Quantcast
Channel: someday. by avalonne hall
Viewing all 56 articles
Browse latest View live

compromising me

$
0
0


I know you’re gonna say I’m not cool enough.
Tell all your friends I screwed it up.
I could give two shits, just let me breathe.


I don’t care what you’re saying about me,
No, I don’t care.
I don’t care what you think about me,
No, I don’t care.
I can’t let you be this constant
Compromising me.

This is how I feel as: a human being, a friend, a lover, a daughter, a co-worker, a filmmaker, a writer... a woman. A woman is a woman. I shouldn't have to compromise myself. I am who I am. I love myself. I respect myself. Thank you William Beckett for reminding me. 

creativist manifesto: nazca lines

$
0
0
nazca lines
A few weeks ago, I started a new Tumblr blog called Creativist Manifesto, which will be dedicated to sharing my thoughts and opinions on art history (one of my favorite conversation subjects). I took my first liberal arts art history class in Fall 2008 and after my first day... I was hooked. Completely, utterly, hopelessly in love with art and art history. Now I feel the need to openly discuss and remind myself about art and history.

Please note: I am not trying to impose my point of view on anyone. I love art as a subject, but I wouldn't consider myself an art historian, just an enthusiast. All my opinions and knowledge are from class, going to museums and reading art books.

I had every intention of writing about my new favorite Matisse painting The Pink Studio, but I just had a very intense and fascinating conversation with my friend Mary from my boarding school days. We were talking about Norse and Greek mythologies, art history, English and Russian literature and other fascinating subjects and then I started talking about Earth Art and then it led me to tell her about the Nazca Lines in Peru. I suddenly felt the urge to talk about the Nazca Lines and somewhat defend the wondrous glory and mystery of this magnificently large scale earth art. And simultaneously defending the majestic Stonehenge (more on that later).

I never thought that I would be interested in Earth Art, since it’s not a traditional form of art. Since earth art didn’t have a commercial intention, I somewhat felt lost behind the concept behind earth art - until I studied it in my Topics in World Art class in Spring of 2010. After that class, I realized that earth art was a rebellion against the artificiality, plastic aesthetic and commercialization of art. Since earth art cannot be presented in a museum or gallery environment, one has to go into the land and experience the art harmoniously in a new environment. This also ties into the ephemeral aspect of earth art - life is fleeting - art is temporary - life is temporary.

I finally realized how much I appreciated earth art after this class. Certain works really impressed and intrigued me, most notably: Spiral Jetty in Utah, Nazca Lines in Peru, Vietnam Veterans Memorial by Maya Lin in Washington D.C., etc. I want to learn more and expand my knowledge on this subject, since it seems like a much more obscure art movement.

I personally feel the need to defend and glorify Stonehenge and its mysterious grandeur! I can see why some people view it as “a pile of stones”, but it frustrates me since some people don’t realize each pillar weighs like 20 tons. Some modern technology would have difficulty lifting that kind of weight! How did ancient man lift and carry those stones from 16 miles west of Wiltshire. This landmark was assembled in the Neolithic Period. Archaeologists believe this monument was constructed anywhere from 3000 to 2000 B.C. Please explain to me how an ancient man, who probably didn’t eat copiously and weighed 120 pounds, would be able to carry these stones. And even if they had invented and constructed contraptions to transport the stones - how would they lift them?

The Stonehenge bewilders me and now this post has become about the Stonehenge! I wanted to discuss the glory of the Nazca Lines in Southern Peru. These large scale earth works predate back to 400 to 650 AD, but they were only discovered in 1927 by Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe. If we didn’t have the modern technology till the late 1920s to discover the Nazca Lines - how were these Nazca Lines created in the first place? How were they designed for such a large scale and then created without people discovering it for hundreds of years later? It frightens me a little. These monumentally larger than life earth works create this feeling of wonderment and it makes me feel so small and insignificant - the same way I feel every time I see a photo of a nebula or any space photography.

We are so small and almost insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe. The universe is constantly expanding and our lifetime is so short and fleeting. Life will soon be over and this tumblr will become non existent. These words will become pointless and meaningless, but I will try my best nevertheless. Which reminds me, I’ve been reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. It is utterly enjoyable and educational with a very insightful and readable history and science behind the origins of the universe and how we’re here. I think I’m getting closer and closer to finding my purpose in life and really enjoying every moment of life, including the bad and the ugly. I love the good and I embrace the very good, but sometimes life needs the bad and the ugly or else we don’t know how to appreciate the good.

Let me finish this discussion with my all-time favorite monologue from American Beauty by Lester Burnham, Kevin Spacey’s character, for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Leading Actor.

I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn’t a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time… For me, it was lying on my back at Boy Scout camp, watching falling stars… And yellow leaves, from the maple trees, that lined our street… Or my grandmother’s hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper… And the first time I saw my cousin Tony’s brand new Firebird… And Janie… And Janie… And… Carolyn. I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me… but it’s hard to stay mad, when there’s so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I’m seeing it all at once, and it’s too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that’s about to burst… And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can’t feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life… You have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m sure. But don’t worry… you will someday.

We have one chance to live. Let’s learn about our world and the great minds that have contributed to making the world a beautiful place.

