*one nomination for David Lynch in the category of Best Director (should have been many more).
Presenting the award is none other than style divinity Lauren Bacall in all her sultry, sophisticated glory….MAN! THEY DON’T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO!
What began as the most innocent unassuming presentation turned into full-on 80s fashion MADNESS!!!
Basically, the jist was that the costumes of films have always and will always directly influence fashion so with the help of legendary costume designer Theoni V. Aldredge ( 1974’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ ) who used the year’s nominees (“The Mission”, “Otello”, “Peggy Sue Got Married”, “Pirates”, and that year’s winner “A Room With a View”) as inspiration for contemporary fashions a la 1987 through the eyes of one magnificently creative and visionary mind.
They just couldn’t help themselves, and be prepared to be dazzled by some super enthusiastic dancers and some really exciting fashion that probably never actually made it to the streets, but at least opens the eye to the possibilities of inspiration.
In a not very surprising instance of history repeating itself, Jenny Beaven, the winner of the Oscar that year for James Ivory’s stunning, classic film “A Room With a View” (starring young and fresh faces Helena Bonham Carter and Denholm Elliot), is nominated again this year for George Miller’s visionary epic “Mad Max: Fury Road” and is primed to taking home the Golden Boy once again!
What is so fantastic about Jenny Beaven’s contribution to “Mad Max: Fury Road”, personally, is that it is such a different kind of project than her past films which have garnered nominations such as “Gosford Park“, “The King’s Speech“, and “Howards End“, which makes it so cool to see her creating such raw and original and truly contemporary visions for this latest masterwork, and getting much deserved recognition for it.
If you haven’t seen “Mad Max: Fury Road” do so. It is a magnificently conjured film by true veterans of the craft. To be honest, I had my doubts about it, as I am getting so tired of these Hollywood remakes, but with the original director at the helm it truly is a treat to see what could be done with a story like Mad Max if given the treatment it deserves.
And if you wonder how possibly could we see the tattered and extreme costumes of “Fury Road” translate to today’s fashion scene. Look no further than say Kanye West’s label “Yeezy” and his latest collection SEASON 3 . . .apparently dystopia is tres chic these days, and that’s just a single example. Go figure!
We hope to delve a bit more into the Costume Design category in the coming week, so stay tuned!
And don’t forget to watch on the big night (Feb. 28) to see history in the making!
How rich it is to find the threads of our {past}, {present}, and {future}
While the 1974 version is iconic in its own right, but Baz Luhrmann’s revamped hyper saturated glittered tour-de-force looks to reimagine the classic tale of lost love and the unrelenting politics of class – it’s a story that manages to continually mirror our own society into 2013.
In fact, the remake has been a long time coming, and its great to see such attention to detail brought by legendary and award-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin, who seems to have pulled out all the stops to bring a fresh and accurate portrayal of 1920s Gatsby glamour.
For the film, Martin was lucky enough to get a chance to muse through the historical archives at Brooks Brothers (F. Scott Fitzgerald’s personal favourite place to shop for clothes) to achieve the greatest amount of period accuracy and detail. The result is a much-needed revival of classic American style.
From the dandy that is Gatsby, to the more humble narrator Nick; each character is rich with their own personality, and is bound to inspire countless cults of must-havers!
The most intriguing detail, by far, has to be the skull and bone lining added to the blazers of Tom Buchanan (played by Joel Edgerton) for the film to play off of the character’s privileged Yale roots. . . . Secret society details for days, my dear! Secret society details for days . . .
I waited, and sure enough, in a moment she looked at me with an absolute smirk on her lovely face as if she had asserted her membership in a rather distinguished secret society to which she and Tom belonged.
– Quote, ” The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Back in 1974, fashion definitely had a 1920s revival of sorts, and there’s no doubt in my mind that this film is going to take the fashion world by storm again. After all, the vintage-style has been growing stronger and stronger for years now, heading more towards that dandy style that Gatsby epitomizes, and in the world of womenswear, Deco-styles, metallics, sequins, fur, and all-out luxury have been for years on the map. They had it in the cards all along it seems.
Brooks Brothers has prepared an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes look with Catherine Martin who talks of their unique involvement with the film, as well as a bit about the characters she created, so please check it out below!
Enjoy this sumptuous feast for the eyes, and come back soon for more Gatsby indulgences!
