Ian Alexander Martin
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ianamartin.bsky.social
Ian Alexander Martin
@ianamartin.bsky.social
37 followers 21 following 190 posts
photographer ▩ polyamorous ▩ he / him / hey you ▩ reincarnation of Robert Benchley

@IanAMartin@mstdn.ca

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GEN. MURRAY: I can't make out whether you're bloody bad-mannered or just half-witted.
T.E. LAWRENCE: I have the same problem, Sir.
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ianamartin.bsky.social
January 12, 2025 at 1:00 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Because no one is actually dead until you see it in the newspaper of record for your city.
MARTIN, Kenneth Alexander Jun 6, 1942 – Jan 3, 2025 Ken was the son of Harry and Annie Martin, born in Bella Bella, BC. Vancouver raised, Ken graduated from David Thompson High School in 1960. At UBC, he earned a BA in Geography in 1964, then a BEd. He worked for a number of firms in the trucking industry; Chapman Transport, Johnson Terminals, and Van Kam Freightways. He taught dangerous goods handling and filled positions from dispatch to international compliance. Early in his career, Ken was introduced to the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation; dedicated to raising professional standards in the industry. He completed and taught courses, plus mentored transportation students. He served as Chairman and was active in CITT until his death. Ken was a kind and generous man, feeling one helps where one can, and served as president of the Westcoast Calligraphy Guild for three years because "you don't need beautiful writing to chair a meeting." Ken was actively involved in the United Church from the age of 15. He served on church boards and on regional committees, as well as being a member and President of the local church men's club. Ken loved railroads. If there was a railway museum or a display, he made sure to visit it. He attended railfan events, was involved with several groups of modellers, and many times helped in the planning of a local annual convention; even though he never got his layout built. Ken is survived by Helen (his wife of 60 years) and son Ian; as well as his sister Hazel DeVall, and a number of cousins and two great nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on 2025-01-25 at Jubilee United Church, 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby.
January 12, 2025 at 12:59 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Here's the obituary for Kenneth Alexander Martin, which will run Saturday / Sunday in the two local papers.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on 2025-01-25 at Jubilee United Church, 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby.
MARTIN, Kenneth Alexander Jun 6, 1942 – Jan 3, 2025 Ken was the son of Harry and Annie Martin, born in Bella Bella, BC. Vancouver raised, Ken graduated from David Thompson High School in 1960. At UBC, he earned a BA in Geography in 1964, then a BEd. He worked for a number of firms in the trucking industry; Chapman Transport, Johnson Terminals, and Van Kam Freightways. He taught dangerous goods handling and filled positions from dispatch to international compliance. Early in his career, Ken was introduced to the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation; dedicated to raising professional standards in the industry. He completed and taught courses, plus mentored transportation students. He served as Chairman and was active in CITT until his death. Ken was a kind and generous man, feeling one helps where one can, and served as president of the Westcoast Calligraphy Guild for three years because "you don't need beautiful writing to chair a meeting." Ken was actively involved in the United Church from the age of 15. He served on church boards and on regional committees, as well as being a member and President of the local church men's club. Ken loved railroads. If there was a railway museum or a display, he made sure to visit it. He attended railfan events, was involved with several groups of modellers, and many times helped in the planning of a local annual convention; even though he never got his layout built. Ken is survived by Helen (his wife of 60 years) and son Ian; as well as his sister Hazel DeVall, and a number of cousins and two great nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on 2025-01-25 at Jubilee United Church, 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby.
January 9, 2025 at 3:47 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
For the past week or so, I have very much enjoyed watching the first season of this adaptation. I vaguely remember watching the Chamberlain / Mifune on TV. Now, I better understand the subtleties.

… / 1 of 2

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky TVSky
Poster for the first group of episodes of the TV mini-series “Shōgun.”
May 31, 2024 at 7:17 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
A better than average war picture that follows a handful of infantry through four different campaigns of WWII.

I would have liked more character and less shooting.

