will also run at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov 3.

Winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance, "Robot and Frank" presents its own quirky take on sci-fi. Frank Langella stars as the eponymous character, a fairly grumpy retiree set in his ways. He gets along all right, finding comfort in his love interest Jennifer (Susan Sarandon).

But Frank's son Hunter (James Marsden) worries about his ability to live at home and, rather than place Frank in a nursing home, decides to buy him a robot. The robot is a fully functional humanoid specifically programmed to improve Frank's health.

Comedy and drama ensue as the two interact and adapt to each other's presences. The film also acts as a cautionary tale about technology - Frank takes advantage of the robot in order to satisfy an old habit of jewel thieving (Think "The Intouchables" meets Ray Bradbury meets "Entrapment").

I've always loved sci-fi, especially that specific genre of "in the near future." This film tackles the idea beautifully by implementing simple ideas and new technologies that fit the story perfectly. "Robot and Frank" goes further than the grumpy-old-man story line might imply, and gives beautiful allegories about aging and accepting new things instead.

Frank Langella excels in his role, and placing him opposite an expressionless robot only solidifies his powerful acting. The robot itself is also quite fantastic in both voice (Peter Sarsgaard) and movement (dancer Rachael Ma).

Adam Ross of the Aristocrat states "... a marvel of the highest order. "Robot and Frank" manages to seamlessly blend comedy, science fiction and drama into a film that is hilarious, truly original and utterly heartfelt."

Fear the future or yearn for it - but either way this film is a must see.

Relevant Majors: Sciences, Dramatic Arts and Psychology

Stay tuned for next week's review of "Arbitrage," coming to the Film Forum on Nov. 8.

"Almost, Maine" Immerses Audience with Emotional Roller Coaster

Posted by Zoe Dartley

John Cariani's Almost, Maine, as directed by Larry Opitz, was entertaining, charming and generally heart-warming. The show captured the exhilaration, sorrow, joy and uncertainty of love, and it was clear that the audience was actively immersed in the play's emotional roller coaster.

Almost, Maineflowed seamlessly scene-to-scene. The play's transitions added to its romance and charm with soft lighting and music selected by James Kuzio '15 and Opitz. The play's staging was just as thoughtful - since there were never more than three people on stage at a time, actors were able to fully utilize the intimate black-box stage. Blocking could have been difficult, given the minimal amount of space provided in the theatre.

Interestingly enough, Almost, Maine is written to be performed with only four different characters. In Opitz's version, twelve different actors rotate between parts. Every actor had their own unique energy, and it was interesting to see a specific actor change in adaptation to their different characters.

Notable performances included Olivia Nielsen '13 and Alex Orthwein '13 as Marvalyn and Steve in "This Hurts." Orthwein portrayed a man with a self-proclaimed mental "deficiency" that causes him to be immune to pain. Nielsen plays Steve's neighbor who (by smacking him over the head with an ironing board) helps him feel.

Will Hoeschler '14 and Will Clark '16 also impressed the audience with their performance in the vignette "They Fell." Hoeschler and Clark played two friends who realize they have literally and metaphorically fallen for each other.

The only noticeable flaws in the play's near perfect run had to do with Cariani's writing, which could at times be kitschy and predictable. However, Almost, Maine is so endearing that this is barely noticeable, especially due to Opitz's direction and the talent of his cast.

Whether erupting in laughter or cooing in sympathy or sorrow, the audience had all the right reactions. Almost, Maine captured its audience, not only by tearing at their heartstrings, but also through empathetically depicting realistic romance.  

"Safety Not Guaranteed" Will Conclude Saratoga Film Forum's Fall Season: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

The Saratoga Film Forum will screen Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow's "Safety Not Guaranteed" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, and Friday, Oct. 26. The film will also run at 7 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 28. This is the last fall showing at the Saratoga Film Forum, and we are going out with a satisfying bang!

Winner of the 2012 Waldo Salt screenwriting award at Sundance, "Safety Not Guaranteed" is the highly anticipated debut of writer Derek Connolly and director Colin Trevorrow. This premiere work is impressive to say the least.

The film centers on a magazine writer and two interns attempting to uncover a story about a man who claims to be a time traveler. The film's premise is actually based on a real ad that appeared in Backwoods Home Magazine in 1997, which reads "WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid when we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before."

Great start, right?