Finally! The moment we have all been waiting for is here! After months have simply have to watch the excruciating teaser showing Carrie’s entire town burning to the ground showing a blood-drenched Chloe Moretz out of control pissed at being bully bait at her prom, we finally have a legit, sold, 100% certified trailer for the film that also stars Julianne Moore as Mrs. White – Carrie’s maniacal, fanatic, evangelical mother driven to hysterics by her daughter’s blossoming psychic powers. . .
It’s a relief to know that this film is going extra lengths to really respect both the 1976 original, starring Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie as the terrifying mother-daughter duo), but also the novel that started it all, and kick-started Stephen King’s career as the world’s most popular author. And this version seems to be the perfect synthesis between the past, present, and eventually future of “Carrie”.
The film is excitedly updated to today, taking a contemporary spin on the story, allowing the creative team to touch on very real topics of cyber bullying and harassment in teen culture today. It’s no surprise really, considering the film is helmed by world-class director Kimberly Pierce who previously led Hilary Swank and Chloe Sevigny to Oscar nominations (and Hilary the win) for the 1999 classic, “Boys Don’t Cry”.
When “Carrie” was released in 1976, it sealed the deal for Sissy Spacek, and there’s no questioning the fact that Chloe Moretz has now sealed the deal on her fate, as well. The film has been pushed back to a later release date of October 18, from its original March release date (damn it!), which could be a good sign that this film is in contention for some big award coverage, and at least a smash hit for Halloween – probably both, though. After all, Julianne Moore is one of those actresses that should have already won an Academy Award in her life – so it’s only a matter of time, and “Carrie” could be it.
Same goes for Chloe Grace Moretz, who might be young, but considering Jennifer Lawrence’s recent win at the Academy Awards for Best Actress at the age of 22 – the chances don’t seem that unlikely for a star as consistent and talented as the young Chloe Grace . At the very least, a nomination will most likely be awarded.
But until that fateful day, the film’s marketing team seems to have set up plenty of goodies to get your “Carrie” fix until that bright, shiny day. You can check out the film’s Official Site here for downloads and other stuff, and be sure to visit YOU WILL KNOW HER NAME , the film’s uber imaginative Tumblr site that harks back to the film’s epistolary novel roots.
And if that’s not enough for you, you can literally call Carrie!
That’s right. You can call Carrie White at her home, The White Residence at: 207-404-2604. Sounds freaky, but it’s true! You can call at receive any one of three recorded messages. Try it out if you don’t believe us, or listen below . . .
Between this film, “Stoker, and “The Great Gatsby” coming out this May – 2013 is already adding up to a really exciting year for film, and films that are infusing the past with all the excitement and innovation of today!
85-year old French movie star Emanuelle Riva, star of this year’s unapologetic future classic “Amour“, is already making history as the oldest Actress to be nominated in her category at this year’s Academy Awards, and might just be going on to make history again if she wins- making her the oldest Actress to win the Best Actress trophy ever (beating Jessica Tandy’s record back in 1990 for the film “Driving Miss Daisy” at the age of 81).
“I am truly happy, touched, and honored to receive, today in New York, a nomination for the role of Anne in AMOUR by Michael Haneke. For me, it is an immense gift, at this stage of my life, to be chosen by my sisters and brothers, for what I do as an actress. I never thought, while working throughout the years in Europe and France, that one day, i would cross the Atlantic Ocean, come to the United States, and be nominated. It is quite surreal for me. Shooting AMOUR with Michael Haneke was a complete joy for me, as I felt an absolute trust in him and we were in complete synch. Michael is the very music of his own film.”
The film is nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Style enthusiasts will be excited to see what Ms. Riva busts onto the red carpet come the big night. But, just because of her age, don’t count her out on making an impression. She is French, after all.
But on top of that, she is a star that has been working in the industry overseas for decades upon decades.
Leave it to the Academy to wait until one of the most talented actresses there has ever been is 85 years old to garner a nomination. One of the first films that ever made a real impact on my style, and on my creative outlook was the 1959 art-house film classic, “Hiroshima, Mon Amour“, which aptly starred the beautiful blonde French bombshell (indeed, she was!).
The film was directed my Alain Resnais (“The Last Year At Marienbad“), and written by the novelist Margeurite Duras, in one of the most incredibly poetic screenplays ever written.
The film is fascinating as it travels in and out of the streets of Hiroshima, shot after the tragedy of the Atom bomb.