Still, recommended.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1980 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Big Red One.” Lee Marvin as ‘The Sergeant’ in the 1980 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Big Red One.” A scene from the 1980 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Big Red One.” Mark Hamill as ‘Private Griff’ in the 1980 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Big Red One.”
April 27, 2024 at 6:08 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Starting with a quote from Euripides, this is an incredible example of how budget need not limit the scope of the story itself. Sets, lighting, costumes, even blocking are all pedestrian. But the tale is as big as Cinerama!

Very highly recommended.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1963 Samuel Fuller motion picture “Shock Corridor.”
April 22, 2024 at 7:15 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
An impressive thriller demonstrating the pointless nature of war, and the anarchic nature specific to civil war.

Incredible performances, and writing that subtly tells the story, leaving people free to interpret things as their biases direct.

Very highly recommended.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 2024 Alex Garland motion picture “Civil War.” Kirsten Dunst as the Reuters News Agency Photographer ‘Lee,’ in the 2024 Alex Garland motion picture “Civil War.” Stephen McKinley Henderson as the J journalist ‘Sammy’ in the 2024 Alex Garland motion picture “Civil War.” Cailee Spaeny as the budding war photographer ‘Jessie’ in the 2024 Alex Garland motion picture “Civil War.”
April 21, 2024 at 5:35 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
This picture deals with some issues surprisingly far ahead of its time. For example, you hear the word ‘abortion’ used.

The performances are top-notch from all the leads.

Highly recommended.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1964 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Naked Kiss.” Constance Towers as ‘Kelly’ in the 1964 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Naked Kiss.” Anthony Eisley (left, in tuxedo) as ‘Griff,’ and Michael Dante (centre, in tuxedo) as ‘Grant,’ in the 1964 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Naked Kiss.” Betty Bronson as ‘Miss Josephine’ in the 1964 Samuel Fuller motion picture “The Naked Kiss.”
April 13, 2024 at 7:03 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
I just watched this, which someone on Mastodon recommended in the last four or five days.

Wow.

Don’t read anything about it, just watch it. In Canada, I saw it on Tubi.

Wow. Just… wow.

Very highly recommended.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 2018 Tim Wardle / CNN / NEON documentary “Three Identical Strangers.”
April 10, 2024 at 5:47 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Given this motion picture is almost 30 years old, it’s held up remarkably well! Given it’s mostly cultural satire with Science Fiction as the outer wrapper for the story, this is a minor miracle!

Even most of the SFX look decent!

Highly recommended.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1997 Barry Sonnenfeld motion picture “Men in Black.” Vincent D’Onofrio as ‘Edgar’ in the 1997 Barry Sonnenfeld motion picture “Men in Black.” Tommy Lee Jones (wearing a black suit) as ‘Agent K’ with Will Smith (wearing a black suit) as ‘Agent K’ in the 1997 Barry Sonnenfeld motion picture “Men in Black.” The insanely talented Tony Shalhoub as ‘Jeebs’ in the 1997 Barry Sonnenfeld motion picture “Men in Black.”
April 5, 2024 at 8:14 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
A fascinating and complicated examination of the story of James Joseph Dresnok, who was one of seven U.S. soldiers that defected to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Highly recommended.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 2006 Daniel Gordon documentary “Crossing the Line.”
March 18, 2024 at 6:07 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Two nights ago I watched “Finding Nemo,” and last night it was “Finding Dory.” So I decided to go back to where it all started.

Great story, but — WOW! — does the animation, especially the humans, look clunky now!

Still, recommended.

★★★☆☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1995 John Lasseter / Pixar motion picture “Toy Story.” A still from the 1995 John Lasseter / Pixar motion picture “Toy Story.” Here we see ‘Sheriff Woody’ and ‘Bo Peep’ looking at each other and looking just a little weird, even for toys. A still from the 1995 John Lasseter / Pixar motion picture “Toy Story.” We see a boy wearing a hat with his arms raised in the air. He looks more like a toy than the toys do. He certainly doesn’t look human. A still from the 1995 John Lasseter / Pixar motion picture “Toy Story.” We see ‘Buzz Lightyear’ from a flattering angle.
March 14, 2024 at 5:44 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
… / 2 of 2

If you’re looking for a history lesson, look elsewhere. If you’re open to magic and feeling, you’ll be rewarded.

