'Somewhere'

All i can say about Somewhere is that Sofia coppola is a genius. This film and indeed all her others represent the world in a beautiful way, no matter how painful it really is.

Somewhere her forth feature seems to be a more personal piece, lacking in any real narrative but allowing the audience to swim in the stunning visuals she gives to them. Coppola has a knack for being able to set up seemingly ordinary, everyday scenes, and turns them into a work of art. She takes a world as heartless and cruel as the Los Angeles celebrity vacuum and depicts it as sort of fairytale wonderland. Often heartwernching, the winner of the 2010 Best Picture award at the Venice Film Festival, is more visual than narrative. The first 10 or more minutes of the film is noticeably without dialogue and you instantly relate to the protagonists isolation from his surroundings and indeed himself. Stephen Dorff has been away from the screen for a few years, not exactly sure where he went but he play's Jonny Marco, an 'It' actor living at the Chateau Marmont a place synonymous with Hollywood debauchery. Jonny is surrounded by everybodys and nobodies and doesn't' really seem to care about anything. The only real depth you see from him is through his daughter Cleo played superbly by Elle Fanning (the girl is ridiculously beautiful at just 11 years old). Even then you see a distance between them due to circumstance and the world they live in. Though their journey throughout the film is playful and heartfelt in some ways, there is huge void between them that Coppola tries to close but which you know will remain open.

Sophia has a way of being able to make any environment look inviting, even LA and though there are shots of endless highways (perhaps a reflection of the main character) the lush green vistas and incredibly decadent lifestyle definitely makes you envious. To say what the film is 'about' would be quite hard as it isn't really about anything, it's more of a reflection of a life which perhaps the film maker herself can relate to. There is slight catharsis at the end of the film however you do leave the cinema with the longing felt throughout.

The film is beautiful and it's nice to be able to sit and appreciate Coppola's aesthetic for a few hours. My favourite scene involves a fun day out between Jonny and Cleo. They swim and eat and shop and in one instance they pat a little puppy to a backing track of Julian Casablancas' 'I'll try anything once". Seriously, there is nothing better than that!

Terry's World

Popular culture has a very love/hate relationship with Terry Richardson. The 45 year old photographer son of Bob Richardson, renowned fashion photographer, is also known for his fashion and editorial photographs usually containing nudity and a lot of sexual innuendo. Since I signed up to Google Analytics, the program that allows you to gage traffic on your blog, I noticed that I’ve received a spike in traffic all because of my post about the Pirelli calendar. No coincidence that all of a sudden, i have been receiving 30 hits a day the same time I posted pictures of naked girls. Part of me thinks my boyfriend is the one looking at the ladies but the other half of me is not surprised that this post in particular has garnered so much attention.

The images on the post that I like most and that I think stand out are the two that Richardson shot for the 2010 calendar. They are pretty gratuitous but I like them cause they are so obvious. There is no hidden message, no subtle suggestion just a picture of a nice ass in tight shorts. Richardson spawned the idea of 'Fashion Smut' (a term coined by myself whilst writing this) that led to the popularity of the Purple Journal publication and the more 'art' focused works of Jurgen Teller. Richardson cops a lot of shit, most recently for the spread he did of the kids from Glee in GQ and the allegations of him being a bit 'handsy' with models when they come to his studio.

Drama aside, I’m really fond of his aesthetic both in his personal works and the work he does for major fashion houses and magazine spreads. I love the washed out white backgrounds that make his subjects, whoever they are, quite arresting in their appearance. From Obama to James Franco in drag for Candy magazine to some random modal, his subjects are majestic, they have a sense of strength and a command over theirs and our sexuality (well, perhaps not Obama he just makes me want to high five him).

Ours is a world where sex sells, you see it in the way all those little pop teen tarts dress and by the spontaneous traffic on my blog. We can’t escape it cause we created it and there really is not point getting your knickers in a twist, instead, take your clothes off and let Terry take a photo of them;). Big and ridiculous statements aside, his photos are awesome, take a look at his blog, the images (in particular the ones with Terry and his subject usually flipping the camera off)are incredibly entertaining!