The film explores an interracial romance between Emanuelle Riva, a French Actress filming a war picture and her romance with the brilliantly handsome Eji Okada, and the culture clash that surrounds them in the beautiful ruins of the sad Japanese landmark.
The film is groundbreaking for the two as Eji Okada is given an almost European sophistication, not to mention a major dose of sex-appeal (something Asian men were not given in films at this time), and Emanuelle Riva bravely explores a plethora of conditions and situations as her character explores her past.
Emanuelle Riva shows off some major chops in this film – showing a range that could only be described as Award-worthy.
Sadly, the Academy was not up to snuff with their foreign film actresses, so it’s great today to see that so many talents from around the world are accepted into the limelight of fame and stardom no matter their age or race – what matters most is talent. And by gosh, does Emanuelle Riva have that!
She is an actress that deserves to be recognized, and whose beauty we are lucky to have been captured on film over sixty years ago . Granted, she is very beautiful still, even at 85 years of age, but it’s really great to glimpse the actress in her younger years, watching her take big risks and break huge grounds. If it weren’t for her risky performances in the past, there probably wouldn’t even be the possibility of the range we see now for female actors in the industry.
Beauty can be summed up in many ways, but most importantly, it is this attitude of unwillingness to coincide with the expectations of the norms that is the most beautiful aspect of any human being there can be.
Fingers crossed for Emanulle Riva come the big night (if not her, we’d love to see little Quevenzhane Wallis take the prize!).
Bullets Over Broadway was a great film from 1994, which garnered a second Academy Award for Dianne Wiest, as well as six other nominations including Best Director for Woody Allen. The cast also includes veteran actors such as Tracey Ullman, Jim Broadbent, Chazz Palminteri, and Mary-Louise Parker.
Starring John Cussack as a neurotic playwright in the 1920s, the film follows the follies of making a work of art, and the many pains of compromises of getting a respectable work of art produced. If the title isn’t indication enough, things quickly fall out of whack as the play gets more and more involved with a mobster and his gang.
The film is undoubtedly one of Allen’s best, and if you enjoyed the 1920s period recreation done in Midnight in Paris, you will be sure to love the scenery here – New York, flappers, the 1920s, Art Deco (everything in swing with the design trends of today, in fact) – and if nothing else, as you will see from this clip, Jennifer Tilly really goes out of her way to steal the show as Olive, the naive and talkative dancer turned Broadway actress.
Some of her lines are the very best. And it is no surprise she got nominated for an Oscar, too, for the crazy kooky character she developed here. Cussack is also great as the Allen-type character, making all the wools, tweeds, vests, ties, messy hair, and academic looks of a playwright come right to life.
If you are a style savant, comedy aficionado, oscar follower, or simply the bored lonely type, then Bullets Over Broadway is the film for you!
Those who know me best, know that I am obsessed with movies. Not just obsessed, but everything I think, or see, or do is always somehow manipulated by thoughts to do with movies.
Whether it be noting some likeness to a situation and a particular moment in a film, dressing a part for a day influenced by some fleeting notion of raising up fallen idols, or simply by getting lost in the assertion that life could somehow be better if only it really were a movie.
That’s what I’m talking about here, people! Is that pure crazy? I don’t think so.
What movies have taught me most in life is that it’s better to be bold than not to be, and it’s better to express your ideas in the richest most provocative manner possible! No one likes to sit through something stagnant and flat. Movies can provide an explosively sumptuous experience for the mind, body, and soul, and if you’re catching up with the right one, you’ll probably leave with new thoughts and inspirations.
So, with the New Year in full swing, we have compiled a list of our 10 Most Anticipated Films for 2013 –chosen for their unique and divine qualities, these are just our select few of the thousands of films releasing this year that seemed to provoke our spirit and promise to provide that je na sais quois.
10. MAMA{ Dir. Andre Muschietti, Starring Jessica Chastain }
Everyone recognizes Jessica Chastain for her long, beautiful, flowing red hair, but in this film she gets to show off her chameleon talents. Covered in tattoos and rocking a dark bob, this lady is not to be messed with. Chastain herself described her characters as a real bitch, but in this story of a young couple who must care for their niece who was left in a forest for 5 years, there will probably be enough twists and scares to break down that tough front.