Quite good! Worth your time.

★★★☆☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Ethan Hawke (as titular character ‘Nikola Tesla’) in the 2020 Michael Almereyda motion picture “Tesla.” Kyle MacLachlan (as ‘Thomas Edison’) in in the 2020 Michael Almereyda motion picture “Tesla.”
March 6, 2024 at 6:30 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Not so much a ‘biographical film’ but more a ‘poetic ode to the person’s life,’ this feels very much as though it could be adapted for the stage. There’s certainly a theatrical quality to both camera and scene staging.

… / 1 of 2

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 2020 Michael Almereyda motion picture “Tesla.” Eve Hewson (as dual role ‘Anne Morgan’ and as modern-day narrator) in the 2020 Michael Almereyda motion picture “Tesla.”
March 6, 2024 at 6:28 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
The right filmmaker for this subject. If he were to make it today, I wonder if he would make it more strident and bold in its statement, or would he still let the details speak for themselves?

Very highly recommended.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1997 Spike Lee / HBO documentary “4 Little Girls” about the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, a 1963 domestic terrorist attack in Birmingham, Alabama.
February 25, 2024 at 6:58 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Just as the thing which happens in the film does, this begins and ends with little discernible meaning or cause. Having some sort of purpose or metaphor to the events of the plot would be better.

It’s… okay.

★★★☆☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 2008 M. Night Shyamalan motion picture “The Happening.” Don Castro as ‘Philadelphia Police Officer’ in the 2008 M. Night Shyamalan motion picture “The Happening.” Zooey Deschanel as ‘Alma Moore’ in the 2008 M. Night Shyamalan motion picture “The Happening.” Mark Wahlberg as ‘Elliot Moore’ in the 2008 M. Night Shyamalan motion picture “The Happening.”
February 24, 2024 at 7:01 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
With dialogue approaching a text by Shakespeare, throughout this I repeatedly thought to myself ‘it may only be wood, plaster, and paint, BUT THEY ACTUALLY BUILT THAT!’ and then its moment would pass and you never see that bit of set again.

Very highly recommended.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1963 Joseph L. Mankiewicz motion picture “Cleopatra.” Rex Harrison as ‘Julius Caesar’ in the 1963 Joseph L. Mankiewicz motion picture “Cleopatra.” Elizabeth Taylor as the title character in the 1963 Joseph L. Mankiewicz motion picture “Cleopatra.” Richard Burton as ‘Marc Antony’ in the 1963 Joseph L. Mankiewicz motion picture “Cleopatra.”
February 23, 2024 at 9:29 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
This TV series from eᴘix (later MGM+) is astonishingly good. Each episode is a sub-60 minute movie, with almost universally fantastic performances.

I’ve seen the first season and it is very highly recommended that you do as well.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky 📺
Poster for the eᴘix TV series “Godfather of Harlem.” Left to right: Ilfanesh Hadera, Demi Singleton, and Forest Whitaker (as, respectively, ‘Mayme Johnson,’ ‘Margaret Johnson,’ and ‘Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson’) in the eᴘix TV series “Godfather of Harlem.” Nigel Thatch (as ‘Malcolm X’) in the eᴘix TV series “Godfather of Harlem.” Vincent D’Onofrio (as ‘Vincent “Chin” Gigante’) in the eᴘix TV series “Godfather of Harlem.”
February 22, 2024 at 8:32 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
I’ve seen this before, but there was a reference to this in the final season of “The Americans” and I’m glad to see this again. It’s so really well made!

Highly recommended.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 1955 Jules Dassin motion picture “Du rififi chez les homme (Rififi).” Jean Servais (far right, wearing hat) as ‘Toni la Stéphanois’ in the 1955 Jules Dassin motion picture “Du rififi chez les homme (Rififi).” Jean Servais in a scene from the 1955 Jules Dassin motion picture “Du rififi chez les homme (Rififi).” Jules Dassin as ‘Cesar le Milanais’ in the 1955 motion picture “Du rififi chez les homme (Rififi).”
February 18, 2024 at 6:58 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
This last week I’ve been watching “The Americans” and have loved the first season. There’s great tradecraft, and the setting is well within my memory.