All images by Terry Richardson

Sophia

Image: Sophia Coppola on set, from Slachfilm.com

I'm really excited about seeing the new Sophia Coppola film "Somewhere"with my sister on Sunday. Apart from re-introducing Stephen Dorff back into the world (Sophia, I thank you) and casting the exquisite Elle Fanning (Dakotas' Sister) her films have always been truly amazing visual experiences and this is apparently no different.

Image: Elle Fanning and Stephen Dorff 'Somewhere', from Slachfilm.com

Debuting on the film scene in Godfather Part III did not do Sophia any acting favours however almost 10 years later, she had developed as a director and gave us The Virgin Suicides. This film is a harrowing and beautiful and her style was definitely apparent right from the beginning. Watching this and her other titles which include Lost In Translation and Marie Antoinette, you are transported into a dreamlike state where reality seems so far away and for 2 hours you can just be lost in her world.

Lost In Translation was poignant for the time and received wonderful feedback, Maria Antoinette had mixed reviews but spawned French Revolutions chic (and had an amazing soundtrack) and though Somewhere has not had an official release yet, critics are saying Oscar!

Here is a bit of a Sophia gallery;

Image: Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, Lost in translation, 2003

Image: Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette, 2006

Image: Scarlett's gorgeous behind, Lost In Translation, 2003

Image: Kirsten Dunst, The Virgin Suicides, 1999

Advanced Screenings of 'Somewhere' are at Nova Cinema in Carlton this weekend December 17th, 18th and 19th 2010

Revised Letter to Melbourne Weather

Well, It seems my rants have paid off. The weather this weekend really was sublime. I did the things I said I wanted to and for that Melbourne I say thanks. I got to lie in a park, I drank during the day, I basked and wore shorts and it was bliss so thank you Melbourne for turning it on.

Now I don't want to push my luck but it's Meredith Music Festival this weekend and instead of being like this;

as has been in the last few years, can you but more like this;

Thanks ever so!

PS: you're looking fabulous today!

An open letter to Melbourne Weather.

Dear Melbourne Weather

I just wanted to let you know that I'm having serious nostalgia for summer time.

Right now Melbourne, you are shitting me. It's the 2nd of December today, it's

summer and you're a miserable rainy mess and have been for a good month or more. This is what you are;

And this is what you should be;

I've been waiting and waiting for the weather to get even slightly better so I can stop wearing tights a boots and not have to worry about the fact that i've lost my umbrella. Right now, I've got a bad case of Summertime Blues and we all know that there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues especially since there appears to be no summer time what so ever!

Where are you sun? I want to walk around bare footed and have ice cream melt down my chin. I want sand in my hair from the beach and sweat dripping down the back of my legs. I WANT A TAN! I want to wear a t-shirt and no jacket and sun dresses and thongs but instead you rain and i have frizzy hair and a scowl on my face! Just so you know, next weekend is Meredith and if you rain (again) i'm gonna flip!

In conclusion, I love you Melbourne. Your city rocks, in particular when the sun is out. So c'mon, stop this nonsense and bring me a heat wave!

Sincerely Surly Leni

Pirelli Update

The 2011 Pirelli Calendar was launched in Moscow last night and was shot by celebrated designer and photography Karl Lagerfeld. Featuring a selection of the most coveted models including Anja Rubik, Abbey Lee Kershaw and Erin Wasson and surprisingly some boys, the calendar is sharp and classic. Shot in black and white, Lagerfeld's 'Mythology' calendar reflects Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, hero's and heroins. 15 female models and 5 males grace the pages of this truly beautiful publication. You are amazing Karl.

All image credits to Karl Lagerfeld, 2011

The Pirelli

I've always found it really strange that a tyre company is behind the worlds most enigmatic calendar. The Pirelli calendar was first published in 1964 and since then it has become a privilege for both the models (and some actresses) that appear on the pages, the photographers who are invited to shoot and the lucky few who score their very own copy.

Leave it to the Italians to produce a Calendar that has nothing to do with the brand it's aligned with (although sometimes there's a tyre in the photos) but instead celebrate the beautiful (and often naked) female form.

Over the years, photography greats such as Mario Testino, Annie Liebovitz, Demarchelier, Terry Richardson and Bruce Weber have shot such beauties as Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Monica Belluci, Penelope Cruz and Gisele Bundchen. The photos are stunning, sexy and tasteful (sometimes) and the annual launch commands as much media and excitement as any show at New York Fashion week. I just can't wait to see what Karl Lagerfeld will do with it in 2011.

