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Darkened Wings: The Angel of Death in Contemporary Art

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The Angel of Death.  Few archetypes have inspired the imagination of artists the world over the way this enigmatic figure has.

It has been painted, sculpted, lauded in verse, and exquisitely described in prose.  It takes on myriad forms with a host of names and reminds us of our own mortality and the end to all things.  We fear it, yet we must all embrace it in the end.  It is a constant regardless of religion or creed.  Death is, and it claims us all.

This list is dedicated to those artists who have brought to stunning life this captivating figure.  Take a look at these beautifully rendered images and let us know which are your favorites!

#1 Azrael, The Angel of Death by Deviant Artist Majentta

In Islamic tradition, Azrael is considered the most reverent of archangels.  He does not work independently of the will of Allah. He is not death personified but rather acts as a psychopomp who pulls the souls from the bodies of those who die according to the will of Allah and carries them to the afterlife.  This image is beautifully brought to life by this artist.  Notice the minute details in the wings and sword.

#2 Grim Reaper by Deviant Artist Maris CZ

It has become common to merge the Grim Reaper image with the Angel of Death though the Reaper image is much younger in the grand scheme of things.  It is believed that the Reaper was a product of the Black Plague.  His skeletal form reminiscent of the piles of bodies that lined the streets and his scythe a harvesting tool as he reaped lives by the thousands without thought to their station.  This image blends the two ideas beautifully!

#3 Soul, Meets Death by Deviant Artist TheBoyofCheese

Another gorgeous image of the Angel of Death, this time holding out a hand to a waiting soul…

#4 Angel of Death by Deviant Artist Sad-Cat

One of the most unusual depictions I found in my search through the thousands available.  Death here is female dressed in solid white.  She appears to have climbed down a ladder to a waiting hospital bed.  That lost feather floating in the air is almost sad to me…

#5 The Angel of Death Victorious Sculpted by Herman N. Matzen, Photo by Tim Evanson

This final representation of the Angel of Death is one of my very favorites.  The sculpture sits over the tomb of Francis Haserot.  The Angel sits atop the tomb with a torch inverted on the ground, snuffing out the flame of life.  The statue has also come to be known as the Weeping Angel for the mysterious black stains that appear upon its cheeks.  Locals believe the statue and the location are both haunted, and yet it’s become a popular visitation site in Cleveland’s Lakeview Cemetery.

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Well, there you are…five of my favorite modern representations of the Angel of Death.  What are some of yours?  Let us know in the comments!

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1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

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The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

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A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood
Hugh Jackman

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Jodie Comer

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

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Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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