Film Review... The Artist!

This past weekend I saw The Artist. I must say, it was AMAZING! And although I expected it to be so, it surpassed those expectations. I loved the film's blending of humour and reality; though it was quirky and adorable and funny it also had its "heartstring" moments. Watching the film gave me the impression of stepping out of the real world and into some wonderful dream land full of wonderful people, which is exactly what early film was about; escapism. It did not rely on charm and quirk, however. The director embraced the reality of Valentin's situation. There is one dramatic and ambiguous point near the end of the film that made many a movie-goer gasp, and honestly I would have ended it there. But that wasn't the point of this film. It wasn't a "slice of life." The Artist celebrates 1920s film. Because it was silent and because it was filmed in black and white only added to the charm of the plot, which was not only wonderful but Jean Dujardin as George Valentin looks as though he stepped directly out of a Mack Sennet film.
He had the dancing grace and cheeky charm of Gene Kelly, great comic timing, and flawless expressions. He was egomaniacal, he conveyed joy and sadness, illustrated frustration and despair, was obviously humbled and enchanted  without making a sound.  His expression of enchantment and confusion at being enchanted by the lead girl captivated me.
Speaking of enchanting, Bernice Bejo as Peppy Miller was utterly adorable. I haven't seen anyone that charming (especially in the facial expression department) since Audrey Tautou in Amelie. Seriously, Peppy Miller was quite the enchantress; the kind of girl you could never be friends with because she is spunky, adorable, and beautiful. The costumes were stunning, the direction was wonderful and the acting was brilliant! I sincerly hope Jean Dujardin wins the acadamy award for best actor because he really deserves it. Although he was almost outshined by his partner in crime, a clever little Jack Russel Terrier.
I cannot recommend this filmy highly enough. Although it looks like a film only critics would enjoy, I assure you that the Jordan Commons theater at 8:45 was quite dazzled and delighted. It's as Roger Ebert said in his review, "During a good [black and white film], I fall into a reverie, an encompassing absorption that drops me out of time." The Artist achieves that subtly and brilliantly.

Ad parade

Well the super bowl is in a few weeks, which means ADVERTISING TIME!! I love the super bowl; the intensity, the competition, the creativity... the only thing I don't like is the stupid football interruptions. I mean who watches the super bowl for football?? I have always loved watching the commericals during the superbowl, but as a Strategic Communications student, I'll be having the time of my life. I can't wait to watch the parade of advertisements! Previous contenders have set the bar prettttyyy high. Here are a few of the best superbowl ads so far:
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/03/the-7-best-super-bowl-commercials-ever-aired-videos/

Can't wait to see what they come up with this year! In my mind, the ads are having their own superbowl. Who will come out on top?

Zooey or Elizabeth?

As per my previous post, those who have read it will know I LOVE Elizabeth Taylor. I love her talent, her beauty, and her flippin allure. She sure knew how to make men fall at her feet. So often do I find myself wishing I had that kind of confidence, that kind of power of people... oh the things i could do with power. MWUAHAHAHAHAH! aaaaah and there it is, the reason I can NEVER be like her: i'm a raging nerd. I often describe myself to new acquaintences as a "less-endearing Zooey Deschanel." DOrky, goofy, quirky, and doesn't really care. Well, this weekend I went to my first nightclub and the experience has given me pause... a chance to re-examine my interactions with the opposite sex.  I mean, I didn't dress the part of quirky girl (this time, anyway) and I attempted the femme fatale persona, but it doesn't always work for me. I suppose I am comfortable with the adorkable chic. I'd even go so far as to say i quite like it.  Yet, as elizabeth taylor is an idol of mine, I do wish I could pull off the cool, sexy type. But when the opportunity presents itself, I get really uncomfortable and choke. NOt only do I get uncomfortable, I get pissed. I HATE being checked out. Correction: i hate being OVERTLY checked out. I admit, when someone makes a comment a part of me is mildly flattered( are you happy Jace Stephenson?) but when it boils down to it, I'd rather be admired for a second, and then have a guy make some attempt at gettting to know me in a respectful way (and preferably, in a respectable establishment, not a gross nightclub). At the same time, why is it so wrong to flaunt what you got? Can't i just take a compliment? Elizabeth Taylor knew how good she looked, and used it to her advantage. Yet when I am presented with this sort of situation, i feel ridiculous and objectified. I don't want my looks to be the basis of someone's interest. Especially a half-drunk loser who hasn't a respectable thought in his mind. How can I reconcile these two frames of mind? How can a blend the Zooey with the Elizabeth? A zoolizabeth. I have to stop being such a dork or I will end up being devoured by my 37 cats. But I refuse to be objectified. Is there another way to look at it? As good ol' liz taylor said, “People who know me well, call me Elizabeth. I dislike Liz.” but she also said "big girls need big diamands." Man, she was wise.


ps, this is me and my cuz on the night out (im the short one... and she wouldn't let me wear my nerd glasses.)

Flavor of the month

What back again so soon?

I have a few flavors of the month right now... RUSSELL BRAND! and the 60s. Well, you could say the 60s is always a flavor of the month since im always attempting to embody the foxy ladies of the silver screen (That would be Elizabeth Taylor, Marylin Monroe, and Joan Halloway among others). But recently I bought three new vintage colored lipsticks, and am about to purchase a pair of cigarette pants. Seriously, the 60s rocked! All  I listen to right now is 60s inspired music such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Nikki and Rich (and of course musicians actually from the 60s.) But enough about that wonderful time period. I wanna talk about Russell Brand, my future husband (for now at least). Ummm what can I say except he is hilarious, dead sexy, smart, and super weird. He has transitioned from hot mess to hot comedian poking fun at the mess that was once his life. Man that was a mouth-full... needless to say I'm just getting the hang of the blog-tone thing. But I digress. Russell Brand, when you're ready to enter the dating pool again, you know where to look (PICK ME! MEMEMEMEME!!!)

here we go....

Well I've done it. I caved and started a blog... now more people can pretend to care about my every thought i post on the internet! Just kidding, I didn't mean to start off sounding so sardonic. Basically, I am blogging because not only is it fun to have a forum for my whimisical thoughts and ideas to come to life, but  I also need to prove I have a thourough knowledge of the inner-workings of social media for my future career (i'm looking at you Vanity Fair). So here's the deal, I will be talking about whatever I like. Mainly my musings and puzzlings and any other "ings" i can think of; I will, however, have some regular "segments," if you will. These will include: my flavor of the month (that is what my mom calls my latest obsessions), film and music reviews, rants about fashion (both good and bad), and the state of Strategic communication (thats PR and advertising the rest of you.) Believe it or not, I am attempting to stay away from the cliche I know I am embodying right now. Stick with me! I'm sassy, quirky, snarky, and on occasion, funny! FOLLOW ME!
ps, excuse the capitalization. I have a love/hate relationship with the shift button. It has nothing to do with my intelligence.