coming up vintage

I've really started getting into films, particularly from the last three decades of the 20th century. Since we're officially started getting into summer blockbuster territory, I've had to get my smarts-fix elsewhere. Where better than the heavily politicized films like People vs Larry Flynt, Dawn of the Dead, Apocalypse Now, Taxi Driver, Dr Strangelove, among others? And signifying that my interest in vintage doesn't just concern movies and clothes, I've picked up a couple of John le Carre spy novels (The Honourable School Boy and The Little Drummer Girl) to tide me over during upcoming exam time.

And for Raiders of the Lost Ark, I feel like Marion Ravenwood was so elegantly portrayed by Karen Allen.

picture source

filming chanel

Rumors are abound that there are plans to make two films about Chanel (one about Coco's affair with Igor Stravinski starring French actress Marina Hands and the other about her private life rumored to star Audrey Tautou of The DaVinci Code fame). Of course nothing will happen until filmmakers get approval from the House, so nothing might come up of this.

Depending how they approach the content, it could turn out good, or end up going the way of Marie Antoinette and Factory Girl.

source: Reuters and In Fashion
picture from Chanel

Grind me up

Grindhouse, Grindhouse, Grindhouse. Three hours of pure fun, hot chicks on bikes and with guns, cocky guys, odd limb detachments (a la Sin City) and a whole lotta blood. And Rosario Dawson's bangs.

There's been some hate on the 'net about her kickin' do, but I think they're edgy and cool.

So what are your thoughts?

full metal jacket

I was watching Full Metal Jacket yesterday, the first half of which is one of the most enjoyable moments in cinema. The film has some of the best stylistic and thematic shots and camera work. And the special lenses and techniques Kubrick and co. worked out specifically for this film are now widely used.

The film reminded me of Junya Wanatabe's Fall'06 collection, whose theme was war and battle.

watanabe pics: style.com
Film Facts

Perfume the movie

One film I am really looking forward to is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.

To those who haven't heard of the film, here is a synopsis from www.cinemaclock.com:

France, 18th Century. Jean-Baptiste Grenouille has a unique talent for discerning the scents and smells that swirl around him, which he uses to create the world's finest perfumes. Strangely lacking any scent of his own, he becomes obsessed with capturing the irresistible but elusive aroma of young womanhood. As Grenouille's obsession turns deadly, twelve young girls are found murdered. Panic breaks out as people rush to protect their daughters, while an unrepentant and unrelenting Grenouille still lacks the final ingredient to complete his quest.

The stills from the film look good, and I am very much hoping that it brings us the historical sets and lavish costumes with actual plot content and substance, unlike the earlier Marie Antoinette whose director no doubt spent the budget on hundreds of Manolos rather than hiring a competent writer.

Stills can be seen at the official website. (And can we agree not to mention Alan Rickman's horrid wig hairline in the name of good taste?)

(Plus, get a load of the girls' red hair! I wish that I was so heretically lucky to get vibrant-coloured tresses/courageous enough to venture onto the dyeing road).

If you're going to the official website, give a listen to the music. I thought it's very beautiful (if a bit creepy) and stands very well on its own.