The Tree of Life

I don't think I have ever seen such a wonderful trailer. This was what made me want to watch The Tree of Life. That and the fangirling of my favorite director, David Fincher, for this movie. The movie won Best Picture at Cannes, so I figured that this is definitely a must see!

So, I went with my mom and brother to the cinema. My brother was against the idea at first, but my mom convinced him that to be a good writer, which he's convinced he is, he should be able to enjoy serious films such as this one.

The first few minutes were good, but then things got weird. I'll divide the movie into two parts: the amazing and the weird. I can't really keep track of time when I'm watching a movie, so I'll just say that an estimated 20 minutes of this movie consisted of just a bunch of scenes from The Discovery Channel. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely visually stunning, but I just didn't understand the relevance of it to the plot. I would raise an eyebrow whenever the whispering started. The dinosaur bit was a bit random. Also, the almost ending (I'll try not to spoil it, but it's from the beach scene onwards) was just a huge blur. I guess those are the weird scenes. I mean, they were really random, but they were beautiful to watch. Now the amazing parts were the parts which actually made sense (to me). I was crying so much throughout the film. I don't have a father like Brad Pitt, but there was definitely a point when I hated my Dad, maybe not as much as Jack hated his, but I still felt very angry. I kept crying, because I saw how the father would treat his children and the mother would just sit there and watch helplessly. It was difficult how the father loved his family and had good intentions, but only ended up hurting them. I cried, because of how much Jack's questions mirrored my own- about life and God.

I definitely have to see it a second time for me to properly give an opinion, but I know people only see a film once for them to decide if they have to see it again (wow, did that make sense?) so I'm telling you guys what I think of this movie so that if you've decided it's shit, maybe I can convince you that you need to re-watch it to be able to form a decent opinion (wooh longest sentence ever!).

I am sure this movie took a long time to make. Malick is one director who goes into extreme detail with him film making. Knowing that, I am convinced that this is actually a very loaded film, but I just wasn't able to take in all it was giving. That's why I am going to do a re-watch. From the beginning of the film, I've actually tried to look at every single event and try to understand what it could symbolize. I was rewarded by a headache. I actually do this thing where I compile a list of movies that I'm going to see when I am mature enough to appreciate them (a bunch of Von Triers are on the top). I realize that I'm never going to be able to appreciate the movies if I don't watch them. So, The Tree of Life, definitely a difficult movie to appreciate fully, but the more I think about it and analyze it and listen to people who love it, I realize how it all comes together. This is a start maybe? The next time I watch a film such as this, maybe I wouldn't need a re-watch to digest it all? I hope so. I really live on the moment when a film ends and it leaves you in a daze of emotions.

Even without understanding fully all the symbolic mumbo jumbo, I still have to say that The Tree of Life was a good film, just based on how it impacted me. I was a blubbering mess for a portion of the movie. I was also confused (the good kind) in some parts.

The film was a long 2 hours and several minutes. I really hope that I get to understand all that nature shit, because I will be pissed if I realize that that was just a bunch of stock videos put in to make the movie more ~artsy. The cinema was packed when the movie begun. An hour in, the cinema was only 2/3 full. When people thought the movie was almost over (it only seems like it is, but it actually still has a good half hour left) only half the people were left. When the credits finally rolled, a bunch of people laughed and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was actually pretty hilarious how everyone in the cinema was like "ah, fuck it" and just laughed it off. Ah, Filipinos! (This is not meant to be an insult.) My mother claimed the movie gave her a headache and she did seem tired the rest of the day. This is just a warning.


I have to say Brad Pitt is probably my favorite actor now. And that kid who play Jack is beyond amazing. I mean just superb!!! Plus, their mother is divine. I don't think she could get any prettier. Sean Penn though.... what are you doing in this movie. I did not feel your impact. Also, third brother. What was your role?

So I won't put in any conclusions on this post as I have no concrete opinion of the movie yet. I must say that the more I read on it, the more I understand and like it. I will definitely update after my re-watch (in the hopes that you still care)

PS. (not really a spoiler) I don't know what's happened. I was just reading some reviews on the movie when they brought up the scene where Brad Pitt's son tell him to be quiet and Brad freaks out. I just started crying, because that is EXACTLY how my dad gets mad. He doesn't push my mom or brother to get at me, but his face and his voice and the "what did you say?" and then sudden change in voice to extremely angry. I just... ugh. I'm 18 years old and yet I'm still terrified just thinking of that voice.