If you're lucky enough to be on the mailing list, good on you. For the rest of us, thank god there's the internet. Here are some of my favourite photos from the history of Pirelli.

Image: Sophia Loren in the 2007 Pirelli calendar

Image: Penelope Cruz in the 2006 Pirelli calendar

Image: Cindy Crawford in the 1994 Pirelli calendar

And finally one featuring an actual tyre;

Image: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in the 2010 Pirelli calendar

Overload

Image: Dirty Dancy French VHS cover, ClonageDVD

The dirty dancing soundtrack was the one that melted in my walkman i think when i was about 9. It was my favourite movie and i LOVED Swayze (RIP) the soundtrack was even better, pretty sure my sister had the More Dirty Dancing Soundtrack too.

Anyway, obviously i'm not 9 anymore but the DD soundtrack is still very much a favourite of mine particularly at work. When things get a little rough, Karen who sits next to me, pumps 'Overload". It's pretty much the lamest song ever but it's pretty incredible at the same time.

So this morning I was in a FOUL mood, I mean horrible I want to rip someones head off moods. I got to work and the minute i opened my mouth i was bitching and moaning (apologies again to all involved). Then, someone put on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack and i was ok, after all 'big girls don't cry'!

So my advice is next time your in the worst mood in the work, listen to this soundtrack, it's sure to turn your frown upside down!

Wish List

Today is about clothes people, i am a girl after all. After a hugely busy week at work i've spent the last couple of hours looking online at pretty things I can't afford.

Online shopping has become increasingly popular with myself, my colleagues, friends and most of the general public who are basking in the rarity that is the AUD's strength against the US.

Here are a few of my favourite things, kind of like Oprah!

Ellery Arlus Jacket - The back of this is outstanding!

Since getting my Black Milk body suit, i'm kinda obsessed with them. The collection from We Are Handsome actually makes me tempted to spend almost $300 dollars on one.

We Are Handsome, The Bordeaux - LOVE all their prints

Topshop, PU Double zip shorts

I love Topshop and love even more that they deliver.

These are my two faves right now. Team the shorts with the body suite above and the jacket below and i got myself an freaking amazing outfit!

Topshop, Devoree textured Kimono

So yeah, these are my favourite things and Christmas is just around the corner so, you know, hint hint!!

'facebook me'

So I saw The Social Network on the weekend.

We went to MadMex for lunch (i had the naked burrito and tortilla chips, so good) and then played a bit of Big Buck Hunter over at Intensity (no joke, this actually happened AND some redneck came over to the BF and asked if he was a professional shooter, umm???).

Anyway, The Social Network (in case you've been living under a rock) is about Mark Zuckerberg who (in case you've been living under a rock) is the founder of facebook (i'm not going to do the rock thing again cause i'm pretty sure there's facebook there too!). Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, is an arrogant Harvard genius geek who is both cunning and incredibly awkward and right from the beginning you are made to feel slightly irked but his confidence yet feel compassion for what inevitably takes place. The film begins with him having a conversation with his girlfriend. It's one of those typical Ivy League set ups that makes you feel incredible self conscious that there are 18 years olds somewhere out there having conversations like the cast from The West Wing (incidentally on purpose, Aaron Sorkin, was the creator and writer for the West Wing Season 1-4 and was the screenwriter for this film) all quick witted and intelligent and shit.

Zuckerberg is a freak genius and Sorkin reveals this very early suggesting that despite what his competitors say, he was going to invent something that would change the world with or without the help of the people who inevitably take him to court. The opening scenes are intercut with scenes obviously taking place after the launch of facebook when Zuckerberg is caught up in two separate lawsuits. Along the way we see the breakdown of the friendship/partnership between Zuckerberg and his BFF Eduardo Saverin as well as a cameo by Napster founder Sean Parker (played by Justing Timberlake excuse me!!) who really encourages the spread of the site.