More on Nazca Lines.

delusion angel

$
0
0
pink skydaydream delusion
limousine eyelash
oh baby with your pretty face
drop a tear in my wineglass
look at those big eyes on your face
see what you mean to me
sweet cakes and milk shakes
I'm a delusion angel
I'm a fantasy parade
I want you to know what I think
don't want you to guess anymore
you have no idea where I came from
we have no idea where we're going
lodged in life like branches in a river
flowing downstream
caught in the current
I'll carry you you carry me
that's how it could be
don't you know me
don't you know me by now


Delusion Angel, written for the film by the poet David Jewell

Before Sunrise (1995)

photo credit: nina leigh

goran ivanisevic

$
0
0
watp crazy

(This is long overdue, my apologies, boys!)

I've been in love with this amazing band called We Are The Physics since April 2007. Admittedly, I only discovered this band via 30 Seconds To Mars. And whilst my love for 30 Seconds To Mars faded rapidly, my obsession with We Are The Physics grew and blossomed into a frenzy, a crazy, music stalking phase. It was short-lived, due to my relocating to San Francisco in August 2007. After five years, I'm still in love with their music and aesthetic and I'm still waiting eagerly for the day they tour in the U.S.

The funny thing is I never understood or enjoyed Physics in school, because it was too abstract and theoretical for my underachiever mind back then. And now? Well, I'm incredibly fascinating by physics: theoretical, experimental, cosmological, expanding to philosophical, etc. I'm currently reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawkings, I love The Big Bang Theory, I want to get a tattoo inspired by the paradoxical theory of Schrödinger's cat.

Not only are they (Michael! Michael! Michael! Chris!) super talented and amazing performers, they are incredibly funny and down-to-earth and friendly! I can't wait till the day I see them again! But for now, I'll watch this music video on repeat. Enjoy!

Everything is really falling into place. I love physics! And I love tennis! I love We Are The Physics!

Website / Facebook / SoundCloud / Twitter

I try, I fail
I fail, I try
To fail is art
To art is fail
I try, I fail

The past speaks volumes, volumes that we’ll never read
It’s safe, safe to say, safe to say we’ll never breed
Self-belief is not something we like to feed
We like to feed, yeah, we like defeat

The past, well, it says less to us
Less than vacuous tongues that lap, lapping safely
Pressing faded marks into global crotches, yeah, global crotches
This transitory stain that disappears again


Wasting hours of my time doing star jumps in the gym
All to have, all to have a body like him
Wasting hours of my time doing star jumps in the gym
All to have, all to have a body like
Goran Ivanisevic

They try to shape you, twist and contort you
Skeleton keys are much more reliable
Chip, chip away at you, chip, chip away at you
They try to shape you, twist and contort you
Skeleton keys are much more reliable
Chip, chip away at you, chip chip chip away at you
You’re growing tits like Alan Turing

Wasting hours of my time doing star jumps in the gym
All to have, all to have a body like him
Wasting hours of my time doing star jumps in the gym
All to have, all to have a body like
Goran Ivanisevic

He tried, he failed
He failed, he tried

Goran Ivanisevic, it’s time, I think, to make that switch
No masquerade in self-belief, Goran Ivanisevic
Goran Ivansisevic, you tried and failed, iconoclastic!
No masquerade for self-belief, Goran Ivanisevic


somebody that i used to know

$
0
0


For the longest time I didn't understand why this song was so popular. I kept hearing about this new song called Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye. What was the big deal? Then I finally listened to it and I still didn't know what the big deal was? I added that album to my Spotify and then I started to listen to the album, or at least the first few songs. But today, all of a sudden for no reason, I decided to play the song and then I was really listening to the lyrics and finally realized what the song was about! Where the hell was I? I never really thought twice about the title and I never tried to listen to the lyrics... And now I know. Now I know.

This song is beautiful and hauntingly honest. Fortunately for me, I have made the conscious decision to not deal with this or rather not invite another opportunity into my life, just to feel this exact way again. I don't want to know someday I used to know. I think this song was able to address something that we all think about past relationships and it was presented in such a beautiful song and music video. Strangely enough, this was an issue I attempted to address in my first draft of Shyness. I tried to discuss it via one of my characters, I didn't express it successfully or eloquently, so I'll just have to wait - it will have to wait. But for now, I'll just have to play this song on repeat. Thank you.

Gotye stated that the song was "definitely drawn from various experiences I've had in relationships breaking up, and in the parts of the more reflective parts of the song, in the aftermath and the memory of those different relationships and what they were and how they broke up and what's going on in everyone's minds. Yeah, so it's an amalgam of different feelings but not completely made up as such".[12] In an interview with Rolling Stone (Australia), he described the song as "a curated reflection of multiple past relationships", but revealed the chorus was directly related to one ex-girlfriend "it wasn't a nasty break-up, but it was messy in the sense that we hurt each other more than we needed to because it wasn't a clean break ... We both realized we had to move on and we haven't seen each other since".[13]

Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
I told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember


You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness 
Like resignation to the end, always the end 
So when we found that we could not make sense 
Well you said that we would still be friends 
But I'll admit that I was glad that it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make it like it never happened and that we were nothing
I don't even need your love, but you treat me like a stranger
And that feels so rough

No, you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records
And then change your number
Guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know 


Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know


the auteur collection

1/1/13

$
0
0


I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. - When Harry Met Sally (1989)