Friday Night Films

Bonjour! Je suis etudiant en francaise! Ca va?

I'm sorry it's horrible! I'm only a few classes into my French, but I'm enjoying learning very much! Usually I am pretty good at accents, but I've come to realize that accents that don't require the English language are difficult (My good accents are Irish, British, Southern, etc).

I've been re-watching The Dreamers so many times and I'm trying to pick up their accents. Every time I watch it, I'm left amazed. I've seen it countless times. I never get tired of it. Whenever I watch it, I feel as though I am transported to another world--their world. It's such a wonderful film and I suck for not being articulate enough to convince you, but I am posting the trailer here anyway.



Okay, that does NO justice to the film at all, but if you found the trailer wonderful, then you will be blown away by the film. It didn't really garner an overwhelming score with Rotten Tomatoes (just saying for those of you like me who consider the site the best basis for movie ratings). I haven't really tried to dissect the movie and look at the cinematography and script and just all the things that critics usually look to to see if it's a worthy movie. Whenever I watch it, I just watch and it makes such an impact. I guess that's why I love it so much.

It's not a film for everyone, but for those who love film, Paris, history, then it's worth checking out! I want everybody to check it out! If you do watch it, please comment and tell me whatever you thought of it (love it or hate it, whatever!).

fright night

I read other people's blogs and I fell embarrassed for mine. I don't go out a lot so I don't have much photos of myself in pretty places wearing pretty clothes. I wish I went to more fascinating exhibits and posh cafes. I wish I met more interesting people and did new things. That's what I'm aiming to do this summer. I need to stop bumming around the house and make the most out of my two week (yikes!) vacation.

Anyway, it's pretty obvious that I don't blog much about anything other than fashion or my teen angst. If you only know me from reading my blog, you'd probably think that those are the only facets of my personality. Of course, that's not true, because what person only cares about fashion and her mental well-being (okay maybe that last bit is pretty important, but you catch my drift).

I would like to introduce to you guys another thing that I enjoy: horror movies. I am fascinated by anything morbid. Seeing blood and guts gets me super excited. I know it sounds messed up, but I'm pretty sure I am not the only horror movie enthusiast. It's quite sad that I don't have many friends who share my love for serial killers and zombies, so I never have anyone to watch the movies with (hint to future boyfriend: my ideal date would be a night in consisting of pizza, soda and a horror flick).

I thought I would compile a list of my favorite horror flicks. I'll even include a download link for those of you who want to check it out. These are in no particular order. You'll see that I'm more into slasher flicks and ghost movies that vampire and zombie ones.

A Tale of Two Sisters
I think Asian horror movies are the scariest. I watched this Korean film just this year and I couldn't sleep for days. I think what makes this film so great is that it doesn't just scare you, it gives you an unexpected ending too! You get mind fucked at the end.

Audition
Another Asian horror flick! This is probably the only movie that I have yet to finish because I had to stop it the first time around. I never thought I'd have to stop a movie because it was so horrific, but with this one I just had to. I can't say if this movie is good yet. but if scariness is the only thing on your criteria then this one is up for 1st prize.

Friday the 13th Franchise
I grew up watching these movies. I think I've seen every single one. They're definite classics. I still can't explain why Jason never dies, but who cares, really? He makes for an awesome slasher movie villain.

The Blair Witch Project
This movie is a classic. I barely saw any blood or ghosts and yet I got scared out of my wits. Never mind that it was dizzying and disorganized. It felt real that way. I was so creeped out by the testimonies of all the supposed locals of that town. This one is another classic.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This movie probably had the biggest impact on me. I can never sleep with my legs not curled up anymore because of the scene where (SPOILER) that dude's legs get cut off. Also the horrific part where the now leg-less dude is hanging on a pig hook and the killer puts salt in his wounds. OH GOD. It's all so vivid.

