A New Bre ed of celebrity: The world of
gaming
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ARTS & CULTURE
culture curated.
SIX FILM//ALBUM PAIRINGS FOR YOUR WINTER BREAK.
Winter Break: a time when schedules, once crammed with assignments and presentations, are assuaged. Truly, these few weeks are a blessing, but a blessing often neglected. Time that could be spent by catching up on critically acclaimed films and albums that have gone unnoticed in the chaos of university life, is often spent binging on tepid sitcoms and thoughtless Spotify playlists. But fear not! Below, you will find six specially curated film and album pairings, each of their tastes and textures carefully studied and matched with a second piece of media that holds similar strengths and stylings. So please, make your winter break count. Locate your nearest independent cinema, purchase some new music (whatever your preferred method may be), and enjoy the best that the winter of 2016 has to offer.
JOEL REDEKOP ARRIVAL //RADIOHEAD – A MOON SHAPED POOL A warning to those whose tastes veer more towards that of summer blockbusters: Arrival is not a particularly fastpaced film. Those craving overpowering action sequences and prosaic dialogue may want to stick to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Canadian director Denis Villeneuve has a knack for placing full-bodied characters in what appear, on the surface, to be genre films (Jake Gyllenhaal in Enemy and Emily Blunt in Sicario are of note), and he certainly seems to be carrying on this trend with Amy Adams in Arrival. Though its plot revolves around an alien invasion, Arrival requires the viewer to savour its subtle tastes and textures, its vibrant visual presentation, and its carefully crafted characterization. With its understated charm, Arrival is best enjoyed with a slow-burning album, one that can match its intellectual intensity. This author recommends Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool: its composition is otherworldly, sure to elevate the subject’s mind to a higher headspace, exactly where one needs to be when entering Villeneuve’s latest cinematic entry. CERTAIN WOMEN //WHEN YOU WALK A LONG DISTANCE YOU ARE TIRED Kelly Reichardt is among American cinema’s best kept secrets, and her
lack of public profile fits perfectly with the simple, organic pieces of art she is known for. Capturing the Northwest in all its earthy tones and smoky odours is what Reichardt does best, and Certain Women, nearing the end of its theatrical run, fits perfectly into the director’s filmography. Telling several interwoven stories of women in a small Montana town, Reichardt’s latest is as comforting as homemade soup, yet as melancholy as a meal alone. Though it is a quiet film, slow-paced and slightly bitter, its flavours will linger long after the film’s final frame. On the drive home from the theatre, match your viewing of Certain Women with Mother’s debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, which is just as muted as the title promises. Despite the band’s Georgian roots, their sound is borrowed from the PNW through and through. THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN //MODERN BASEBALL - HOLY GHOST This coming-of-age comedy will seem incredibly familiar, its warm flavours pulling your awkward high school years back into the present. Truly, its recognizable taste profile will make this a relatable and accessible film for most. Its sweet, homely tones are combined with pangs of bitter teenage angst as Nadine Byrd tries to find emotional balance in her senior year of high school after her best friend starts dating her older brother. Woody Harrelson has a supporting role as a sympathetic guidance counselor. Modern Baseball’s Holy Ghost is an obvious choice to accompany The Edge of
Seventeen, as its sweet pop hooks and tart lyrics will uproot feelings that you have not felt in at least half a decade. LA LA LAND //ESERANZA SPALDING - EMILYS D + EVOLUTION If Damien Chazelle has shown anything throughout his first three films, it is a love for music that has long gone out of fashion. Musicals are a dying breed, and musicals featuring original showtunes are an even rarer bird. Yet Chazelle brings the art form back into relevancy with La La Land, a vibrant and complex piece of filmmaking. It is a much-needed update for a genre that used to be a staple in Western film’s cinematic diet. La La Land tells the story of decadent dreamers, played by Stone and Gosling, as they struggle to bring their show business dreams into realization. With its velvety visual textures and the timeless quality of its leads, it will surely be remembered as a favorite of the year, if not the decade. Complement your viewing of La La Land with Esperanza Spalding’s Emily’s D+Evolution, which holds true to the traditional spontaneity of jazz fusion while retaining a pop appeal. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA //OKKERVIL RIVER - AWAY Manchester by the Sea promises to be a relatable experience, a story that comes straight from small-town Massachusetts. Its revelations are of the emotional variety, the kind that often surface during
“I really have no clue man, stop asking me.” -Joey Schweitzer
late night conversations over pub grub in a local bar. Casey Affleck’s character is a salty one, tender and vulnerable despite his tough outer layer, immediately recognizable as he struggles to progress in his life after he is assigned guardianship of his nephew. Those who found that Good Will Hunting gratified their cinematic taste buds are sure to be pleased with Manchester by the Sea’s performances and Kenneth Lonergan’s expert direction. In the realm of music, no album has spoken deeper into the topic of the mid-life crisis this year than Okkervil River’s Away. It is an arresting listen, and its contemplative tones and lyrical themes will only enhance Manchester by the Sea’s unpretentious, slice-of-life storytelling. MOONLIGHT //FRANK OCEAN - BLOND Barry Jenkins’ first feature length in nearly a decade is arguably the most talked-about film of the year. Set in the projects of Miami, it follows an African-American male throughout three periods of his life. Touching on subjects such as race, sexuality and masculinity, it is an ambitious project, characterized by bold and vividly intense flavours will leave the viewer feeling sobered and electrified. Of course, no other artist has explored Moonlight’s subjects better than Frank Ocean. His recent release Ivy, with its crisp, caramelly profile, is the ideal accompaniment for Jenkins’ film.
