What's Up, Tiger Lily?

Call me trite, but Christ, I love Woody Allen. I seem to relate to male talent so much more than female. Fitzgerald, Posen, Klosterman...I feel so terribly guilty saying it, but I can't remember the last time I found something genuinely relative in a piece of work done by a woman. Alright, this was not the intended direction of this post so moving on... these excerpts from the Spanish Diary are yet another reason why I love Woody Allen. And, if I needed one more, his next film Whatever Works (out in 2009)stars Larry David. I have a feeling some authentic laughter will result from this comic Jewish duo (really, how could it not?).

In New York a couple of weeks ago, Zac Posen revealed his 2009 Spring collection, and as usual, it was marvelous. It was tough to choose which pieces I was most thrilled with, but the photos below showcase some of the best designs from the collection.









As a side note, I got accepted to the post-grad program I applied to at George Brown for HR Management. Considering the majority of my friends have recently made the move to Toronto, I am looking forward to moving there this January for school (as well as a few other various reasons including partying/shopping/live shows/getting the fuck out of London). Look out, here I come.

"Decent & Successful"

Even as Woody Allen edges into his 70’s, his cynicism is as evident as ever. His thoughts on the reality of love and passion are hauntingly accurate, especially in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The voiced narration throughout the film is straightforward, unwavering and void of any emotional attachment. We rarely see optimism in Woody Allen’s stories, but the closing line of this film may explain why: he is certain only of what he doesn’t want.

Vicky (Hall) is a detail-oriented, responsible Masters student about to be married; Cristina (Johannson), her best friend, is a free-spirited art type searching for her own interpretation of perfection in love. They go to Barcelona for the summer and meet Juan Antonio (Bardem), a smooth, passionate artist who convincingly assures the girls that there is no such thing as dull or meaningless sex (at least with him). We are then introduced to Maria Elena (Cruz) who is a gorgeous but unstable, fervent but intriguing, Latin artist who is also Juan Antonio’s ex-wife. The plot is simple and revolves around the lives of these characters for the summer while they find love, question their previous misconceptions of love and experience new forms of passion.

First off, I loved the Spanish architecture in the film, which Allen really paid homage to well. I also particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Vicky and her fiance, Doug. The narrator quotes something along the lines of, “Doug was decent, and successful, and Vicky was going to marry him.” Realistically, I think an overwhelming number of people marry partners who are similar and who they get along well with, but the passion is simply missing. Maybe couples think this is the best strategy, since it is inevitable that, over time, the psychological stages of love start off with passion and then slowly turn into companionship. People unconsciously believe that if you’re going to reach the companionship stage eventually, why not skip the passion altogether?

Another related point made in the film, was that “Only unfulfilled love can be romantic.” Again, if love has been fulfilled (whether it be through marriage or long term cohabitation), it seems as though romance and passion disappears, as is evident with Maria Elena (Cruz) and Juan Antonio (Bardem). Cristina (Johannson), who acted as the salt, or “missing ingredient” in their relationship kept the love unfulfilled and thus made the gears of love work together smoothly.

It is clear from films like Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Volver that Cruz’s best acting is done when she is able to speak her native tongue. At least half her dialogue is in Spanish and she does a fabulous job in the role of the crazy but sensual ex-wife of Bardem, who also pulled off the womanizing Latin artist character almost seamlessly. I like Johannson’s character, but she always seems to play the same type of roles in Allen’s films and I must say it is getting a bit old.

Overall, the film was entertaining and realistic although rather short. The clear-cut dialogue was typical Woody Allen, which of course I loved, and the acting by Bardem and Cruz was beyond impressive. The movie may not have had an edge of your seat storyline, but it was passionate pessimism at its best. Well done, Mr. Allen.

Premature Arousal

I get excited about senseless things, like chamomile with lemon verbena dryer sheets, and coloured file label letters. I like wandering aimlessly. I have a fondness for men who wear naturally ripped jeans, threadbare t-shirts, decades old brown leather belts, and thick beards that make them look twice their age. I have little faith in the permanence of anything. I take a keen interest in beautiful under priced clothing donated to the Goodwill too soon because the old woman who wore it last had an inopportune stroke or battle with cancer and passed on. I always wonder how some homes smell of fresh laundry from the sidewalk outside, yet other homes never smell like this, no matter how many loads of laundry are done. I admire those women who can wear heels religiously without thinking twice about it, even to do the grocery shopping. I would take brilliance and rationality over strict morals any day. I am often inappropriately dressed for appropriate occasions. I have difficulty with empathy, especially for those who are reckless with money, lazy, or just plain emotional basket-cases. Androgyny is sexy. If nothing else is true, this is: ignorance is bliss.

I am going to a pre-screening of Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona tonight and am extremely excited! The film will not be released in theatres until Friday so I will report back with a preview report to let you know what I think before it opens. Also, I got a fabulous new winter jacket from Zara this weekend while in Toronto, and will be showcasing it here shortly. Stay tuned!

Woody Allen's latest: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Alright, so new Woody Allen may not quite be what old Woody Allen was, but hey, I love the guy, and think his honest humour and realistic dialogue are funny as hell. His latest film, due out in August, seems like it may be on the mark (the last decade of Woody's films have been hit or miss). Take a little gander at the trailers below. The only problem I may have when watching this film is dissociating Javier Bardem from his role as a psychotic killing machine in No Country for Old Men.

I am not one for "rom-coms"; trust me, I would normally rather use a public toilet in Vancouver's DTES than waste an hour and a half of my life watching a typical romantic comedy. However, give me a Woody, and I'll break the genre barrier rules and watch. Time well spent.