John Harris Films
1138 Ripple Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
ph: 831.375.7534
john
WELCOME TO JOHN HARRIS FILMS
Blu-ray & DVDs Available on our SALES PAGE!
"Monterey to Big Sur" & "Last Days of Old Cannery Row" Sales Page is on the sidebar to the right of this column
"MONTEREY TO BIG SUR"
"Thank you for your film work- it touches me deeply!"
- George Bryant
Available online or at local merchants on the Monterey Peninsula. Myrick Photographic, Monterey. The Works & Bookmark Music, Pacific Grove. Pilgrim's Way Bookstore and Do-Re-Mi, Carmel. Henry Miller Library and The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe, Big Sur.
Or Call 831.375.7534
Read Barbara Rose Shuler's Review
•MONTEREY COUNTY HERALD REVIEW•
By Barbara Rose Shuler
Herald Correspondent
Pacific Grove, California
Last week a unique and magical hometown event took place at the Lighthouse Cinemas in Pacific Grove. The movie house collaborated with filmmaker John Harris in producing a multi-media happening to celebrate the theater premier of his critically acclaimed film “Monterey to Big Sur.” The word spread like wildfire. Tickets sold out fast and crowds were turned away.
One enthusiastic fan said to Harris, “"You have given the home you love it's very own crown."
Refreshing, whimsical and uplifting, “Monterey to Big Sur” explores the natural beauty and wonder of our region from the shores of Monterey and Pacific Grove to the inland valleys on south to the Big Sur coast. Harris has created a spectacular tribute to our beautiful regions, full of majestic vistas and marvelous creatures of the land, skies and ocean. It’s a local treasure as is Harris himself.
The screenings garnered such enthusiastic response that the filmmaker and the theater management worked swiftly to book another two showings on Dec. 29, complete with the event’s original live music and pre-film attractions—good news for those of you who were turned away or could not be there for other reasons. But do reserve your tickets right away as they are likely to sell out again.
Harris developed his love for filming as a young boy in central Oregon, a passion that remained with him throughout his life. He enjoyed a successful Hollywood career as a singer, dancer and filmmaker performing with legendary talents Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Ann-Margret, Jim Morrison and Teri Garr. He left Hollywood and moved to the Monterey Peninsula over four decades ago. With his partner Alan Weber, he created the 812 Cinema, the famous “pillow theater” of Cannery Row, and the Dream Theater, another historic icon of the area. As always, he continued filming, including rare footage that is included in his film “The Last Days of Old Cannery Row.”
Harris excels at combining a variety of artistic elements in a single event to give people a sense of community and interconnection. Before each showing of “Monterey to Big Sur,” the Monterey String Quartet accompanies his charming film of Pacific Grove’s 2011 Parade of Lights. The ensemble playing 60’s music and holiday tunes in front of the screen as the parade moves down Lighthouse Avenue produces a surprisingly enchanting effect. It makes an delightful overture to the main event with its warm hometown feeling.
Harris wisely presents the film using Lighthouse Cinemas’ new high-definition projection, which vividly displays the suppleness and detail of his film. The only spoken words come from a scene-stealing squirrel during a screen test with the director. Harris guides us through his breathtaking natural worlds with a lyric poet’s art and insight, allowing nature to speak for herself.
His attunement to light, the earth and the movements of life evokes a timeless feeling and a state of simple grace that reminds the soul of true home. "Monterey to Big Sur” reminds us to slow down to match the rhythms of nature so we can discover these wonders for ourselves, with or without a camera.
Harris also composed the score for the film—a lovely ever-changing soundscape that complements the landscapes and the intimate close-ups of cavorting harbor seals, newly hatched geese, pelicans, a snowy white egret and other sea birds, and mighty condors soaring over Big Sur. The music blends seamlessly with sounds of water, birds and animals.
“Monterey to Big Sur” is an outstanding film by an important local artist that is full of heart and goodness. Right now it is selling like hotcakes as a holiday gift. It’s terrific on the big screen. Now’s your chance.
There will be DVD signings by the filmmaker at the event. Patrons can purchase the film in high-definition or standard formats. For more information call 375-7534 or visit the web at www.johnharrisfilms.com.
Barbara Rose Shuler is a longtime arts and culture writer who lives in Pacific Grove. Her new website will be coming online after the first of the year.
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Audiences Love it!
“A beautifully filmed masterpiece.”
“Awesome and Zen-some simultaneously.”
Treat yourself, family and friends to a Blu-ray or DVD of "MONTEREY TO BIG SUR" & "LAST DAYS OF OLD CANNERY ROW"
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Customer Reviews: "I received and watched "Monterey to Big Sur" in Blu-ray. It is spectacular! The music and photography is outstanding! - Marilyn Cavaliere Busch
" It is AWESOME! Great work!" - Budd Hawk
"I Got a bit choked up while watching this film... Feeling the effects of art, love and beauty!" -Charles Ross
"I now know why the camera was invented.
....and you were born.
Your film is indescribably exquisite. I've been waiting for that film my whole life. Visual and aural beauty and no blah blah.
It is so beautiful, there are no words John. Visually it's breathtaking and the sound is rich. Your score is perfect in every way....just the perfect mood and placed perfectly within the piece.
Can you tell....I am awestruck!
The shot of the boy appearing within the moon may be the singularly most gorgeous shot I've ever seen! OMG."
"I loved it. It's very beautiful, and shows all the work you've lavished on it. I send you my congratulations. I love having it." - Sylvia Lewis
"Harris has an eye for nature that conveys its tranquil aliveness and majestic perfection. It's lovely throughout..."
-Barbara Rose Shuler - Monterey Herald GO!
RUNNING TIME: 53 Minutes.
Being a filmmaker of more than 40 years and having a love affair with nature since birth, I have a constant desire to celebrate on film, the feeling while enveloped in the beauty of our Mother Earth.
The endeavor of doing nature cinematography, for me, is to pay respect and honor this beautiful planet....and hopefully through this work to impress at least one person to do likewise.
When I began filming nature on the Central Coast of California in 2008, it became clear to me I had found something special. The area seemed to take to the idea of being filmed. Yes, I have to be liked before filming a subject. The area seemed to like me and my camera, so I persevered through good, bad and ugly days. There were some days and then there were SOME days .. meaning glorious.
The sequence of nestling harbor seals was a very special occasion. The mother was elegant and patient in care of her pup. Her pup was feeling carefree and goofy and demanding admiration. Mom patiently supplies a flipper-message..a really cool sequence.
The day with Snowy White Egret. I capitalize his/her name because that day's performance was "Live Art". Preening, then the flight and hunt. Wing spread, choreography and beauty against emerald blue ocean. Spectacular!
There were lazy days with surf swirling beneath my feet and camera tripod. The light refracting and dancing to its own rhythm creating a subliminal kind of poetry for the senses. Always different and mesmerizing
The pelican & bird feeding frenzy sequence is an exciting, broiling swirl of feathers and sharing. A pelican dives deep for a sardine after which a seagull perched on its back nabbes it. A kind and obligatory sharing with no fighting. It is a display I was told by a fisherman, that only takes place maybe once a year near the shore. It was a terrific filming day, yes it was!
Traveling to Carmel Valley, the fields of swaying grasses, moving clouds and buzzards made for a beautiful and sonic airshow. While I was captivated by this aerial display, a group of cattle nestled against the purple hills play head games and notice some farm dogs barking in the distance.
Cachagua Creek was sparkling in Spring. Lulling melodic in its shimmery, clear water elegance. Purple and yellow flowers peeking at the sun sparkles.
Big Sur lighthouse is eery beauty. A moonlit night breathes melodies with the even sculpted tides. The cliffs of buzzard hawks and ocean space reflected gold and silver glitters.
The Point Pinos lighthouse in Pacific Grove has a haunting air of Alfred Hitchcock as fog takes over the night sky.
At Asilomar Beach I found a Felliniesque moment with children in a moment of discovery. One boy, taking time to explore something he wished to share with his brother, only to experience the mysteries by himself.
I hope you will take time to visit these special places within "Monterey to Big Sur". For me, it is as close to a nature walk on film I have ever created.
John Harris
1138 Ripple Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
ph: 831.375.7534
john