The film only improves from there with a great cast of comedians and familiar faces from your favorite television shows. Aubrey Plaza, the monotone and deadpan star of "Parks and Recreation" plays Darius, the quirky and adventurous intern. Mark Duplass, the nonchalant ladies' man from "The League" plays the self-proclaimed time traveler.

The film is well made and well written. The script is tight, without any unnecessary content.  It is often funny and constantly pushes the story towards its exciting finale.

In a similar fashion to Woody Allen's "Midnight In Paris," "Safety Not Guaranteed" provides us with romantic ideas of the past, but also reminds us why we should treasure our present. The film's plot has a romantic component as well but, considering my crush on Aubrey Plaza, I cannot say I approve of her dating anyone but myself.

Philippa Hawker of The Age raves, "['Safety Not Guaranteed'] balances the extraordinary and ordinary with great aplomb, and Duplass and Plaza give beautifully judged performances."

Relevant Majors: All of them!

Ellie Goulding Adopts a Darker Persona with "Halcyon": Recent Albums: a Music Review Column

Posted by Eli Cohen

Released on Oct. 8, Ellie Goulding's Halcyon is a darker, nearly tragic departure from her previous image. Despite its success as a sophomore album, it only hits one or two emotional notes, and therein lies its downfall.

Ellie Goulding reached pop music stardom in 2010 with the release of her debut Lights. The album boasted three singles ("Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses" and "The Writer") that all landed in the Top 30 on the Billboard charts. A year later, the title track completed a long journey up the charts to rest firmly at number two.

With its bubbly instrumentation and Goulding's superb vocals, the song has remained a favorite with radio stations. The album was a solid one, but it stopped short of being a really good album.

Enter Halcyon-like her musical Bat Mitzvah, Halcyon celebrates Goulding reaching musical adulthood. There is a maturity and poise on this album that puts her in a league with fellow powerhouses Adele and Florence Welch. Goulding's voice is strong and confident, spiraling upward and sliding back down in her haunting soprano as she nearly weeps her lyrics into the mic.

Two true masterpieces emerge from this album. First is the opening song, "Don't Say A Word," which slowly eases listeners into the unusual, captivating record. This song is a perfect microcosm of the album-part R&B, part electronica, part ballad and part Phil Collins-rock. It manages to be an anthem while being haunting and powerful.

Halcyon'ssecond gemis the album's first single, "Anything Could Happen." This Florence-ish epic could easily emerge as one of the best songs of the year. Here, Goulding's voice is stronger than anywhere else on the album, layering and looping over itself, intertwining and creating something truly special. Currently number five on the UK charts, it sits just behind Adele's "Skyfall," "Gangnam Style" and "Diamonds" from R&B queen Rihanna.

The album's second single, "I Know You Care," is another highlight. Slow, beautiful and acoustic, this song has simpler lyrics but more complex emotions, and is overwhelmingly sorrowful. With this song, Goulding once again reaches out across genres and proves herself as one of the most versatile new artists on the pop music scene.

Halcyon's problem is its second half, starting after "Figure 8." While the following songs are still good (some even arguably great, like "Explosions"), most if not all of them lack the power that the earlier songs convey. Her cover of Active Child's "Hanging On" is interesting without being compelling, and the dubstep breakdown seems forced (though she might just be trying to impress her EDM boo Skrillex.         

Halcyon hints at much deeper subject matter, but gets weighed down by its own moroseness in the end. Still, there are definite hints of greatness. 25 year-old Goulding is definitely an artist to watch. She's on the right track to reach (and possibly surpass) Florence Welsh and maybe even Adele. She's not there yet, but she's getting ready.

SEC's Big Show Appeals to Student Body's Diverse Musical Taste

Posted by Rebecca Stern

Skimore Entertainment Company, the concert was comprised of two bands: New York native duo "Cults" and jazz and funk-inspired singer Mayer Hawthorne.

This year, SEC democratically decided on two distinct bands, in order to appeal to the diverse musical tastes of the student body. The Big Show usually features bands that fall under the "indie" category, which has only attracted a fraction of Skidmore students in the past. Grizzly Bear's performance, for example, was barely attended three years ago, despite their undeniable popularity (the band has sold out three consecutive Radio City Music Hall shows this year).

"We thought Mayer Hawthorne would put on a good show," said SEC co- president Taylor Dafoe '13, "[a show] that students would like to dance and have fun to."