This scene, this film, still gets me after the 100th time. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, prosperous new year.

life aquatic with steve zissou


10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

12/21/12

$
0
0
Photobucket

Did we survive the apocalypse? The end of the world? The end of humanity, mankind, earth, existence. Blackness. Darkness. Blankness. Emptiness. Nothingness. Oh phew, we're still here. Okay, let's just keep living without further interruptions, thanks!

new year's resolutions for 2013

$
0
0

#1.Be productive and proactive in life
I have come to the realization that without words, I'm nothing. If I'm not communicating or expressing or creating, I am nothing. Life is pretty much a rollercoaster ride of emotions, obstacles, stress, frustration. The older you get, it doesn't necessarily mean you get wiser. In order to become wiser, you have to keep educating yourself. This year, I am determined to educate myself and be a good student of life. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes, as long as you acknowledge them, learn from them and then don't repeat them. Last year was a bit of a struggle for me, more so than previous years. When the clock struck 12 on January 1st, 2013, I told myself that I have to turn this year around and it's going to kick 2012 in the butt. I don't want to make excuses anymore. I don't want to feel pathetic anymore. I don't want to feel incompetent anymore. I'm on the path to becoming the person I want and deserve to be. 2013, I welcome you with open arms.

#2. Be healthy, happy and fit
2a. Exercise and lose weight.
2b. If I keep doing yoga (just went to my first ever yoga class today, it changed my life) and I start getting into shape, I would start a gym membership and start running.
2c. Maybe I will start training for the Marathon too.
2d. Eat healthily and moderately.
2e. Eat healthier snacks: more fruits, granola, nutrition bars, fruit smoothies.

#3.Take more photos with film cameras, DSLR and Instagram
3a. Take photos of pretty things, people, friends, anything. I need to keep these memories. I have so many cameras, I really need to start using them and regularly too. I will definitely start taking film photos, when I can afford to buy film and get it developed.
3b. Really interested in learning how to develop film in a darkroom.

#4. Watch more films
4a. Watch more foreign films
4b. Watch more films I wouldn't usually be interested in
4c. Re-watch all Woody Allen films in order
4d. Watch all Oscar nominated films before Oscars (February 24th)

#5.Watch less TV unless it's quality TV

#6.Walk more, take subway less, explore the city more

#7.(Re)learn French
Then considering improving my Cantonese and Mandarin, then maybe learn Italian and Japanese after, using Rosetta Stone.

#8.Learn how to play the guitar and read sheet music

#9.Read more books, poems and plays
Firstly, I need to read the books I actually own, before I purchase new ones. Then expand my library of books. Try to buy secondhand books.

#10.Read more magazines
Sadly, I can't afford to buy all the magazines I want to read, so I need help deciding which magazine to start off with it. Then when I can afford it, I'll start buying and/or subscribing to them. Option 1) The Gentlewoman 2) Lula or 3) Bullett. The rest include: TIME, The Economist, The New Yorker, National Geographic, Monocle.

#11.Go to plays, operas, the ballet, watch live jazz, musicals, exhibitions

#12.Have a bigger online presence
Using Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and other social media platforms to promote myself as a writer, filmmaker, director.

#13.Reply to emails quicker

#14.Grow out my hair

#15. Discover new music and bands

#16.Develop and write my first feature length screenplay 
I started developing my idea for my first feature length screenplay. As of now, there is no title, but I can say that it's going to be known as Untitled Avalonne Hall Wedding Project.Hint: the plot involves a wedding! I'm in the development process of creating characters and mapping out the entire plot, once I'm pretty satisfied with the development, I will start writing my first draft.

#17.Write down my lessons
My brother told me I should write down one thing I learn every day, so I can remember them. I think this is important to remind myself that even if I make mistakes, it's okay, as long as I remember not to repeat them.

#18.Take a leap in faith and love
Last year, I was completely against the idea of any romantic entanglement. Well guess what? I got my wish (again). My wish was granted loud and clear. Well this year, I think I'm open to the idea of possibly meeting someone. Last year, it was a mixture of my having no desire to meet someone and the fact is I didn't meet a single person. So maybe I am meant to "put myself out there", whatever that means. I should be more courageous and wildly optimistic like Ted Mosby. I shouldn't "give up" on hope. My Ted Mosby is out there and he's trying to "find me" as fast as he can.I'm sending him positive vibes.

#19. Participate (speak up, speak louder)
Similar to #1, I need to participate. Charlie in The Perks says it best. I need to participate more and stop being invisible to people. I need to speak up, in fact, speak louder, so people can actually hear me. I never thought of myself as a quiet person, but apparently I've been told that I need to speak louder. Enunciate and project my voice.

#20. Be brave
Finally, be brave and courageous in anything I choose to do. Embrace the fears of failure and rejection and take a leap of faith. Because: “If you’re not failing every now and then, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything innovative.” - Woody Allen. Believe in myself more and more every day, because I deserve that. Remind myself to be grateful, when I'm having a bad day. Be innovative, be brave, be confident, be creative, be empowered. Be a better daughter, better sister, better friend, better human being.

And just breathe and feel.

golden globes awards 2013

$
0
0


"Live from star-filled International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Welcome to the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards. And now your hosts of the evening, ladies and gentlemen: Tiny Fey and Amy Poehler!"