The acting, writing, and design is great.

Highly recommended.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky TVSky
Poster for the 2013–2018 Joseph Weisberg / FX TV series “The Americans.” Keri Russell (in robin’s egg blue) and Matthew Rhys (in royal blue) play the happy loving couple ‘Elizabeth and Philip Jennings,’ a husband and wife who run a travel agency in the 2013–2018 Joseph Weisberg / FX TV series “The Americans.” Noah Emmerich (left, wearing jacket) and Maximiliano Hernández (right, in vest) as FBI Special Agents ‘Beeman’ and ‘Amador,’ respectively; two guys who investigate things for the Bureau in the 2013–2018 Joseph Weisberg / FX TV series “The Americans.” Margo Martindale plays ‘Claudia,’ a nice lady in a diner, in the 2013–2018 Joseph Weisberg / FX TV series “The Americans.”
January 21, 2024 at 6:50 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
Remember that film with Willem Defoe and Gene Hackman and Francis McDormand called “Mississippi Burning?” That’s the summer that a whole bunch of stuff happened. The murders were only a part of it.

Necessary viewing.

★★★★★

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Promotional image for the 2014 Stanley Nelson / PBS documentary “Freedom Summer (Mississippi 1964).” A burnt-out building in Mississippi as seen in the 2014 Stanley Nelson / PBS documentary “Freedom Summer (Mississippi 1964).” The FBI’s poster seeking information regarding the whereabouts and/or information regarding the disappearance of three individuals in Mississippi. Andrew Goodman, James Earl Chaney, and Michael Henry Schwerner were in the state as part of an effort to provide Black Americans with their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. They were murdered, their bodies buried in a pile of dirt. During the Democratic National Convention in August of 1964, an independent group called the ‘Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party’ staged a non-stop sit-in on the boardwalk of Atlantic City as part of their effort to completely replace the all-white Mississippi Democratic Caucus with their own slate of individuals. They were unsuccessful.
January 16, 2024 at 6:27 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
This is the second time I’ve seen this. The overall message is that anything can be accomplished, if you have friends to help you.

I needed to hear that today.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky
Poster for the 2023 James Gunn / Marvel Studios motion picture “Guardians of the Galaxy (Volume 3).”
January 15, 2024 at 7:47 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
… / 2 of 2

If they’re also about female members of a minority, and have a couple of physical challenges, that’s also great!

Very highly recommended.

★★★★☆

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky TVSky
Alaqua Cox as ‘Maya Lopez / Echo’ in the 2024 Marion Dayre / Marvel Studios / Disney+ TV mini-series “Echo.” Vincent D’Onofrio as ‘Wilson Fisk / Kingpin’ in the 2024 Marion Dayre / Marvel Studios / Disney+ TV mini-series “Echo.”
January 12, 2024 at 7:58 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
More of this, please, Marvel Studios! Characters with rich, historical backgrounds that have troubled back-stories and raise complicated questions about what is the right thing to do are ABSOLUTELY my jam!

… / 1 of 2

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky TVSky
Poster for the 2024 Marion Dayre / Marvel Studios / Disney+ TV mini-series “Echo.” Erin Ownbey (middle right, rear of scene) as ‘Grace’ in the 2024 Marion Dayre / Marvel Studios / Disney+ TV mini-series “Echo.”
January 12, 2024 at 7:55 AM
ianamartin.bsky.social
I’ve seen the first set of episodes and started the second. This is simply goofy fun. Satirical, self-effacing, and crammed with pop-culture meta-humour. Imagine “3rd Rock from the Sun,” but everyone knows they’re aliens.

… / 1 of 2

Film Cinema 📽️ FilmSky TVSky
Poster for the Mike McMahan / Justin Roiland / Hulu / 20th Century Television TV series “Solar Opposites.”
January 5, 2024 at 7:50 AM