Into the Wild

Into The Wild is a staple and essential in my family. Growing up in the mountains and backpacking I have always had a special appreciation for the story of Christopher McCandless. Written by Jon Krakauer this nonfiction book is a quick and easy read that documents his adventures and life. The movie was made in 2007 and directed by Sean Penn who also wrote the screen play. I can’t put to words how much I enjoy this movie… so I will not even try. The entire soundtrack was done by Eddie Vedder, which you may or may not know as the guitarist and lead singer of Pearl Jam. The song “Guaranteed” won Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards… LOVE LOVE LOVE is all I can say. Brace yourself because most people find this movie really really somber – I don’t though!

Darjeeling Limited

Wes Anderson is an American film director, writer, and producer. Anderson directed the dramatic comedy Darjeeling Limited. The cinemotography, themes, and soundtrack are all brilliant. This movie is about three brothers who travel india as they are grieving their fathers death. Themes of forbidden love, family dynamics, parental abandonment, and grief are prominent throughout the movie. The soundtrack great as well featuring songs primarily by The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and Peter Sarstedt. Ryan tells me all of the suits worn in the movie are designed by Marc Jacobs for Louie Vuitton and that the Luggage they carry is vintage Louie :) Something cool that you may not know is that the sets for Wes Anderson’s films are designed by his brother. He also uses the same actors and crew for all of his movies… he uses the Wilson brothers, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, Jason Schwartzman, to name a few. The more I watch it the more I love it… Anderson’s dry humor and attention to detail is discerning.

Across The Universe – I’ve Just Seen a Face

I put this up because it captivates me! I love the Beatles… Across the Universe was released in 2007 and was directed by Julie Taymor. I think it is incredibly creative… it is a musical though- so be warned!

Rear Window – Alfred Hitchcock

My mom raised Lacey and me in the 60′s… seriously. I don’t remember watching any movies from my childhood that didn’t star Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, Hailey Mills, etc. Gidget Goes Hawiian and Some Like it Hot were our regulars hahahah… We watched every Alfred Hitchcock movie… and Rear Window happens to be my favorite. Rear Window was directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1954 and is based on a short story by Cornell Woolrich’s. Besides being a really fun story line… I also love Grace Kelly (princess of Monaco – see pic of the palace below from our Eurotrash 2k7 trip – HI KATE!) who stars alongside James Stewart in this romantic suspense movie… Most of the movie is about spying from one apartment to another and witnessing a potential murder… Because this movie was filmed before the special effects we have today were available… Hitchcock prefilmed scenes for each apartment and then built a miniature set of the apartment being “spied on” with television hidden behind each apartment’s window. (sorry this is complicated to explain!!! but it’s awesome- I saw the set at universal studios when I was a kid and still remember it!) SO back to it… the televisions played all at the same time so it appears that you are actually watching all of these events happen simultaneously when in fact they were all pre-filmed.

City of God

City of God which was translated from the portuguese title Cidade de Deus is Brazilian drama film that was directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund in 2002. It was released in the states in 2003- the entire movie is in subtitles. The movie is based on The book Cidade de Deus written by Paulo Lins, that was published in the late 90s. The movie touches on hard issues including drugs, violence, crime, and living in the unforgiving slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (debatably the most dangerous city in the world). City of God won forty eight awards and was nominated for twenty one others… including winning four Academy Awards. The cinematography and story are exceptional. Literally there are scenes that give me goose-bumps! Because of it’s dark and heavy subject matter there are times where it is more than difficult to watch.

Steven Meisel

My boss sent me this link to look at – absolutely hilarious… and it is not a joke. The 80′s in the photography industry were a crazy mess… and this is the best evidence. Steven Meisel is a world famous American photographer… he has has shot campaigns for Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Calvin Klein.

Peter Lindbergh

http://www.peterlindbergh.com

Peter Lindbergh is a famous photographer and commercial director. He was born in East Germany in 1944. He has been published in literally every fashion magazine possible including Vogue, W, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone… and the list goes on and on. Lindbergh’s more recent works mirror contemporary life… his photographs really capture reality. One super interesting fact about Peter Lindbergh is that he didn’t start taking pictures until he was 27!!! I particularly admire his photographs for David Yurman (see above).

Death at a Funeral

Death at a Funeral is directed Frank Oz. It is hilarious. It is about this British family whose dad dies. Everyone comes together for the funeral… and things get really crazy. At the funeral psychedelic drugs are accidently ingested, a midget is held hostage, and people are running around naked. It is out of control in the best way. It is slow to start and takes like 30 minutes to get into.

Almost Famous

I just love it.

Little Miss Sunshine