So the opening monologue had some pretty funny jokes (Anne Hathaway and James Franco joke and poking fun at James Cameron), but Tina and Amy were pretty stiff and it felt so rehearsed. I can't tell whether they were nervous or they couldn't breathe in their tight dresses or hyped up on caffeine or worse? Pills. I think they're funny to a certain degree, but I think their comedic timing was a little off. Maybe they just needed to relax a little.

I didn't get to watch the Golden Globes last night sadly, since I didn't have access to TV, so I just watched the live updates on the IMDb page. I'll just have to watch it when it gets posted on YouTube. I did a "play-by-play" update on Facebook with my thoughts on the winners:

Yay for Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, Quentin Tarantino for best screenplay so far. Okay Bradley Cooper, get a haircut. Jessica Chastain, what's up with your hair and that dress? Anne, your dress was okay. Oh Jennifer, honey, that's not a good dress. Okay, so no standouts this year. I am truly disappointed in these stars, considering how they probably have access to stunning dress off the runway and yet they show up at these events in dull, boring, uninspired dresses and worse... ugly dresses.

It doesn't bother me that Christoph Waltz beat Leonardo DiCaprio for Best Supporting Actor. He looked pissed. I think Christoph Waltz gives a captivating and charming performance, even when he played the villain in Inglourious Basterds. DiCaprio's performance was definitely good, but somehow he lacks the quality that Waltz just has naturally.

Anne's speech made me cry. I get so emotional. I'm looking forward to seeing the film. I have loved her since she was Princess of Genovia. I have loved her and always will. I never doubted her when they announced she would play Catwoman. Don't ever doubt yourself babe. Now wear a beautiful dress to the Oscars and win!

Yay Brave. Eh Lena Dunham. Sorry Girls fans. I'm sorry, but I'm not sorry, I am NOT a fan of Girls. I'm not a hater. Although I've only seen the pilot, that was enough for me to know I will never become a fan of this show now or in the future. I already knew I wasn't going to enjoy the show after Tiny Furniture. I just don't relate to the characters and their situations.
Yelling at my parents like that? Opium tea? Showing up at my parents' high? But good for her, she's working hard and she's young and I should aspire to be recognized for my work someday.

Ben for Best Director? Good for him. Must see Argo. I bet he's all "eff you" to the Academy.


Hugh Jackman? Now that's a surprise. Haven't seen Les Mis yet, but I really loved Bradley Cooper's performance in Silver Linings Playbook. I was genuinely moved by Bradley Cooper's performance, so I was really hoping he would win. But I heard Hugh gave a beautiful speech and he loves his wife!


Les Mis > Silver Linings Playbook! I personally really loved Silver Linings Playbook, but I need to watch Les Mis first before I can decide which is better.


Good job Jessica Chastain. Please don't repeat the same mistake and wear something nice to the Oscars. I need to watch Zero Dark Thirty. As long as she wears something nice and flattering, I wouldn't mind if she picks up best actress at the Oscars. Actually I want Jennifer Lawrence to win.


Daniel Day-Lewis. Argo vs. Les Mis? Best Picture at Oscars? Well, I still haven't seen Lincoln, but I'm sure Daniel Day-Lewis gave a stellar performance. So is it going to be a battle between Argo and Les Mis for Best Picture at the Oscars? We'll just have to wait and see.


Cecil B. DeMille Award: Jodie Foster's speech moved me to tears. I've never followed her career, but now I must say I want to catch up on her films. Her speech was so heartfelt and above all, it was so honest. She just spoke her mind and every word that came out of her mouth just makes me admire her so much for her hard work and contribution to the movie industry. I love how she acknowledged film crews besides her co-stars and other actors. When she talks about her mother, it just made me cry harder. We should all be grateful to our parents or the people who raised and loved us and gave us life. Congratulations Jodie!

Watching award ceremonies like the Golden Globes, DGA and SAG Awards, Academy Awards make me more and more determined every day to hopefully become the filmmaker, writer and director I want and deserve to be. It is so inspiring to see some smaller films get recognized and celebrated. Hearing their winning speeches, I feel anxious and nervous and excited to kickstart my film career. Hopefully in the next year, I will be able to prove myself.

And that concludes the Golden Globes. Goodnight.     


golden globes 2013 red carpet

$
0
0
photo credit: instyle

I haven't done a fashion commentary on red carpet dresses since 2010. I've missed this. 

Disclaimer: I am by no means a fashion expert, but I've always had a strong opinion on fashion and red carpet dresses. I've been obsessed with award shows and red carpet events since I was a kid. Mainly because I aspire to make films, but I've always dreamed of wearing stunning dresses on the red carpet one day. So when I saw the dresses on Sunday, I was quite disappointed by the lack of imagination and boldness. Considering how these people have access to the most gorgeous dresses out there, they show up to the Golden Globes in dull, boring, unimaginative and frankly, some quite ugly dresses. I know it doesn't affect me in the slightest, but it really bothers me. If I ever have the connections in the future, I would try to take advantage of it and wear something that's beautiful and artistic.

