US Dairy Board's milk ad "Isolation" (see "World's Best Commercials,"
below) go
Did you know there are actually two Cannes Film Festivals? One
is, of course, concerned with movie glamour and glitz. The other
focuses on commercials. From Dec. 4-7, the International House will present the Philadelphia
premiere of the World's Best Commercials 1997 from the Cannes International Advertising Film Festival. The
75-minute film contains 86 morsels of advertising genius from
all over the world, selected from Cannes and the British Television
Advertising Awards. The film's concept is "how to be a successful advertiser," with
five lessons: Make 'Em Laugh (featuring Spike Jonze's celebrated
ER/ "Tainted Love" Levi's ad), Demonstrate the Product Creatively,
Make 'Em Think, Hire a Celebrity, and Keep it Simple. The World's Best Commercials 1997 promises to feature the finest in concise, creative marketing.
And what's more, there won't be any idiots incessantly flipping
around the channels to see "what else is on." Dec. 4-7 at the International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 387-5125.
- Michael Pelusi Murderous envy among the seven dwarfs? Is that something that
Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, Sneezey, Grumpy, Bashful and Doc would have
approved of? In the pre-Disney version of the Brothers Grimm fairy
tale - first published in 1812, but passed down orally since the
1600s - they might have. You can find out all the secrets of the "fairest of them all"
at the Brandywine River Museum's exhibition Images of Snow White. Instead of focusing on the 1937 Walt Disney cartoon, the show
centers on the countless adaptations of the centuries-old tale,
which was considered too frightening for children. Over 25 illustrations
and 40 first-edition books by artists such as Maurice Sendak,
N.C. Wyeth, Charles Santore and Tricia Schart Hyman will be featured.
Images of Snow White also chronicles the story from its beginnings in Europe through
its child-friendly present-day form and will show how, throughout
time and countless renderings, beauty and purity have triumphed
over evil. Through Jan. 11 at the Brandwine River Museum, US Route 1 in Chadds
Ford, (610) 388-2700. - Susan Posternock RUBA Ballroom's Christmas Pageant Hey all you amateur magicians, jugglers ventriloquists and mimes
- get ready to strut your stuff. There's going to be a talent
contest on Friday, Dec. 19, at Philly's hippest Ukrainian Hall
- the RUBA. Tentatively scheduled acts include the Rolling Hayseeds'
Rich Kaufmann performing magic and a Run DMC lipsynch number featuring
Maxx (formerly of The Goats). Pop artist Mark Brodzik is trying
to rustle up a gang of his friends to sing a capella techno and
Kevin Morpurgo of the Psychic Friends Network is practicing a
few Burt Bacharach tunes for a lounge act. The show promises to
be a goofy good time. If you're interested in participating, many
slots are still open. Call 238-0358 for more info. Friday, Dec. 19, at 9 p.m., the RUBA Hall, 414 Green St. If you're looking to start an art collection, you'll probably
want to stop by Objects and Souvenirs, a show of multiples by local artists. What is a multiple? It's a work of art that consists of one element,
multiplied. Many of the pieces are priced reasonably, which makes
it a great opportunity for art lovers to bring home a memento.
Among the artists is Tristan Lowe, whose Atomic Mud Men from Outer Space transports you to a world being taken over by 6-inch spacemen.
The bare speaker components in David Wickland's Dammit prowl along with a predatorial air while the electronic music that emanates
from it creates an eerie backdrop. Handcrafts are represented here, too. Andrea Cooper's seductive
little bundles each contain four individually painted wooden shapes,
not to be seen until purchased and the exhibition is over. Michael
Grothusen's 17, All Level stacks miniature versions of mobile homes. Hysteria, Teresa James' interpretation of an Emily Dickinson poem, features
several female busts made out of beeswax and crowned with the
artist's own hair. The most eclectic and exhaustive installation
at the exhibit is that of Phil Simkin. He displays souvenirs spanning
his entire 30-year career as an artist. Standouts include a cable-knitted
newspaper, a cast of the Liberty Bell crack, and for $1 million
you can purchase his entire career, including his studio space.
So many bargains to be had. Prices start at $1. Through Dec. 14, UArts' Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery, 333 S. Broad St.,
875-1116. - Maggi Garfield Digital Hardcore Tour Is digital hardcore music an annoying pastiche of industrial noise
or the most important pop innovation in years? Decide for yourself
when German artists Atari Teenage Riot, Shizuo and Ec8or hit Philadelphia
on Sunday, Dec. 21. What exactly does digital hardcore sound like?
It combines the rage of hardcore punk with the quick editing of
techno. Expect plenty of guitar samples, distorted breakbeats
and loud screaming in rapid-fire succession. Shizuo is probably
the most accessible act of the three on the bill. On the recent
album Shizuo Vs. Shizor (Grand Royal), Shizuo unleashes funky, supercharged beats layered
with static, electronic bleats and girlish voices. Ec8or and Atari
Teenage Riot are little more grating. Think pummeling percussion
and vitriolic vocals. What's not to love? Sunday, Dec. 21, the Trocadero, 10th & Arch Sts., 922-LIVE. - N.G.
December
World's Best Commercials 
Snow White's Secrets 
Objects and Souvenirs