9.ROMEO AND JULIET{ Dir. Carlo Carlei, Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Douglas Booth, and Ed Westwick}
Nothing is more classic than Romeo and Juliet, and you might roll your eyes (bore-snore) at the whole idea of another remake of the Shakespearean tragic romance, but look what it did for Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes back in the 90s (1996 to be exact), and even back to 1968 with Leonard Whitley and Olivia Hussey (did they even do anything better, other than Hussey’s “Black Christmas” ?) in Franco Zeffirelli’s more traditional take – the story is told time and time again, because it’s the ULTIMATE! Too bad Shakespeare can’t be around to collect royalties . . .
This one stars the Oscar nominated Miu Miu muse, and teen style star, Hailee Steinfeld as Juliet, and young heart throb Douglas Booth as Romeo. Not to mention, fresh off the Gossip Girl series, Ed Westwick as Tybalt. Round that all off with a adaptation of Shakespeare’s work by acclaimed screenwriter Julian Fellowes (creator of Downtown Abbey, and Oscar winner for Gosford Park), it’s hard to imagine this film not making an impact.
Also, if James Horner is doing the score, the film is most probably legit. Too legit to quit. So keep your eyes peeled for this gem coming this Fall!
8. THE GRANDMASTERS{ Dir. Wong Kar Wai, Starring Tony Leung, and Ziyi Zhang}
“The Grandmaster” has been dancing about the scene for a while, and is finally making it’s way to the theatres here in North America (or so they say). Can’t go wrong with the reunion of stars Tony Leung and Ziyi Zhang for an epic martial arts film helmed by the director who first brought them together in 2004 for the incredible “2046“.
And, as with all Wong Kar Wai films ( “Days of Being Wild” , “Ashes of Time“, and “In The Mood For Love“), he is able to elevate the smallest moments, and add a most mysterious beauty to every image he conjures, making this film about the man who famously trained Bruce Lee, more than your average kung fu flick.
Look forward to beautiful period details, plenty of incredible slow-mo close ups, and some fine acting. Only peculiar thing is Kar Wai is not using his usual collaborator Christopher Doyle for the cinematography, though they have always worked together, creating the worlds that Wong Kar Wai is so known for. We will see . . .
7. THE DRUMMER{ Dir. Randall Miller, Starring Aaron Eckhart, and Chloe Grace Moretz}
God only knows what I’d be without Dennis Wilson, and the legend he has left behind for all of us to indulge. He was a misunderstood type of guy, and if you checked out our E.O.F. STYLE IDOLS & DIVINITIES, you will have noticed The Bad Beach Boy sitting pretty near the top of the list.
He is, after all, a true rebel spirit, with an impeccable sense of personal style, as well as a most talented musician. He is someone who went through heavy evolution throughout his life, but was left sad and lonesome by the end of it.
If this film can capture the spirit of the times, and really delve into the character of Dennis Wilson, there is no reason not to expect this film riding Aaron Eckhart towards a potential Oscar nomination. The film also stars Chloe Grace Moretz as his daughter, Jennifer. Very excited to see this!
6. ONLY GOD FORGIVES{ Dir. Nicholas Winding Refn, Starring Ryan Gosling, and Kristen Scott Thomas}
“Only God Forgives” is the second collaboration between director Nicholas Winding Refn and Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, who first brought to you “Drive” back in 2011. “Drive” was truly one of the great films of this decade already, and if that is any indication for what to expect in this upcoming film about a boxer involved in the underground crime scene in Bangkok, expect a helluva ride.
The film also stars Kristen Scott Thomas, as Ryan Gosling’s mother who encourages him to seek out revenge on his brother’s murderers. The film was shot on location in Bangkok, Thailand so expect a shit load of neon, some really cool street scenes, wickedly distressed interiors, some bad ass fighting, and probably some strippers too . . . Oh, and don’t forget – Ryan Gosling plays a Thai Boxer, so be prepared to sweat a little.
This is going to be classic stuff (as if “Drive” was not enough!), so look forward to this flick set to release this Fall.
5. THE GREAT GATSBY{Dir. Baz Luhrmann, Starring Leonardo Dicaprio, and Carey Mulligan}
“The Great Gatsby” was initially set to release this year, so it was such a bummer to hear it had been pushed back until Spring, 2013! But, what do you know, we’ve just begun 2013, and Spring is right around the corner, so I’m definitely excited to see this one. I mean, this is “The Great Gatsby”!! “The Great Gatsby”. “The Great Gatsby”!!!