Fashion is art. Red carpet dresses and haute couture dresses are a true art form. You'd think an award show would be the time to wear something that's breathtaking (don't get me started on the Met Gala dresses from 2012). Be daring! Be bold! Mermaid gowns and sweetheart necklines dominated the red carpet and I was just... bored. I mean I've never like fishtail gowns, so seeing them every award season just makes me yawn. I am so over nude on the red carpet. I want to see color and I don't necessarily mean neon colors or even bright colors, but color in general. Something atypical, something original please. I love red, but red on the red carpet is also starting to get predictable, unless it's Valentino red. If you're going to wear black on the red carpet, let's see a spectacular black dress, like the black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's designed by Hubert de Givenchy. I just want to be inspired.

I've loved Anne Hathaway since she was Princess Mia and she usually doesn't disappoint on the red carpet, but I was slightly underwhelmed by her Chanel Column dress. It was flattering and minimal, which isn't a bad thing, but I think she could have been a bit more daring. I loved the Prabal Gurung dress she wore, that was absolute perfection with that pixie cut. Her speech moved me to the core, she inspires me so much and if I were to ever meet her and work with her in the future, I would be the luckiest person ever.

I'm so proud of Kristen Bell's choice to wear Jenny Packham. If I ever had access to Jenny Packham's dresses, I would proudly wear them on the red carpet. This was a stellar choice. The color is so ethereal and the bead work is always beautiful. I'm sure she chose an empire waist dress, because she's got a bun in her oven. I personally would have chosen a different silhouette, but I love this dress.

Although I'm not a fan of fishtail mermaid gowns, I was surprised to like Taylor Swift's Donna Karan Atelier gown. That dark aubergine has a very regal feel. Maybe a bit too much of the side boob and the fabric is a bit too shiny for my taste, but it has a classic feel overall. And I think her side parting is a little too far to the side. P.S. It's a shame she didn't win Best Song, because weirdly enough I prefer Safe and Sound to Adele's song for Skyfall.

I've never liked the Carolina Herrera dresses I've seen on the red carpet unfortunately. So I was pleasantly surprised to see Lucy Liu is this over-the-top floral Herrera gown. It's almost verging into wallpaper or curtain territory, but it's actually quite beautiful. I'm a huge fan of florals, so I wouldn't mind wearing a curtain as long as the floral pattern is pretty. At least this dress stood out. It looks like Lucy is the only one who wore a print too.

I'm not in love with Emily Blunt's Michael Kors dress, but it works on her. If I had her body, I'd work a cutout dress like that. I would have preferred either a different color and/or fabric with that silhouette. I actually prefer her dress at the Critic's Choice Award.

I love Zooey Deschanel and I've loved her since Almost Famous, but I'm starting to feel underwhelmed by her red carpet choices. Yes, she's wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress. The silhouette is exactly the same as the Reem Acra dress she wore to the Emmy's last year. Now that's probably my favorite red carpet look of hers, she looks like Cinderella. At least this dress is way better than the Prada she wore last year. I wish she wore a different necklace with this dress too.

I'm very impressed by Naomi Watt's dress. Her entire look is so polished and elegant. As much as I love maroon or bordeaux or whatever you want to call that color, I would have preferred it in a deep forest green or even black or silver! She would look like a stunning silver statue. Not gold though, I think gold is too obvious a choice at the Golden Globes.

None of the black looks are really worth discussing. Rachel Weisz's black dress looks confused, but I personally like it. It was a bold and edgy choice for her. I don't picture Rachel Weisz in something unconventional as this choice. I think this dress would probably work better as a cocktail dress, there's just too much sheer, which doesn't work on a red carpet in my opinion. I'm always a fan of an illusion necklace.

I've mostly been impressed by Julianne Moore's red carpet dresses. That bouffant is perfection and that lip color really works with the Tom Ford gown. I like the graphic quality, it's very Sixties and it just reminds me of her looks in A Single Man. Loved her in that film.

Then comes the worst dresses. I don't want to be mean, I'm just being critical here. Halle Berry, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Claire Danes, what were you ladies thinking? Halle Berry, you don't want to know what I think about that dress. I've never liked Versace dresses to begin with. Jessica Chastain, you'd have a pretty good run of red carpet looks, but this Calvin Klein gown is just unfortunate. And that hair. It's a nice color, but somehow it doesn't work with the hair and skin tone. And I love redheads: Julianne Moore, Florence Welch, Rachel Curd Wood. Somehow that dress isn't sitting right on her body. Is it trying to be draped and what? How can you mess up a halter neck dress? I don't know. Jennifer Lawrence, I love you and I loved you so much in Silver Linings Playbook. But you need to fire whoever put you in that dress. It's not exactly a bad dress, but I promise there is something wrong with the bustier and how the dress fans out. Dior Haute Couture? I am confused. It's not flattering. If she didn't have big boobs, they would just pop out. Somehow she keeps wearing unflattering and age inappropriate dresses, she needs a new stylist. Claire Danes, just another boring halter neck dress that isn't very flattering or original by any means.

Hopefully these ladies will step it up from here. Award season is just beginning, so they have many opportunities from now till Oscars to step up their game. I really want to see something beyond. I want to be impressed. I also hope to see more Jenny Packham, Valentino, Erdem, Jason Wu, Elie Saab this Award Season.



capote

$
0
0
capote5

The film opens in a small rural town in Kansas. Fields and nature for miles. Knock knock. "Hello?" A young woman, to her horror, discovers a dead body, lying lifelessly on the bed.