Cults satisfied the alternative taste of some students with their smooth melodic tones and xylophone enhanced vocals, which created a simple, swaying beat. The songs were catchy and sweet, allowing fans to easily sing and sway along to their portion of the show. The contrast was greatly felt as a crowd gathered for Hawthorne, who entered the stage in a red tuxedo and Buddy Holly-styled glasses with his three back-up band members.

Hawthorne's soul music instantly commenced with a heavy drum beat and the singer's suave harmonic pitches. The audience quickly responded with dancing and jumping, as they rapidly picked up on the performer's vibes. The band was interactive, and the crowd appeared invested in the performance, even posing for a picture initiated by Hawthorne, which he later posted on the band's Twitter account. The crowd yelled for an encore, and the band served with energetic improvisations.

Mayer Hawthorne wasn't only an artist performing songs. His portion of the show  was an interactive event, and the audience became a cohesive unit able to respond to the band and influence how the show transpired.

Preview: "Almost, Maine" Sure to Enchant Audiences

Posted by Zoe Dartley

A truly magical winter experience, the theatre department's fall black box production of Almost, Maine is an unforgettable performance that's guaranteed to warm audience's hearts.

Performances of the show will run at 8 p.m. from Oct. 19 to 21 and Oct. 25 to 28, except for Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Written by John Cariani and directed by department Chair Larry Opitz, Almost, Maine follows the residents of the eponymous location. The characters in the play constantly fall in and out of love in ways that are heartening, charming, and often amusing.            

The intimate experience of the black box theatre is the perfect setting for Cariani's tender play. Beth Svenningsen '13, has done an impeccable job of completely transforming the stage into a blustery-yet-romantic Maine evening; the set design enhances the atmosphere of the entire play.

Almost, Maine's actors bring a remarkable level of unique energy and emotional dedication to their roles. It is evident how invested the cast members are in their respective roles, given the significant amount of emotion the show requires.

"The most interesting part of this dramatic process has been experimenting with non-dialogue," said actor Jomack Miranda '16, "and learning to say more with less."

The fact that most actors play two characters brings yet another unique element to Almost, Maine. While this is demanding on the actor, the cast of the show pulls it off remarkably, making the play an even more profound experience.

Director Larry Opitz offers his own opinion on the play.

"Love is messy, but we all need it. Almost, Maine is a fable about the joys and tribulations of love-what it means to win, to keep and to lose love," Opitz said. "Reality and magic combine to produce an enchanting and whimsical tale, and I hope that audiences will feel free to laugh and cry with us."

Opitz is certainly right. Almost, Maine's beautifully executed vignettes of love and loss will leave audience members laughing, crying, and falling head over heels with it's charming characters. 

Seating for Almost, Maine is very limited, so reservations are a must. Call the Skidmore Theatre Box Office at (518) 580-5349 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. For group sales, contact Kathy Mendenhall at (518) 580-5431 or kmendenh@skidmore.edu.

Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy Give Dynamic Performance in "The Intouchables": A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

Oliver Nakache and Eric Toledano's The Intouchables will run at Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18and Friday, Oct. 19. The film will also show at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21.

With two outstanding lead performances by Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy, The Intouchables proves to be as inspiring as it is sentimental. The film follows a black Muslim ex-con, Driss (Omar Sy) as he looks for work in France. Driss storms into a job interview with no expectation of being hired, only to find himself offered a job as a caretaker for Phillipe (Francois Cluzet), a white quadriplegic millionaire. The French film is based on the memoir You Changed My Life by Abdel Sellou.

 My brother recommended this film to me, raving that The Intouchables is one of the best films he's ever seen. I respect his suggestion, yet as someone who has fairly strong opinions against unrealistically optimistic plot lines, I was skeptical. The plot description for this unlikely friendship is cause for groans, but that is where they will end. Despite all odds it works, and does so with elegance. It's a bro-mance worth watching if there ever was one.

 The acting and camaraderie between the two leads is wonderful. There is success in both the comedic and dramatic points of the film, and only a truly grumpy film critic would ignore the redeeming qualities of the story as a whole.

The Intouchables has won over five awards at various international film festivals, and  France voted the film as the "The Cultural Event"of 2011. In other words, it's kind of a big deal.

 "There are countless magical moments worth recounting, many with humor and involving the clash of the classes: it is not surprising that the film has been a runaway hit in France and elsewhere in Europe," Louise Keller of Urban Cinefile said.

To me, it is France's rendition of John Lennon's Imagine. Enjoy!