This is a story that still rings true to this day, and with Baz Luhrman directing the deal, who knows what to expect! As for the production, it seems they have gone above and beyond to bring to life a drama and decadence that not even Clayton’s 1974 vision reached.
Where Jack Clayton chose to create a more romantic Gatsby with plenty of soft focus, and pastel colours, tones of beige, ivory and pearl; Luhrman seems to be drawn to a more electric vision of the 1920s, with plenty of sex, scandal, violence, and drugs dressed in bold, deep, and dark richness.
4. GINGER AND ROSA{Dir. Sally Potter, Starring Elle Fanning, Alice Englert, Annette Benning, and Christina Hendricks}
Beautiful Elle Fanning plays Ginger, a bold and brassy ginger-haired girl with a rebel spirit and independent mind, who finds friendship in kindred spirit Rosa (played by relative newcomer Alice Englert, also daughter of director Jane Campion). Amidst life in 1960s London, and the looming doom of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the two friends experience a coming-of-age.
Ever sine “Now and Then”, I have always loved a good coming-of-age film, and this one being set in the 1960s amongst the great changes happening in society, and Elle Fanning as a surprisingly convincing Brit, this film is one of my most-looked forward to. Just from the trailer, I am completely captivated and sold.
3. STOKER{ Dir. Chan-Wook Park, Starring Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, and Matthew Goode}
This is another one of those films that was supposed to be released in 2012, but was pushed back to 2013 (perhaps for Oscar politics: too many films running so they push it back) making me wait and wait, simply watching the trailers over and over, and trolling tumblr for cool gifs and clues into the film’s entire meaning.
I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’ll keep trying. Brought to us by the director of the Korean cult film Old Boy, this is Chan-Wook Park’s first English excursion, but hopefully won’t be his last.
Mia Wasikowska looks completely bad-ass and sinister (Her name is India, which I love, but is she a witch, or something? There were literally spiders crawling up her legs!!!), and I’ve seen Nicole Kidman mean, but not so cruel, tortured, and twisted; and as for Matthew Goode, I think it’s genius they are turning the usual good guy into such a dark creepy character.
They all have secrets, so it’s definitely going to be one of those nail biters, and is already a film many people are talking about.
2. KNIGHT OF CUPS{Dir. Terrence Malick, Starring Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, and Cate Blanchett}
Anything directed by Terrence Malick immediately makes the list. He is not the type of director to always be releasing movies (in fact, his third movie was not released until 20 years after his second), but perhaps off the success of “Tree of Life“, Malick is continuing to ride a particular wave of creativity that has him releasing more films than ever.
This one seems intriguing. Just the title is enough to get me thinking, and with an obvious Tarot reference (I mean, this is The Eye of Faith), how can I not be dying to see this, or at least know what it’s about.
Check out imdb and all you will find is six words to describe the story: “A man, temptations, celebrity, and excess”
I guess he will be exploring celebrity and judging from the Tarot reference, it will be a lot about destiny, and how that comes into play. It has a great cast (Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett – all Oscar winners, as well as some rumored names like Joe Mangniello and Frieda Pinto) and I never underestimate Terrence Malick.
In my books, he is God, and his work is Gold, so eagerly I wait for more progress!
1. CARRIE{ Dir. Kimberly Pierce, Starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Gabriella Wilde, and Julianne Moore}
This is kind of like the dream of dreams, right here. I mean, as soon as they dropped that they had cast Chloe Grace Moretz as the awkward, misunderstood, telekinetic teen, Carrie White, and Julianne Moore as her overbearing and fanatical Christian mom, with some serious psychotic notions of faith and morality in this remake of the Stephen King classic – the novel that started it all, “Carrie“!!!
The film is directed by Kimberly Pierce (“Boys Don’t Cry”), so my expectations are high, and after catching the first teaser the studios have released, I have no doubt that the film is going to be everything we could hope for and more!
Check out the official site: whathappenedtocarrie.com for more info! Looks like you can even try calling her . . . { (207) 404 – 2604 }
SICKENING!
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So, as we said, this is only a glimpse of some of the coolest films we are most looking forward to, but there are probably many more! If we’ve missed any that you think deserve a look at this 2013, let us know in the comments below!
Keep your eyes, because these are the films that are going to make an impact on the scene this 2013!