Truman Capote was a famous American author, living his heyday in New York in the 40s through 80s. He is best known for Breakfast at Tiffany's and the film tells the story of the inception of In Cold Blood, which is universally acknowledged as the greatest true crime novel ever written. I was in awe when Philip Seymour Hoffman utters his first word - he had completely lost himself in the character. His voice, his facial movements and expressions, his walk, his body movements, the way he carried his body. There was no doubt, he was Truman Capote. 



It is amazing when an actor has the ability to let go of themselves and become totally immersed in that character. I truly admire method actors, but I also think method acting can be quite dangerous and psychologically exhausting. With method acting, the actor has to forget who they are and embrace the character in every way and just become the character. It can take years to become that character, as Daniel Day-Lewis so adeptly demonstrates in so many of his performances. 



I was always interested in seeing this film, but it was sitting in my hard drive for over two years, until I finally decided I am truly interested in the film. Not only in the film, but I was truly fascinated by Truman Capote's life and work. I had just picked up and started reading Andy Warhol's New York City Four Walks (great read for Warhol fans) and discovered that Warhol was a huge fan of Capote's. He tried to contact him and wanted to be friends with him; he even befriended Capote's mother. Until he realized he could only become friends with Capote once he would become famous. And of course, Warhol became famous and eventually Andy and Truman became friends. I was so fascinated by this, I needed to know more about Capote. 



I think that time period had such an allure. It was such a beautiful era. The men, the women in their slim black dresses, red lipstick and manicured nails - they made smoking look so elegant and appealing. There was such a huge emphasis on celebrity culture. Everyone knew everyone in that circle. The glamorous glitterati littered all over New York City, but you had to be invited into that world. Capote knew everyone. He was childhood friends with Harper Lee. He was friends with many artists and movie stars. I can imagine it looks so beautiful from the outside, but it probably feels so lonely, pretentious and fake inside the circle.



I think celebrity culture is so interesting in that, there are many ways to become a celebrity. You don't even have to be talented in any way to become a celebrity. Celebrity is just defined as someone famous for whatever reason; whether you're in the entertainment world, art, music, literary, political, and even reality television nowadays or you're friends with celebrities, etc. People know your name and your face. But honestly, who wants to be famous? Why do you want to be famous? What's so good about being famous? And is it true that you can only be friends with a celebrity if you're also a celebrity? Do people really want to be friends with celebrities? Why? Is it only for the perks? There's a difference between an artist and a celebrity. Can they be mutually exclusive? 



Let's say if a person wants to create art and make films and one day their work garners attention from the media and public, would they automatically become a celebrity? Can one be an artist and receive attention and not be a celebrity? Can one put their work out there in the public and still maintain a truly private life? Personally, the idea of fame doesn't appeal to me. I would want my work to stand alone and be recognized and publicized to an audience, but the idea that sometimes fame goes hand-in-hand with creating and showcasing art makes me really question society's obsession with pop culture and celebrities. 



I learned a lot about Truman Capote's life and his relentless desire to write In Cold Blood. I've always had a bit of a morbid fascination of death, so I'm surprised I never had the desire to read it, but now I can't wait to read it in the near future (my reading list is too long.) I am so interested in reading about homicides, but it terrifies me so much at the same time, but I can't help myself. It must have been a huge struggle for Capote to want to delay their (inevitable) death sentence, whilst befriending Perry Smith and Dick Hickock and trying to find out the truth of the night of the murders. Clearly, Capote was never going to shed some light on them, since he named his novel In Cold Blood, but he must have really still cared for them. 



Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood are definitely going on my to read list. I want to educate myself and read more. Not just literature, but also biographies of influential people. I also want to watch more biopics of people who I admire. I was very pleased with the film and I was so moved by Seymour Hoffman's performance. I must watch more of his films.

Capote (2005)
Directed by: Bennett Miller
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Chris Cooper

capote1capote2capote3capote4capote6capote7capote8capote9capote10capote11capote18capote12capote13capote14capote15capote16capote17

happy birthday inez galvez

$
0
0
inez birthday 1

It was my dear, talented, beautiful, amazing, creative designer friend Inez Galvez's birthday on the 22nd. And we all had a ball last Saturday celebrating the birth of this awesome human being. We had a cozy dinner at Pink Pony on Ludlow. Pink Pony is the most perfect restaurant / literary and cine club. It's quaint with adorable French decor, the perfect spot for a low key date or soiree. I just love that it's a literary and cine club, I would love to host a film event at this location sometime in the future.

The food was delicious, our tummies were very satisfied. Their bread was heavenly. I can't tell you how much I love bread, especially good bread. Remember when Colette in Ratatouille says you have to listen to the sound of the crust - sound of the crackling of fresh bread and that's when you know it's good bread. It definitely sounded and tasted like a symphony in my mouth. Bread and butter, yum. It was such a lovely evening and we snapped way too many photos with our iPhones, my polaroid camera and Happy Effing Birthday disposable camera! Can't wait to scan and develop those photos!