 Relevant Majors: Psychology, Sociology, Education, French and European Integration Studies

Look out next week for a review of "Safety Not Guaranteed," with Aubrey Plaza (Ron Swanson would be proud), which comes to the Film Forum on Oct. 25.

Lee Hirsch's "Bully" Depicts the Grim Reality of School Systems: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum.

Posted by Eric Stumpf

Lee Hirsch's Bully opens at the Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 11, and will continue to screen on Friday, Oct. 12, and again at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14.

This documentary film, directed by award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, is both hard-hitting and topical. Bully is a polished depiction of the grim realities kids face in today's school systems.

Although bullying has existed in some form since the birth of man, it's on the rise both in occurrence and consequence. Bully is a multifaceted view of this worldwide issue. This strong, character-driven documentary explores various perspectives of both youth and adults, whose lives have been most affected (and in some cases lost) by bullying.

Bullyimmerses you in a merciless world whether you like it or not. In doing so, the film strives to change perspectives about and bring awareness to an issue that may not be understood by many. At its heart are stories and interviews with misunderstood youths, whose courage in the face of helplessness is reason enough to inspire hope and change.

Richard Corless of Time Magazine describes Bully as "A documentary as vivid as any horror film, as heartbreaking as any Oscar-worthy drama." This film, unlike many documentaries these days, is actually worth sitting through. The 'moral of the story' is there, but Bully isn't some relentless arm-twisting one trick pony. It pulls you in with your consent.The stories are jarring and gritty, but they reflect issues that occur every day. Better yet, the cinematography exceeds the average documentary style footage to create a beautiful looking film.

 Screenings of Bullyare a 'Film Forum Special Event'! All three screenings will be followed by a panel conversation with educators, students, and other experts on school bullying today. Check out Saratogafilmforum.com for more information on participants involved in the panels for each night.

Relevant Majors: Psychology, Sociology, and Education.

Look out next week for a review of "Intouchables," coming to the Film Forum on Oct. 18!

Isadora Duncan Tribute Entertains Student and Adult Audiences Alike

Posted by Tara Lerman

At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 29 and Sunday Sept. 30, the Dance Department honored American dancer and choreographer Isadora Duncan with "The Ancient and Eternal Ideal in Art". Although originally scheduled to take place at the Surrey Garden Amphitheater, the event was moved to the Dance Theater due to the weather.

The performance celebrated the 35^th Anniversary of the Isadora Duncan International Institute. The IDII was founded in 1977 by Maria-Theresa Duncan and Kay Bardsley, and has since been committed to help improve education through dance and the arts.

The performance was co-directed by Alumna Jeanne Bresciani, artistic director and director of Education at the IDII, along with Mary DiSanto-Rose, associate professor of Dance at the college.

By the time the performance had begun, all but a couple of seats in the theater were full. The audience was made up of not only students, but also children and adults from the Saratoga community.

Each dance required a different wardrobe, as the dancers' costumes depended on the theme of each dance. For the mini performance, which gave off a cool and natural feel, the dancers wore light blue flowing gowns. However, the second dance, titled "Dance of the Furies," was faster paced and angry, so it made sense that the dresses the dancers wore were shorter and bright red. Each dance was unique in its story, choreography and mood.

In particular, "Beyond Thyself Shalt Thou Build" was particularly moving. It featured all of the dancers in the show, and together they created what was understood to be a heartbeat. The increased volume of the music and background imagery of a blue sky made the dance powerful. Judging from the audience's reactions after this performance in particular, it was definitely a crowd favorite.

The array of talent that exists within the college's community never ceases to impress, and that talent was well exemplified in "The Ancient and Eternal Ideal In Art," which served as a unique cultural experience.

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Indicates Bright Future for Film: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

Behn Zeitlin's "Beasts of the Southern Wild" opens at the Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, and Friday, Oct. 5, and again at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.

The winner of a grand jury prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival, "Beasts of the Southern Wild" is a must see. Filmed in Louisiana, the movie is based on the real life community of Isle de Jean Charles. The story explores the power of nature and its ability to take away everything. It follows six-year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis)and her father (Dwight Henry), who live in an enchanting tumbledown community called the Bathtub. The story explores Hushpuppy's imagination and reality while her life is completely turned upside down by a number of apocalyptic events that she believes she has caused.

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" gives hope to the future of the film industry. For some who truly appreciate film, the rabble of 3D, high budget nonsense that Hollywood has been spewing out lately certainly arouses feelings of hopelessness (perhaps, at a certain point, many filmmakers made a deal with the devil, agreeing to lower quality in exchange for more explosions).

