Perfectionism and Passion at the Grand
iPhone photo: Black Swan at Grand
Perfectionism and passion in Black Swan, a film about ballet, competition and nervous breakdown, now playing at the Grand in Stockholm. Here's a quote about creativity from the movie that I find inspiring:
"Perfection is not just about control. It's also about letting go. Surprise yourself so you can surprise the audience. Transcendence! Very few have it in them." Thomas Leroy in Black Swan
iPhoneography: Grand cinema
Speaking of passion, I love old movie theatres! The atmosphere, the details and the anticipation that the cinema environment builds for the film. Grand opened in in 1933 and was the creation of architect Björn Hedvall and artist Gunnar Torhamn. The Grand has become known for being the cinema that prime minister Olof Palme visited with his wife just before he was assassinated in 1986.
iPhoneography: interior, Grand
The doors to the auditorium are adorned with film stars in intarsia. Symbolising four continents; Josephine Baker represents Africa, Joan Crawford America, Greta Garbo Europe and Anna May Wong symbolises Asia.
Statuette
This statue in the auditorium comes to life as the lights get dim, and casts dramatic shadows on the piece.
Cinema, curtain
The globe on these cinema curtains continues the theme of international film that runs throughout the design of the movie theatre. Who is the figure holding the spotlight? Could it be Theia, the Titan goddess of sight (thea) and shining light of the clear blue sky (aithre)? The mother of Eos (Dawn), Helius (the Sun), and Selene (the Moon). The goddess of light?