I just want to take a moment to express how much I adore this girl. She is one of the most genuine people I've met ever and I am so lucky to call her my friend and confidante. We're both trying to make it in New York City and we're gonna keep going... trying to make it happen! We share so much in common and it makes me happy to know that we can enjoy jazz or classical music together one minute and be totally goofy and silly the next. She truly has a wonderful spirit and I wish her all the success! Welcome back to New York! Please check out her amazing turbans and keep your pretty little head warm this winter! xoxo

inez birthday 3inez birthday 5inez birthday 4inez birthday 7inez birthday 6inez birthday 2inez birthday 11dfba9394651711e2979622000a1fb04f_7inez birthday 9inez birthday 8inez birthday 10

second chances

$
0
0


Did you know that Michael Moscovitz and Gideon GMan Graves are brothers? *cough* I mean Robert and Jason. Small world, huh? Nah, I knew that years ago. Yeah, this is how I spent my Sunday night. Dreaming away... and recovering.

sag awards 2013 red carpet

$
0
0
I'm back for red carpet commentary SAG Awards 2013! There were a few standouts, but most dresses were once again quite uninspired. Fortunately, there weren't too many bad dresses on the SAG Award red carpet. Quite a few actresses really embraced black, but if you wear a black gown, it better be the most spectacular black dress in the world.  

Anne Hathaway's Giambattista Valli dress got some mixed reactions, but I personally love black and sheer and tulle and I think this dress is just so charming. Maybe we see too much leg, so I would have preferred a thicker tulle skirt. And I wish her hair was slicked down like that time (minus wardrobe malfunction.)

I just think Julianne Moore can do no wrong and she just looks like a goddess in this Chanel Haute Couture black and white floral gown. I personally would have preferred if it wasn't so low cut, but this lady has a great figure - so why not show it off I guess! This dress just has so much personality. I think Ms. Moore must be on a black and white kick right now.

Naomi Watts just looks so elegant and statuesque in this shimmering Marchesa gown. It's a simplistic gown, but she looks so radiant and ethereal and it's making her skin gown. She just looks like an Old Hollywood actress with those retro waves.

I actually really like Claire Danes black and white Givenchy one sleeved gown with geometric pattern. I'm not a fan of one sleeved gowns, but it works on her. I just think this is probably one of the better gowns she has ever worn. I love the geometric shapes, I love the graphic quality. It's fun and whimsical. And I love the dark lips.

I'm still mad that Jessica Chastain has yet to impress me with her red carpet looks. Supposedly she had a good year last year, but so far, I am just bored. Sure this is an Alexander McQueen, but I can't stand satin and red satin is just worse. And I don't think redheads can't wear red, but it has to be the perfect shade of red and in that case, she should be consulting Valentino.

I hate to be mean, but why is January Jones wearing a white bib? Is she about to go to Red Lobster? I don't understand this Prabal Gurung gown. I like high necks, but this dress is confused. And I like Prabal Gurung gowns. The white bib, high neck with her pompadour hair = overkill. Just wrong.

Jennifer Lawrence is starting to get it. I was sorely disappointed and disgusted by her Golden Globes dress, but this is going in the right direction. It's flattering, it's safe, but at least she looks nice. The hair looks polished, but relaxed at the same time. Now you better find something stunning for the Oscars, because you keep picking up these awards and if you win on Oscars night, you would want to wear a memorable dress! Can't believe the poor girl had a wardrobe malfunction. How much does these gowns cost, seriously? They can't afford to be ripping! (even if someone stepped on it)

A bit disappointed in Marion Cotillard's Dior Haute Couture gown. I don't really like empire waist gowns and the white just looks like a bandage around her chest. I do like the deep peacock blue/teal color, but that's about it. Random thought: are people afraid of wearing lighter blue or blue green shades on the red carpet or what?!

So Ellie Kemperis wearing a seafoam green Reem Acra gown, but I think this is probably the worst Reem Acra gown I've seen. I don't understand this dress, I really don't, sorry. I love seafoam green and I was so proud when Missi Pyle wore it to the Oscars last year. This color needs more attention and presence on the red carpet!

I'm sorry but I don't understand or like Sofia Vergara's Donna Karan gown. I enjoy an asymmetrical dress, but this to me is a huge mess. It makes her boobs look lopsided and what woman wants to look like her boobs are lopsided!!! I like that it seems to be Grecian inspired, but I cannot forgive that neckline.

I find Rose Byrne's Valentino floral gown is be so whimsical and a daring choice. I love Valentino and I would wear a Valentino gown in a heartbeat. I love that this dress makes her stand out from everyone else and of course in a good way, in my opinion. It reminds me of the Valentino gown Michelle Williams wore to the Golden Globes in 2011.

Once I kickstart my film career, I'm totally getting into acting and applying to SAG, so I can vote! We'll see, whatever haha. DGA Awards 2/2, BAFTA Awards 2/10, WGA Awards 2/17, Independent Spirit Awards 2/23 and Academy Awards 2/24! I love Award Season!


creative lunch meeting #1 and 2

$
0
0
creative lunch meeting 2

Inez Galvez is my New York partner in crime or partner in creativity. We're both just trying to MAKE IT IN AMERICA and in life basically. But who isn't, right? We're lost in a city where everyone is scrambling to get their work out there, to get work done, to get ahead and it can be a pretty exhausting process and journey. But everyday, we remind each other and ourselves that this tiredness, exhaustion, sleep deprivation and low bank accounts are part of the whole experience - we just have to keep our heads up and keep self-motivating and reassuring. I've had my share of self doubt and Miss Anne Hathaway said it best during her Golden Globes speech "Thank you for this lovely blunt object [referring to her award] that I will forever more use as a weapon against self doubt." Thank you, I will always remember those inspiring words.