Behn Zeitlin, first time screenwriter and director, will shatter any preconceived notions you may have about young filmmakers. He brings a new spirit to the film industry that fights conformity. Most filmmakers, for example, shy away from child actors, animals, and filming on the water-Zeitlin's film is abouta child on the water with animals. Zeitlin spent eight months in casting, looking at over 3,500 children for the part of Hushpuppy. The entire cast is made up of untrained actors that will completely blow you away.

The cinematography is equally fantastic. This movie will move you, and provide some assurance that artistic and experimental film isn't dead.

Relevant Majors: Performing Arts, Psychology, History, American Studies, Sociology, English, Studio Art, Environmental Studies and Music

Look out next week for a review of "Bully," coming to the Film Forum on Oct. 11.

"Almost, Maine" Announced as Fall Black Box Production

The Theater Department has announced that its fall Black Box production will be John Cariani's "Almost, Maine," directed by Theatre Department chairman Larry Opitz. The production will run from Oct. 19 to 21, and Oct. 25 to 28 in the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater. All performances will be at 8 p.m., except for Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

"Almost, Maine" depicts a moonless winter's night in the eponymous town, a place where all is not quite what it seems to be. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised and hearts are broken, but the bruises heal, and the hearts mend - almost - in this midwinter night's dream.

 "Love is messy," Opitz said in a recent press release, "but we all need it. "Almost, Maine"is a fable about the joys and tribulations of love-what it means to win, to keep and to lose love. Reality and magic combine to produce an enchanting and whimsical tale, and I hope that our audiences will feel free to laugh and cry with us."

As is typical for black box productions, seating for "Almost, Maine" is very limited. Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Box Office at (518) 580-5439, or via email at boxoffice@skidmore.edu. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens who present valid IDs. For group sales, contact Kathy Mendenhall at (518) 580-5431 or through her email at kmendenh@skidmore.edu. 

DMB's "Away from the World" Avoids Being a Nostalgia Album: Recent Albums: a Music Review Column

Posted by Eli Cohen

As one of the first big-name albums out this fall season, "Away from the World" is the Dave Matthews Band's first studio album in three years. It also happens to be the first with producer Steve Lillywhite since the "Busted Stuff" and "Before These Crowded Street" days.

Consequently, "Away from the World"sounds distinctly like what audiences have come to expect from a DMB album. Alternately sweet, beautiful, angry and horny, the 45-year-old front man gives some of the best performances of his career in this new release.

The album is as beautiful as only the Dave Matthews Band can be--complicated, multi-layered arrangements flow seamlessly together to really illustrate how well Lillywhite compliments their sound.

Matthews sings about loves lost and found, and provides several condemnations of those who are socially and politically active in word alone, singing: "We gotta do much more than believe if we want to see the world change" in the song '"Gaucho". This sentiment is echoed in the album's first single, "Mercy", a beautiful ballad to the citizens of a world that bears a suspicious resemblance to John Hiatt's classic "Have A Little Faith In Me."

From there the album moves into "Sweet", a song that Matthews sings gently with his ukulele and some accompaniment from the rest of the band towards the end. "You know the feeling when you're in too deep," he all but whispers to the audience, before confessing that he's "too young to want to be younger now."

Those two sentiments as well as the song's name seem to mirror the themes of "Away from the World." It is stripped back, to the extent that Dave Matthews can ever be stripped down (this is a man whose solo album contained six players including Trey Anastasio, plus a brass band). It contains a sense of sweet melancholy, and while there is no chart-topper - no "Crash Into Me" or "Crush" or even a "Funny The Way It Is" - on this album, we are instead treated to a full album of very good, beautiful songs, none of which are particularly stronger or weaker than the rest.

The album ends with "Drunken Soldier", a nine and three-quarter minute five-part epic full of Dave Matthews wisdoms, such as, "Once 'round just once so take your shot/ Don't waste time trying to be something you're not," and some very laid back instrumental grooves.

However, the album does seem to be playing it a little safe. There are not many chances taken that Matthews has not taken before (even though the nine-minute song harkens back to "Proudest Monkey" from the "Crash"days).

In spite of this, the sheer talent of Matthews and his band of super-musicians makes this album a great one, simultaneously returning to his old sounds while maintaining a forward direction with the band. This manages to not sound like a nostalgia album, but contains all the things that made the early 2000's DMB so great.