SPORTS
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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE MADISON EVANS On Friday, November 18th, the Spartan Foundation hosted the Complete Champions Corporate Reception, an annual fundraising initiative, at the Langley Events Centre. The Spartan Foundation is a non-profit organization that endeavours to raise funds in support of the Spartan Athletic program. “We believe in supporting the journey of learning and growing, and using sport to grow God’s kingdom. God has blessed us with skills and talents for a reason,” said Steve Scholz, the executive director of the Spartan Foundation. “We are investing in current and future leaders.” The reception featured a panel of four Olympians who competed this past summer at the Olympic Games in Rio: Michelle Stilwell, who won gold in both the 100m T52 and 400m T52 in Paralympic track and field; Catharine Pendrel,
bronze medalist in mountain biking; TWU alumn Chaim Schalk, who competed in beach volleyball; and alumn Adam Froese, on the Canadian field hockey team. Stilwell eloquently shared her own story and experience with sport, the thrill of competition, and the Paralympics before opening up the stage to a panel of all of the athletes (“Ellen style,” Stilwell joked). A few well-timed questions drew out the experience of each athlete at the Olympic games and their experience in the world of elite athletics. “I’m not going to use the word sacrifice,” Froese said, “because pursuing your sport to this level is a choice.” However, it was clear that Froese, and every other athlete on the panel, understood the necessity of outside support in their journeys on the road to success in elite sport. A common thread that
wove through each athlete’s story was the gratitude they had for the constant encouragement of friends and family—they made it clear that it was not just by their own efforts that they were able to succeed. Hard work and support from loved ones becomes more and more necessary as athletes move into elite levels of competition. Stilwell, who strives for excellence in both her athletic and political careers notes that anything that requires a high level of excellence and dedication will involve substantial support from those closest to you. Catherine Pendrel described her journey from her experience at her first Olympics in Beijing until now. She was thrilled with her fourth place finish in Beijing: despite missing the podium, she saw her potential for future success. In her second Olympic experience, Pen-
drel admits that her results-centred focus led to a disappointing ninth-place finish, but what was worse was the feeling that she had let down loved ones and others who had seen her through her athletic journey to that point. Going into the Games at Rio, Pendrel wanted a performance she could be proud of, and instead of searching for her worth as an athlete in her result, sought it in her love of the sport. The reception ended with a closing sentiment by Stilwell. “I believe in the power of sport, and what it brings to our lives to better enable future leaders,” she said. “Let’s get excited about sport—let’s get excited about the future.”
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Mars’ Hill: How did you first get involved with volleyball? Madi Wolitski: I first started playing volleyball in grade 6, both in school and at a development camp for Seaside Volleyball Club. I really enjoyed it and kept on playing for my club and school. I even ended up coaching high school and club volleyball. MH: How did you hear about Titans volleyball? MW: I first heard about Titans volley-
ball during my first preview weekend in grade 11. I knew that if I was not good enough for Spartans that I would try my best to make the Titans team. Once I started U18 for club volleyball, I knew that I would not be able to make the Spartans team, as my family and I did not have the kind of money to put me in the proper kind of training. I also had two serious injuries that year: a major sprain of my left ankle and severe blistering on my toe on my right foot, taking me out of all athletics for two months.
MH: What made you want to stay involved with sport at university?
stepped on because the guys cannot see me or sometimes hear me.
MW: I continue to play volleyball for the Titans because I love volleyball, even though I do not play as well as I did before my injuries.
MH: Which teams do you guys play against?
MH: What is the best part about volleyball? MW: No doubt, the best part about volleyball is hitting and serving because you get to hit the ball as hard as you can—though you do have to try your best to make sure that it stays inside of the court. However the best part depends on what position you play. For setting, it would be having a really nice set that was used to win a point, or dumping and scoring.
MH: What does your average practice look like?
MH: What is the most challenging part about volleyball?
MH: If you could play any other sport, what would you play?
MW: The most challenging part about volleyball is remembering not to take certain things to heart. Each person has their own standards for the team and expects certain things and will say things when they are in the zone because they want to win. MH: What is the biggest difference between playing volleyball on a competitive women’s team and the Titans’ co-ed team?
Madi Wolitski Place of birth: White Rock / South Surrey Year of schooling: 2nd year Major: Human Kinetics - Kinesiology stream Sport: Titans Volleyball
MW: We play in a league with various teams, not specifically against other schools, although Douglas College and UFV have teams just like us.
MW: A huge difference between playing with only girls, to now, playing with girls and guys of various ages, is the net height, and the power in every serve and attack. Women’s volleyball uses a shorter net height, because girls are built shorter, and with different types of hormones aiding in muscle production. Males also jump, serve, and swing harder in general. Knowing that, you must train harder because you are playing at a faster pace, with more power, and a higher net. A problem for me, being the shortest person on the team at 5”5’, is being walked into or “Eating 20 chicken nugsiswithout — Ramón Carranza “What love?” sharing.” -Haddaway
MW: Our average practice goes from 9:15-11pm Thursday nights. We start with warm-up, do a couple of drills, and end with game play and taking down the nets. Practice is always a blast because my teammates are amazing and hilarious people who love to joke around but know when to be serious.
MW: If I could play any other sport I would be racing hurdles for the Spartan track team. I am considering trying out for the team, as I raced in provincials in grade 12 after a two-year break and not having proper training. MH: How has your involvement with sports influenced your walk with God? MW: God has influenced my game play because I thank God for how far I have come and for putting certain people on my teams whom have changed my personality and the way I play. He also changes my mindset during and after each set as I try to not have any negative thoughts about my teammates, opposing players and myself. Sometimes I pray during sets even though my mind is suppose to be on the game I am playing.