3.11.10

I cannot wait to see this movie, The Exploding Girl. It looks like it might just be perfect.

Twentieth Century Fox

We finally saw Fantastic Mr. Fox. Of course, I've always been a huge fan of Roald Dahl. Wes Anderson had me at Bottle Rocket, but this film may be my new favorite. So cussing good!

Two Women, Two Different Films

I'm excited to see these movies. I realize that they are on the opposite sides of the spectrum. They must appeal to my inner femme and my inner feminist, respectively.

I love Audrey and I love Chanel

L'Eau Life

For those of us who don't want summer to end, a lovely short film by Jeff Scher:

Juliette Binoche

Yesterday I watched Bleu for the first time in a while. It was one of my favorite films when I was, like, 16 and it still is. Juliette Binoche is stunningly beautiful (when is she not?) and turns out an inspiring performance. Kieslowski's other two films in the Trois Couleurs trilogy - White and Red - are also excellent, as is The Double Life of Veronique.

Public Enemies

all photos by Michelle Martin

A. and I went to Public Enemies last night and I have to say that I thought it was excellent. I just love the way that Michael Mann's movies look (he also directed Heat and The Insider and Collateral). He shoots on digital film, which believe it or not, is still not de rigueur in the film industry. Digital cameras give the film a grainy quality all its own, but most noticible is the difference in the way the digi catches light, especially at night. It's really fascinating to see how this shapes his cinematography. Anyway, it's a beautiful film with beautiful and immpecable costumes, set design and well, let me just say this: that Johnny Depp is pretty beautiful, too.

Anton Corbijn

Tom Waits

Miles Davis

Gary Lucas, 1990

I just watched rock photographer Anton Corbijn's stunning debut film, Control. It's about the life and times of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division. It's also one of the most beautifully shot films I have ever seen. Here's a little taste of the lush black and white that this amazing photographer captures.

Shot in The Back of The Head

Shot In The Back Of The Head from Moby on Vimeo.

I really like this new song from Moby. And I love, love, love the video, which was directed by the one and only, David Lynch. I think that if I could ever get into someone's head (a la Being John Malkovich) Mr. Lynch would be at the top of a very short list.

Good Films -- Man From Plains

I just saw Man From Plains, a documentary on Jimmy Carter, directed by Jonathan Demme. It follows President Carter on a book tour during which he promotes his controversial book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. It is a graceful, emotional look at the almost impossible conflict in the Middle East. I especially appreciate the behind the scenes look at how when dealing with incredibly complex conflicts, the news media only speaks to the surface level. It is so frustrating to see how badly both sides say how badly they want peace, but are unable to even discuss how to achieve it. I admire Carter for trying to work for it.

Keep Smiling

If you guys haven't seen Happy-Go-Lucky yet, go rent it! It's excellent. I've found myself thinking a lot about it since watching the film this weekend. And "What would Poppy do?" is becoming my new mantra. Just yesterday I ripped my favorite pair of jeans, in the bum, no less, which as you women out there know is not the best thing to happen to one's day. Instead of getting upset I just laughed, because it was funny. These days it seems that a little lightness and laughter goes a long way... P.S. if anyone out there knows where I can find a flamenco dance teacher like that, let me know!

cause sometimes we all need a little Audrey...

photo

Lately, as I haven't been feeling completely up to snuff, I've been rediscovering old movies that I used to watch all the time in high school. My two favorites are Charade, with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, and How to Steal a Million, with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. They are both put modern chick flicks to shame! I highly suggest that you check them out if you haven't ever seen them. Cause sometimes we all need a little Audrey in our lives.

a little aside...

I know that this isn't really really important, certainly not as important as certain recent global events that deserve much more thought and attention than they ever get. But I just have to say that I am so happy that Slumdog Millioraire is killing it in awards season. It's just an amazing film. If you haven't seen it yet, go!

a beautiful beast

I can't stop thinking about a movie I saw this weekend: Rachel Getting Married. But I have to say that while watching the movie I realized how really glad I am that I've already done the whole wedding thing. (I always was an anti-bride). A wedding is like a beautiful beast; it's a thing you can't control or manipulate and that will drive you mad but it will make you shine nevertheless... kind of like your family. Watch the trailer: