Notes from the sketch book

Schreck: The shadow that looms over cinema

Schreck: The shadow that looms over cinema

Just last week, as September was but in its infancy, I stumbled upon the curious sight of mince pies for sale. One must wonder, is it ever truly too early for such delights? With this curious notion in mind and bearing in mind that Halloween remains over a month away, our subject matter once more finds itself in the realm of horror. Having recently plumbed the depths of Shelley's "Frankenstein," this week, let us embark upon a nocturnal journey, not toward Dracula, mind you (cough), but rather, into the haunting embrace of "Nosferatu." Max Schreck, the German actor, was born...

Read more →


Mary Shelley: The Visionary Writer who Reshaped history and invented Science Fiction

Mary Shelley: The Visionary Writer who Reshaped history and invented Science Fiction

Ink and parchment meet, Mary Shelley's world complete, "Frankenstein" we meet. Mary Shelley, born on August 30, 1797, in the heart of London, is a name that resounds with significance. A novelist of audacity, she left an indelible mark on the landscape of Gothic and science fiction. Her most renowned creation, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," is not just a novel but a testament to her life's tapestry, woven with both personal loss and literary achievements. Shelley's lineage was one of intellectual luminaries, being the progeny of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. This exposure to intellectual discourse was foundational to...

Read more →


Ink Noir: The Big Sleep's Timeless Duo

Ink Noir: The Big Sleep's Timeless Duo

"The Big Sleep" is a classic noir film directed by Howard Hawks. It's known for its black and white visuals and sharp dialogue. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall play the lead roles—a private eye named Philip Marlowe and the client's daughter. The story revolves around Marlowe being hired by a wealthy family to protect a young woman from her own mistakes. Along the way, there's murder, blackmail, car chases and gunplay, all adding to the suspense. Despite the chaos, Marlowe finds time to fall in love with his client's eldest daughter. Adapted from Raymond Chandler's novel, the story's labyrinthine web...

Read more →


A Bolt of Lightning

A Bolt of Lightning

On this day in 2008... In an electrifying display of speed and determination, the Jamaican sprint sensation, Usain Bolt, transcended the boundaries of athletic achievement at the grand stage of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. With the world's gaze fixed upon the colossal stage, Bolt etched his name in the annals of history with a performance that can only be described as breathtaking. In an awe-inspiring show of raw power and lightning-fast acceleration, Bolt surged down the track like a force of nature unleashed. The pulsating energy of the stadium seemed to fuse with his very being, propelling him forward...

Read more →


An American Prometheus: Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan

An American Prometheus: Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan

"Now I am Death, the Destroyer of Worlds" Christopher Nolan's new movie Oppenheimer unveils the enigmatic journey of J. Robert Oppenheimer, with a resolute focus on the building of the "gadget" and the tumultuous trials that ignited fervent debates among historians. The fallout of Oppenheimer's treatment is candidly depicted, yet the film resists painting him solely as a victim. Instead, Oppenheimer's tale is artfully woven into a tapestry of contrasts – a celebrated hero to many and a divisive figure to others, thereby unraveling the intricate layers of his legacy. (My artwork created is available here) A striking aspect of...

Read more →