Silence of the Lambs
If I were to pick a movie which was not only scary, but also very well made, this movie would be at the top of my list. My issue with a lot of horror flicks is that they are poorly made- focusing so much on the gore and missing out on the substance (Saw franchise). This movie delivers both! I also love that the main antagonist in this movie is based on so many real serial killers ( another fascination of mine).

Hostel
What's so great about this movie is that it isn't really just about "I wanna kill". It's a lot more messed up than that. Think a lady who bathes in a young girl's blood to keep herself youthful ala Elizabeth Bathory. It's really interesting to see what the wackos will do to all the people they buy (Yes, they buy people and do whatever the hell they want with them). Interestingly enough, none of them rapes their victims.

Well, that's just from the top of my head. If I recall more I'll make sure to update this post!

I had a class at 10:30 that I had to painfully sit through while the Oscars was live. I debated long and hard about cutting class, but my friends convinced me not to. I got home and caught the last part of it. Those last few minutes were probably the most thrilling minutes I will ever have this week. I have been waiting for the Academy Awards for the longest time- ever since The Social Network came out actually! It has truly been an amazing year for cinema. It was this year that I became a film buff. Maybe in my next post I will make a top movies or something, but right now let's talk about the Oscars!

So, as everyone who has ever heard a noise uttered from my mouth knows, I am a huge flaming The Social Network stan. It was the movie that I wanted to take all the awards, and which I was almost certain would. When The King's Speech was said to be a front runner, I decided I would watch it, but I was really disappointed. I expected so much from what people were saying would be the movie to knock down The Social Network. It was still a pretty good film, but definitely not better in any aspect. Months before today, everyone has been saying TKS would win Best Picture because, to make the story short, TKS is the perfect formula for Best Picture and it was exactly what the academy wants. As unfair as that seems for such amazing original and cutting edge artists like Nolan and Fincher, it's obvious that the fans and critics all hail them to be the winners.

Now moving on to the dresses. I do enjoy award shows because it's very interesting to see what the stars come up with that are both beautiful and still please the public.



So Elie Saab Haute Couture was going to be a sure presence at the Oscars. The collection was just one red carpet worthy dress after another. It was the lovely Mila Kunis who got to don the beautiful lavender number. She accessorized with a simple clutch, earrings, some bangles, and a ring. It was flawless and gorgeous, but I think I would have been rendered speechless had I not seen this dress prior to Mila wearing it.



Mandy Moore wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier dress. I've seen little of Mandy Moore since her A Walk to Remember days, but I have noticed that she's recently been popping up in some best dressed lists for her promotion for Tangled. This look was wonderful since she looked like a modern day princess (classic Mandy Moore look). I do have some complaints about her hair. It seems too neat that it leaves her shoulders bare. Also, I would have liked a different colored lipstick, but that's as extensive as my complaints go for this look. Everything else is wonderful!



If only I was half as fabulous as Hailee is when I was 14. Would you all go batshit if I said she designer this dress herself? Yes, she did. With the help of Marchesa, she wore her own design to the Oscars. I just. I can't process the fabulousness that is this little girl.



Amy Adams wore a dress by L'Wrenn Scott. Amy loves to sparkle (as seen during the Globes). She does beautifully so in this amazing blue dress. I just really do not like the accessories she wore it with. A black clutch would have been great. These emerald green jewels just throw off the whole look. It's still beautiful, nevertheless.



Probably one of the best dressed of the night was Cate Blanchett. Maybe it's because I have a bias for anything Givenchy, but it cannot be denied that this was an amazing look. As repulsed as I am by ball clusters, I think the beauty of the details makes up for it. I remember the moment I fell in love with the collection this dress came from. Cate was wise in choosing an avant garde couture gown that also pleases the public.



The amazing Michelle Williams, who I was rooting for to win Best Actress, wore a Chanel Couture gown. I didn't even realize this was Chanel because it looked different on the runway and, for the record, it looks much better on Michelle. Everything- the hair, the make-up, the dress, the jewelry- just work so perfectly. Michelle was definitely the most put together with no misplaced rings here and no mismatched clutch there. So elegant as always!

Well, that's it for the best dressed! I am still not over the loss of David Fincher (who I think is an absolute genius!) over Tom Hooper, but I have the company of the million other outraged fans. Any thoughts on best dressed? How about the winners/losers? xx