packaging
Objects: Matt’s Stuff: Handwritten
Inspired by the packaging for Matt’s Agnès Varda box set,
some lovely examples of handwritten text used as design elements.
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The Thin Man: Wine and Spirits
Nick Charles likes to drink. This is actually one of his distinct characteristics. Given the time period, I’m sure it was meant to be one of his charming flaws. And the man drinks with such style and grace — no matter what time of day or night. I think he’d be pleased with the beautiful work designers are creating for his favorite beverages (gathered from The Dieline and Lovely Package — two excellent sites that showcase gorgeous packaging).
Into the West: The Rat Pack
The Rat Pack was definitely a West Coast crew — from the Sands to the Hills. Their brand of style, glamour, and cool distinctly tilts left and is evident in photos of the men suited up for their late night romps and album covers that reflect their playful banter and laid back swing.
The Wife: Scenes from a Marriage
This is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite movies.
Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage is an examination of the relationship of Johan and Marianne, a married couple who, after 10 years of a seemingly happy union, sever their marital ties when Johan leaves Marianne. The separation forces them to develop strengths, face weaknesses, and forge an unexpected bond their marriage never offered.
Originally a six-part mini-series that aired on Swedish television, Mr. Bergman edited it for cinematic release. It was one of his more accessible projects, drawing the general public to their television screens, as opposed to the usual art-house crowd. Part of its appeal, of course, is that the subject matter is so relatable and the characters so real and engaging. It was easy for me to lose myself in this three hour film — the acting so amazing and intense, the angles and close-ups punctuating the sheer agony, joy, shock, anger, and heartbreak of this couple.
While there is a lot of raw emotion here, it is, after all, called ‘Scenes from a Marriage.’ It does include all the rote and mundane things that occur, and most times this benign scene is what is on display for the outsider. So fitting then, I think, is The Criterion Collection’s simple and beautiful packaging for the film’s DVD.
The Wife: Architecture In Helsinki
Joan Castleman’s thoughts on Nordic building designs are evident when she describes an acquaintance’s features: “…I was formally introduced to the president, a man of my age named Mr. Timo Kristian with a stern face not unlike Finnish architecture.”
She is clearly not thinking of the upbeat playful pop that is Architecture in Helsinki. One can see how the bright cartoon charm of their packaging, video, and photos is an accurate representation of their sound.
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