The ranker in the US is heightened. Perhaps not since the 80s has the United States culturally been digging so deep for meaning. In the visual arts, the messages have been on the street walls. For approximately 10 years, the street artists have been reporting the urban unease and unrest. From Cleon Peterson’s beheading murals to Banksy’s political satire, the messages have been calling for action. The 2016 nomination of President Trump exposed a sound weakness in the mainstream group think that most could refer to as the “Media, Hollywood and Entertainment infrastructure.” As such, filling galleries, movie theaters, and major concert venues has become secondary to rousing citizens towards a voting booth. Yet Fall releases in film, fashion, and art may be finally breaking the political stranglehold.
On the big screen, two films are awakening audiences – and for good reason. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper set film and music fans on fire with Cooper’s directorial debut, “A Star Is Born.” Not to be outdone, Gaga’s partial inspiration, Freddie Mercury and Queen, obtained a record box office with the well crafted “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Both films had previous muses. “A Star Is Born” has been remade 3 times since it’s original script in the 30s. The director and cast of Bohemian cleaverly adapted the real-life story of the band. The film did an exceptional recreation of the historic 1985 LIVE AID Wembley Stadium performance where Freddie Mercury stole the show. Ultimately, the film allowed today’s audiences to understand the power of passion, music and the significance of the moment.
Hits like these two films are typically supported in other creative feats. On the runways, the 70s and 80s are here again. In the arts, provocative performances linked to a deeper meaning prevails. From continuing shows by Shepard Fairy in Moscow, statement works in New York by JR or bare body exposés by Spencer Tunick, fine art is displaying the times visually and politically.
Locally, unquestioned charity events abound. Denver Fashion Week and the 41st Denver International Film Festival are solid alternatives. Of course, your support for a charity of choice is likely to grasp you over a holiday cocktail or dinner with your wallet. Our advice – caveat emptor: speak with your trusted specialist prior to gulping that first drink with a paddle.