“The Master” is the best example of vintage menswear I’ve seen in a film since 1999’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, which perfectly captured the post war American leisure society living in Italy during the 1950s.
In the sixth collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson, Academy Award winning designer Mark Bridges completely brings classic 1950s menswear and postwar USA back to life in a remarkably new and vital way.
“The idea was not to make it look foreign – like another planet – to the contemporary eye. You just want to make it accessible. It had to tell the story and I love setting things as specifically as possible in a certain time period – that’s why I liked 1950. The story begins right after the war, in 1945. The film kind of suggests that Freddie wandered around until the time when the rest of the film takes place (1950). Things were sort of compressed.”
Throughout watching the film, you can only enjoy the tingling sensation of wanting when seeing some of the great looks they were able to put together for the film.
Whether it’s Joaquin Phoenix’s laid back, baggy, and a little off-kilter looks, or Philip Seymour Hoffman’s more dapper and gentlemanly style, each is a beautiful orchestration of textures, colors, and patterns bringing to life the 1950s in hues of dusty rosy, tans, ocean and emperor blues, as well as deep reds and greens.
One of the most striking features has to be the use of graphic ties, which add a lot of character to both leading men. Their styles are classic American with a bit of a twist.
The ultimate favorite piece has to be Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Mexican/South Western print rayon shirt he wears in the desert with Joaquin Phoenix as they dig up his “life’s work”. A beautiful shirt in that dark green with an amazing pattern- the second that lit up the screen, I was enchanted, and like a zombie in a trance began saying – “Must have shirt…”
Try finding a shirt like that anywhere. Not gonna happen.
It’s the subtle way they all come together that really stand out while watching the film. Each piece seems so decidedly imperfect, or unkempt, as so the realness of the moments really come across. It’s like taking a time machine, while at the same time, the choices of vintage graphic shirts and ties are all things that are readily happening in today’s fashion scene.
“I would do internet research, and find the strangest things, like people would have pictures of their family reunions from 1950, so I would get a look at people to see what “real” looked like. And that always helps, because real is imperfect. I think that’s one of the fun things, to make it work for the character but make it seem real – there’s a level of imperfection. Like, how well did you do it wrong? When I do a fitting, there are people who get really super detailed. Sometimes I will just stop, because it can just look too perfect. There’s gotta be just the right amount of wrong.”
From the gabardine, tweed, denim, shirts, shoes, blazers, ties, sweaters, suits, and coats “The Master” is virtual opus of classic vintage menswear.
Truly we can say that Mark Bridges has indeed mastered his craft, no question about it. Not only is the film a beautiful revival of vintage menswear, it has redrawn the classic rebel archetype in a way that will only grow in its iconography as time passes…
This film was an absolute stand out for it’s take on vintage style, so if you are a fan of vintage clothes and styles as we are, make sure you are adding this one to your list! Also see it if you love movies and are tired of the status-quo….
So the trailer is out for Fox Searchlight‘s latest cinematic craving “Hitchcock“; a biopic starring Anthony Hopkins as the famed director during his trials and tribulations during the makings of his iconic film, “Psycho“.
The film features a roster of talent that include Jessica Biel as actress Vera Miles, Scarlett Johansson as the lead with the bad deed, Janet Leigh, Toni Collette as dedicated production assistant Peggy Robertson, and Helen Mirren as his loving and loyal partner-in-crime Alma Reville.
Set for release on November 23, expect the master of suspense to inspire and influence us all once again! From the looks of the trailer, this Hitchcock shows great panache when it comes to business, a savvy for story telling, and a committed loving and working relationship with his wife, Alma.
“Suspense is like a woman. The more room she leaves to the imagination, the greater the emotion and the expectation. The audience is much more frightened by what it imagines than by what it actually sees. There’s nothing terrifying about an explosion, only the expectation of it.”
-Alfred Hitchcock to Bernard Parkin
It was around the time of “Psycho“‘s release that the British born director began garnering notice for his unique artistic contribution to popular culture and the cinema. The french in particular took a special admiration for the director, who they formidably christened a grand auteur of the medium – a worthy honor (they don’t take that term lightly, en France).
Indeed, his films inhabit a very special singular world, one which can only be simplified to a single term: Hitchcock.
The settings of his stories become a collage of reality, dreaming, and desire. The inhabitants are as stylized and edited as the story lines – always modern and even hip; the heroes are all dashing, the man Hitchcock idolized for himself, and the heroines typically blonde with assets.