Progressing similar to most bio pics, the film maps the creation of the biggest thing in on line media that the world has ever seen, and it's quite fascinating to learn how the 6 year old company has developed to being worth 25 billion dollars, making Zuckerberg the youngest billionaire in the world. One of the lines that stood out to me was 'they don't have roads in Bosnia but they have facebook'. This is the ultimate message of the movie, communication has never been so important, accessible and addictive as it is today and it's only going to get bigger with the newly unveiled plans to develop facebook email set to completely scare the pants off competitors.

I really liked this films for it's pace, it's narrative, the script and character development and for Justin Timberlake who, in his first sceen, i didn't even recognise. Eisenberg is awesome as usual and I think his baby face encourages more compassion towards Zuckerberg then perhaps is really appropriate. All in all, it's great and the posters are awesome. They are designed by the amazing poster designer Neil Kellerhouse. So next weekend while everyone is seeing Harry Potter, oh, sorry HP7 which it is now officially called, go have some mexican food, play a bit of the Big Buck and check out The Social Network.

I'll buy anything if it looks pretty

I like tea, usually peppermint and usually when i've eaten too much. I have never really been into the loose leaf variety cause i'm pretty lazy and even though i've got a million of those mugs with the removable tea leaf strainer thing, even that to me seem way too hard. Those amazing people over at Breville however have come up with the coolest freakin kettle ever, EVER! The Automatic Tea Maker and Kettle is designed for all those lazy bastards out there like me who just want a nice cup of tea, but can't be bothered to make it. Take a look at the website and watch the little promo videos. Trust me, you too will think that 300 bucks is reasonable after seeing what it can do!

Christmas is on the way bitches!

This is a few years old but honestly, it's one of the funniest things i have ever read. I found 'It's decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers' by Colin Nissan in McSweeney's Internet Tendency. So since Christmas is around the corner and plastic decorations will soon be in our faces, have a read and get inspired to fuck this festive season up with bonbons and tinsel and shit!

HoHoHo muthafuckers!

Brambilla

Ok so we are all familiar with the amazing video for 'Power' by Kanye and if you're not, shame, take a look here. The clip was created by Marco Brambilla who's a pretty amazing multimedia artist. He was responsible for this amazing installation in the lift at the Standard hotel in LA that takes you from Hell (ground floor) to Heaven (Penthouse). PLEASE do yourself and favour and watch it here, brilliant!

Image: Still from 'Civilisation' by Marco Brambilla

Time for a Change

I haven’t blogged for a while, mostly cause I took a ‘leave of absence’ from uni and didn’t feel very inspired to write about anything. That is of course till I had my usual ‘fuck what am I doing with my life’ panic which usually results in me starting yet another university course. However since my hecs bill is well above 60000 grand, I’m instead going to write about all of the incredible creative things and people I’m exposed to (but not in a pants down kind of way) as part of my job. Working for one of the countries most renowned creative events has it’s perks (free food and booze) in that I hear about talented individuals, incredibly cool gadgets and mind blowing experiences I probably wouldn’t have discovered on my own. So as a disclaimed for my new look blog, I’m taking away the black background and sharing what I think is some really fucking cool stuff! I’ll still probably bitch about the media too!

Lessons Learned

I have been having nostalgia overload of late.

I think it started when I watched an episode of The Cosby Show at my parents place. It was the one when they turn the Huxtable residence into an apartment building to teach Theo a lesson about life, anyway it’s really funny and one of the only ones I remember really well. Since then I have been thrust back in time on a number of occasions; Full House is back on telly, Shaggy played Oh Carolina and Mr Boombastic at Raggamuffin (why I was there is irrelevant!) and sunny boys are back!! This, along with the hideously early 90s haircuts and shorts I’m seeing around Melbourne has made me considering my childhood. It might be the fact that it’s my 10 year high school reunion this year, or it could be that I have realised it's probably about time i started doing grown up things like being responsible (sigh*). Whatever the reason, Nostalgia is a bitch. Sometimes, like right now for instance, it holds you and doesn’t let go, forcing you to recall that crush you had on Michael J Fox and how awesome Sunny Boys were in primary school but that are actually not that great now. Apparently nothing looks or tastes quite the same.

So what does it mean? As you get older is everything shit? Is nothing actually as good as we thought it was? The older you get the more jaded you become?

I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll keep you posted as (like Theo here) I ponder the thought.