Sometimes optimism doesn't come easily, especially when you're in one of the most competitive cities, where everyone is trying to make it as: a filmmaker, actor, designer, singer, dancer, artist, etc. How can one stand out? It's quite scary to think most people may end up not succeeding... it's like watching a reality show competition like Project Runway. You want all of them to do well and succeed, but there will only be one winner. Or rather twelve winners, twelve different seasons. So it's quite bleak if you think about it, but that's when I remind myself of Woody Allen's quote “If you’re not failing every now and then, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything innovative.” - Well, Woody, I'm trying. I'll embrace failure, so I know at least I'm trying to be innovative and hopefully one day, the hard work and perseverance will pay off and I may succeed.

Inez and I have plans to meet as frequently as possible for our #creativelunchmeetings, so we can catch up and make creative plans, brainstorm and make mind maps on her iPad (so much fun.) It is so great to know someone who is creative and motivated and Inez is a stellar example of a hardworking and inspirational designer. I really believe in her aesthetic as a designer and a human and I can't wait to see more of her work. I feel so lucky to help out and be part of her process and I found out just how much I enjoy fashion, when I accompanied her on her fabric sourcing day in the Garment District. *cough cough* Saw three Project Runway designers, all from the same season... weird.

I love fashion, maybe a bit too much sometimes, BUT I would NEVER work in fashion. It's almost like with film, I think the film industry can be a little... what's the word... I won't go into in here, but despite all the negativity that comes with the industry, I genuinely want to make films. But I digress. Even though I may not be a designer, I love fashion and I love seeing rolls and rolls of beautiful fabric, trimming, buttons, even zippers! We were on a hunt for something special for a special project that Inez is doing. Then we found the most amazing section of fabric and I just fell in love with this stunning brocade. And so marks my first ever purchase at Mood Fabrics. Thank you Mood! You will hear more about this in the near future. Stay tuned.

This sounds silly, but I really enjoyed our two hours at Mood and even though it was tiring, but I know tiring, I've PA-ed on film and tv sets and at least, we're indoors surrounded by pretty fabrics (avoid ugly fabric sections). I'm really looking forward to sharing our upcoming projects, because we mapped it out and I know that 2013 will be a productive and creative year for the both of us. And I know you have an awesome year ahead of you! More #creativelunchmeetings to come!

inez birthday 8creative lunch meeting 1inez birthday 11inez birthday 10creative lunch meeting 2creative lunch meeting 2creative lunch meeting 2creative lunch meeting 2pret a manger

love letter to new york in the movies

$
0
0


A few days ago, my brother brought to my attention of my "obsession with Mr. Woody Allen" and I had to pause for a moment to really think about that statement. "Am I really that obsessed with him?" The short answer is yes, I suppose. I mean obsession is a pretty crazed word if you think about it, but am I completely enamored by this human being? YES. I am certainly very inspired and in awe of this creative and intellectual genius. And then I came to the horrible realization that I haven't met too many Allen fans. So please, if you love Woody Allen, speak up and let's start a club. I don't want to be alone, because I know I'm not the only one!

I had happened to stumble across this video on YouTube. I remember watching the Oscars in 2002 hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, but I hadn't been introduced to the works of Mr. Allen back then. Watching it now and being the fan that I am today makes me feel so very lucky and happy to know that Woody has always remained the same humble, spirited and neurotic human being. And he never ceases to make me cry and laugh. Thank you so much for being such a huge inspiration to me. I genuinely want to be a filmmaker, because you have inspired me. And I love New York beyond words can say.

january

$
0
0
jan1jan2jan3jan4jan5jan6jan7

Thank you to January for treating me so well, despite the cold and an unfortunate incident that happened to me on Sunday (I won't go into details). But January was actually quite a spectacular month for many reasons. First of all, it's the beginning of a new year and I'm really taking it as my chance to really turn over a new leaf. I want and need to live consciously and once again I'm feeling so in touch with my emotions, thoughts and creativity. Secondly, my Artist Visa application got approved, thank you so much U.S. Immigration for giving me this chance to stay and pursue my dream as a filmmaker in New York. And of course thank you to my parents, my diligent lawyer and my amazing friends for all the support and encouragement throughout these months of uncertainty and anxiety. So January is over. An entire month has flown off the calendar and it's February. I'm so ready for you, February!

1. Snowing, black and white city, romantic solitude.
2. Celebrating the best day ever: January 22nd!
3. Inez's birthday dinner at Pink Pony.
4. Picasso Black and White Exhibit at the Guggenheim. Moved me to tears.
5. Bought myself a cotton branch. 
6. Kate Spade window display. So Mondrianesque!
7. More snow.
8. More snow.
9. Can one own too many books? Thanks Housing Works!
10. Christmas lights.
11. God: A Comedy in One Act by Woody Allen. Most hilarious play in the world.
12. Finally decided to decorate my (temp) room.
13. Reading about the lovely Diane Keaton.
14. Spending many writing days at Housing Works.
Viewing all 56 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images