They all play pawns in a wicked game of cat and mouse meticulously planned and drafted by Hitchcock and his wife, Alma, script supervisor and Hitchcock’s private second set of eyes (it was her who noticed Janet Leigh swallowing after her death scene which would later have to be altered from the negative).
When actors asked their motivation for a scene, he simply stated “Your salary”. If they couldn’t push to the emotional degree he needed for the scene, he said “Fake it”. And when asked if he felt actors were cattle, he quickly corrected that he only felt they should be “treated” as such.
While Hitchcock never won a coveted Best Director statuette at the Academy Awards, he did receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy for his contributions to the industry.
It was an impressive career lasting from the early 1920s up to his last film in 1976, “Family Plot“.
There’s no denying the influence the man has had on popular culture. Many suggest there wouldn’t have been a James Bond if it weren’t for “North by Northwest” kicking off the action genre the way he it did. Others cite Hitchcock for his innovation in the medium, always adapting and quickly changing with the times.
Designers such as Alexander McQueen have cited Hitchcock’s influence, and with “Hitchcock” kick starting you can expect to see more and more of the master’s presence come into play. Best thing is, both men and women can easily cite these films for alluring, modern, and sophisticated looks that will have everyone saying “WHOA”.
And for as dark or complex his story lines took him, he was always able to hold on to his enviable sense of humor. From his various walk-on parts in every film, to the character he invented of himself – Hitchcock was a wildly entertaining individual drenched in that very dry, very British sense of humor.
Hopefully “Hitchcock” hits the nail on the head with his one, but with such a talented cast and crew, and the impeccably talented Sir Anthony Hopkins at the wheel, there’s no doubt in my mind this film will continue to pave the legacy that we can simply sum up as his very own.
We picked out some of our favorite photos of the Hitch hamming it up for the camera to get those creative juices flowing, and to show the softer, sillier side of this irreverent genius.
Colleen Atwood is a genius. If her three Academy Awards aren’t enough for you, make sure you check out her latest endeavor “Snow White and the Hunstman“. People often disassociate costume design from the world of fashion and style, but there’s no doubt in my mind’s eye the staying power of Atwood’s latest vision.
This isn’t your normal fairytale, folks – it’s chalk full of mud, blood, fire, sorcery, and evil birds! Definitely not the Disney version you grew up with. On top of that, Charlize Theron really delivers the punch, with her ultra-evil, corrupted, and malevolent Ravenna – the Evil Queen! Never before have I seen an evil queen so mean, and that was half the fun of the entire picture.
No doubt, the other half of the equation goes to Colleen Atwood’s luscious and intricate costume designs for the film. It’s surprising to find such brilliant “haute-couture” in a film, you’d almost think you were watching a fashion video for Alexander McQueen. Playing off motifs of birds, bugs, and bones (again, not your average fairy-tale) – Atwood’s costumes truly help bring to life a new life for this classic tale of love, revenge, and vanity.
This video guides us on a tour through the different challenges Atwood faced as a designer, and the solutions she came up with. Sit back and enjoy her beautifully subdued voice as she says words like “iconic“, “bad-ass“, “Romanesque“, and “non-classic“.
This video was provided by clevverTV, so a big E.O.F. THANK YOU!
Tuck your ambition where no one will notice, or wear it one your sleeve! Only you can decide how you’d like to carry on through this life. This is a destiny you’ve been planning in the pit of your own subconscious for many nights now! Deem yourself worthy of being a hero and envision the future waiting around the corner, your destiny is your own to fulfill.
“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” Oscar Wilde
But be forewarned, the demons come out at night to play and to feast. They harvest our hopes and turn dreams to waking anxiety. A dream has turned to nightmare in what seemed like a flash, now arousing feelings horror and distress. But you are more powerful than creature of the dark. Fight or flight? Do we deem ourselves worthy of accomplishing the many feats which plague us? Imperfectly conscious, the truth will be told.
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” Edgar Allan Poe
There is an energy within our dreams which fuels our ambitions. A strong desire to accomplish more than which greats us each morning, leaving us yearning for more each night. A fantasy of a richer tomorrow, where dreams are bright, where we won’t see a fright. We must battle the darkness as it comes to reap our hopes and prayers.
The demons are listening, we must cast away any doubt! Stay strong in our fantasies and remember, don’t be afraid of the doubt.
