ann kent

Charlotte Gainsbourg & Johnny Depp

I'm loving this clip from the French film Happily Ever After with Charlotte Gainsbourg and Johnny Depp.

I Made A Mistake

I recently viewed The Time Traveler's Wife and loved the movie for its majestic library scenes; the absolutely wonderful interior design of the family's home (this is reason enough to watch this film!); the actors; and of course, the classic and casual (yet lovely) fashion.  And therein, lies the problem.  Je suis desolee; J'ai fait une erreur. 

In one of the earlier scenes in the movie, Rachel McAdams has her first date with the Time Traveler and she is wearing the most beautiful diaphanous, mint blouse.  And when I see it, as I sit in the theatre, I gasp, for then I realize that the chemisier is a lost opportunity. 

Last April, I discovered the same lovely blouse at TJ Maxx.  The blouse was a mere $25.00 and when I brought it home, I noticed the Tahari tag - it was priced at nearly $300!   No doubt, I had then in my hands quite possibly one of the most amazing finds of the year or well, my life.  Nevertheless, my judgment lapsed - I ultimately returned the treasure fearing that it was too much, perhaps, for me.  Well, no doubt, I erred.  C'est la vie!

Factory Girl: Art, Fashion, & Destruction

I recently watched the film, Factory Girl, starring Sienna Miller.  The movie is an artful, fictionalized depiction of the story of Edie Sedgewick, an heiress who became the muse of Andy Warhol in the 60s.  Andy's studio was named "The Factory" and as you can imagine, all kinds of hi-jinks were rumored to have played out there.  

Factory Girl was an entertaining experience on many levels.  Sienna Miller was amazing.  Watch the clip below to see her as gamine Edie and note in particular the nuances of her expression.  I had no idea that she is such a talented actress.  I loved her character's 60s-style fashion especially the A-line dresses and boots.   I was skeptical about seeing someone portray Andy Warhol as he was a bit eccentric and could not imagine that any actor could make me believe that I was watching Warhol.  Yet, Guy Pearce met the challenge.  He was perfect.

Although there are numerous aspects of the film to enjoy, you will find that the story does not present Andy Warhol in a favorable light.   However, there are those that say that as Factory Girl is part fiction that Warhol's role with respect to Edie was not as depicted in the film.  In any event, the idea of Andy's role in Edie's downward spiral does inevitably give one pause.  Nonetheless, if you are intrigued by 60s era pop culture, this is definitely a film to see.

Here are some shots from the film and a clip.  Enjoy.

 
 

Marie Antoinnette Hues

These heavenly photos from Anna Wolf remind me of the Miss Dior commercial directed by Sofia Coppola recently.  Do you not love them?

This little film incorporates all that is beautiful:  Paris, a soft breeze, happy music, lightness, and joy.  And, aren't the hues reminescent of Sofia's Marie Antoinnette?  Enjoy.

           

Lovely, n'est pas?

The Women

My mother and sister accompanied me to The Women this past weekend.  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie!  Here is what I loved about it (and one feature that I was not entirely enamored with):

1.  The Women.  I was thrilled to see so many of my favorite actresses, e.g. Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Chloris Leachman, and Candice Bergen, all on a full screen in the theatre.  They were lovely, they look wonderful, and I wish they were on screen more often!

2.  Meg Ryan.  I loved Meg Ryan in her first scene in the movie:  in her cute full skirt; navy blazer; navy and white top; and wellies.  She was so cute and preppy (even though she was the mother of a ten year old!) in front of her architecturally beautiful home.  I am always so inspired when I find women my age who look cute, stylish, and fun.  In other words, they haven't given up on being a girl. 

However, I was disappointed to see Meg's ensemble (read totally frumpy!) at the garden party she hosted at her stunning home.  Yet, by the end of the movie I understood the need for this scene - to provide contrast for Meg's transformation when she throws out her cheating Wall Street husband and gives in to her design desires. Wow!  And then, Meg is Meg and just totally smashing from her A-line wool coat and boots to her sexy straight hair.  Meg, you look awesome!

3. Relationships.  I loved the relationships displayed between Meg and her housekeeper and nanny.  They were often shown in the kitchen chatting, supporting each other, and even chiding each other.  These scenes conveyed the possiblity that women have something in common that can bind them by simply being women.  In other words, our occupations need not separate us.

Meg's relationship with Annette Benning's character tells the same story.  Meg was a stay at home mother to a ten year old having, I must say, a rather cushy life.  Her best friend, Annette Benning, is an Anna Wintour-like editor of a fashion magazine.  They lead very different lives; nevertheless, they share a friendship that spans their lifetimes.  So often, in my life, I see women who work and women who are home polarized.  That is sad.

4.  The Delivery Scene.  Roger Ebert spoke well of this scene; however, I was simply not very fond of it.  Debra Messing's screams reminded me of The Exorcist, were not becoming, and were really quite ugly.  This scene grated at my sensitive soul and I think Debra Messing put herself at risk for an aneurysm for not really much value.  The scene would have had the same effect without the unseemly screams and facial contortions.

5.  Meg Ryan's Daughter In The Movie.  Meg Ryan's daughter was serene and intellectual yet intriguing.  As well, I adored her wardrobe!  Generally, her clothing was simple and subdued with classic lines and simple colors (lots of grays and blues).  The character and her wardrobe were lovely! 

6.  The Proposal.  There is one scene that has me entirely perplexed.   Meg is offered a very lucrative deal.  And she does not decline it; yet, she does not enthusiastically accept it which appears to be a declination.  Meg's character later explains that the offer was just too much. 

On one hand, I completely identify with wanting a family and just a little piece of what makes me happy careerwise (in other words, I did not really want to be a partner in a law firm which would have made it exceedingly difficult to spend very much time with my family and to have other interests).  It was OK with me to have my legal career, my family, and my interests.  However, if I were in Meg's shoes, I am just not sure I would have so easily not reacted enthusiastically to such a deal.  After all, one might have acted interested and declined later.  I would LOVE to know your thoughts on this issue after you have seen the movie! 

Bottom Line Recommendation:  grab a female friend or family member and head for your local theatre for an enjoyable and fun evening that will boost your spirits and sooth your creative soul!