Movie Dates

One of the unforeseen benefits of knowing Russian and living in this part of the world is that we often get to see movies 2-3 weeks before they come out in the theaters in America. Today a movie starring Russell Crowe (it was also directed by him) and a Ukrainian-born actress and model Olga Kurylenko called “The Water Diviner” was released in the US. Spencer and I went to see it 3 weeks ago in the local movie theater at Keruen Mall. Of course we saw it in Russian but it was great! We absolutely loved the movie and would definitely recommend it though it is probably not for kids under 12 years old as there are a few pretty graphic war scenes.

A scene from "The Water Diviner"

It has become one of our favorite activities here in Astana. Usually once or twice a month (depending on if there is anything worth watching at the moment in the theaters) Spencer and I go on a movie date, and every other month or so we take our girls out to the movies and dinner. The kids have really picked up Russian lately and have been enjoying these family outings. 

A night view of Astana and the Keruen Mall where we go for our movie dates.

Superhero for a Week!

During the fall semester I had a student approach me after class.  She asked if it would be okay if she took my picture so that she could paint me as Buzz LightYear for her art club project.  I didn't know anything about the art club, but she was a good student so I said sure.  I was not sure if the whole thing was a practical joke, or what, but I didn't think too much of it.  She brought her camera to office hours, took some pictures of me from various angles, and that was that. I also made her promise to show me when she was finished.

In January, another student of mine from a different class that I taught in the fall asked me if she could come and take a few more pictures of me.  I asked her why.  She said that she had traded with the other student and was going to do the Buzz LightYear picture of me instead.  I agreed, she came and took my picture, and the transaction was completed.

On Tuesday I received an email from the ArtStudio club at the school to attend the unveiling of the portraits in the main atrium of the university.  I invited Yulia to come over on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. for the grand unveiling.

Unveiling ceremony

The secret revealed!

Standing with the opening ceremony crowd.

What a pleasant and awesome surprise.  The painting that was done is very good. I don't know if I look like Buzz LightYear, but that Buzz Lightyear that she did of me definitely looks like me.  In the painting I have the beard that I grew over the winter.  The depiction of me is very realistic and looks good.  She captured a certain twinkle in my eye that makes the face really look alive.  The only thing that I could (but won't) complain about is the fact that my eyes are blue in the picture.

Buzz LightYear!

A closer look.

Missing my beard!

An isolated view.

The close up!

There were about seven other paintings of various figures in the university: the president and vice president, the dean of the engineering school, a chemistry professor, etc.  We think mine is the best.  We were offered the opportunity to purchase the painting to help the art club fund itself for supplies next year.  We are going to buy the picture to hang and keep.

The most fun thing that has come from this experience has been the reactions from students. "Professor Willardson, have you seen the painting of you as Buzz LightYear?" "It looks just like you!"  I have had a few students email me pictures of the painting since it is on display all this week in the atrium.  I asked, Ainur, my student to pose with me next to the picture and to sign it since we are going to buy it.

Ainur, a very talented artist and an economics student! 

This will definitely be a memento to cherish our time here in Kazakhstan.