On Steampunk “Rivets are our glitter.”

– Lord Bobbins, of Teslacon, on Steampunk costume design, speaking at the   2015 Wisconsin Writers’ Institute.

Random Pulp Art #2: The Zap Gun

Wisconsin Film Festival Dispatch

The 2015 Wisconsin Film Festival is in full force, continuing through Thursday. Although I had to cut one film last night due to major eye issues – I didn’t really want to sit through a long French crime drama if I can’t read subtitles – so far it’s been a rewarding experience. There’s been a bit of silent film (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, click for review), Orson Welles (Chimes at Midnight, click for review), a new comedy from the director of Computer Chess (Results, an unconventional and very funny rom-com with Guy Pierce, Cobie Smulders, and Kevin Corrigan), and what’s pictured below, a trio of short documentaries on three key elements of Wisconsin life: beer, supper clubs, and amusement parks. “Little America” (D: Kurt Raether) profiles the Little A-Merrick-A park, which places rollercoasters right up next to a cemetery; “Tale of the Spotted Cow” (D: Bill Roach) profiles Wisconsin’s storied New Glarus Brewing Company; and “Old Fashioned: The Story of the Wisconsin Supper Club” (D: Holly L. De Ruyter) finally explains to me what a supper club is while showcasing some truly fabulous decor (how could I have not paid a visit to Beaver Dam’s Pyramid on the Nile before their recent closing?).

“Old Fashioned: The
 Story of the
Wisconsin Supper
Club.”

“Dinner, Drinks, and
Entertainment”
 post-film Q&A.

Bill Roach discusses
 “The Tale of the
Spotted Cow.”

Director Kurt
Raether discusses
 “Little America.

Director Holly De
Ruyter discusses
“Old Fashioned: The
 Story of the
 Wisconsin Supper
Club.”

   

 

Kyle Cherek, host of
 public television’s
“Wisconsin Foodie,”
 introduces the films.

Gene Expression Center

This is the bulletin board outside my wife’s workplace. I can’t name all the
Genes, sorry.