Mr. Peacock saw Whip It last Saturday at a barely half-full showing—everyone was at Zombieland. You already know I like Drew Barrymore, but I wasn't sure how she'd be as a director. I liked Whip It, and wasn't disappointed—go see it and tell me what you think.
The casting is spot on—Juliette Lewis, Jimmie Fallon, Drew Barrymore, Eve, Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Marcia Gay Harden (she's always great) and Ellen Page (go Babe Ruthless). I've liked Ellen Page since I saw her in that disturbing film Hard Candy. She's perfect in this teen role, and it's different than her teenage character in Juno.
[download][download]
The movie is sweet, funny and inspiring. The message of the film is "accept and support your kids for who they are." Yes, it's a teenage coming of age film, but the happy ending doesn't mean you come in 1st place—you can come in 2nd place and still be a winner. Thanks Drew Barrymore!
Showing posts with label Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Film. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sleeper Style—Woody Allen
When I was a kid, my family would frequently go to an Italian restaurant owned by a friend of my dad’s. It was in the mountains in an area called Genesee Park, not far from our house—maybe a 20 minute drive.
On the drive there, I would always daydream in the back seat as we drove past the grazing Bison in Genesee Park (above)...
...and the Sculptured House nestled high atop Genesee Mountain.
The Sculptured House looked like a giant clamshell hiding in the evergreen trees. I would always imagine who lived there, and what the interiors looked like...and that I lived there.
The Sculptured House was originally built in 1963, and almost went into foreclosure this past month.
Woody Allen used the house in his 1973 movie, Sleeper
He filmed Sleeper entirely on location in the Denver, Colorado area. The title is in reference to the classic science fiction novel science fiction novel The Sleeper Wakes by H. G. Wells—which deals with a man in suspended animation who awakens in a dictatorial future against which he rebels.
Sleeper is a futuristic science fiction comedy about a nerdy Manhattan jazz musician and health-food storeowner, Miles Monroe (Woody Allen), who is cryogenically frozen without his consent, and revived 200 years later.
It is all part of a plan called the “Aries Project” to use Miles as a spy to infiltrate and over throw the dictator. The authorities of this police state discover the plan and want to kill Miles.
Miles escapes by disguising himself as a robot (above) and goes to work as a butler in the house (the Sculptured House) of socialite Luna Schlosser (Diane Keaton). Luna decides to have her robot’s head replaced with something more “aesthetically pleasing” and it forces Miles to reveal his true identity.
As an adult, I appreciate and like the humor of Mr. Allen, but as a kid I didn’t understand the jokes. But it was fun seeing my childhood church used as a futuristic McDonalds in the film (above).
I’m not sure who the architect was of my church, but I know skateboarders liked to ride the roof.
You don’t have to be asleep for 200 hundred years to own your own tuxedo!
Click image to enlarge.
1) This slim fit ten-pleat white tux shirt is a classic, and would look just as good with a tux as it would worn casually with your favorite jeans.
2) Every gentleman peacock should own a tuxedo at some point in his life. You won’t look like a robotic butler in this dapper 2-button tuxedo with peaked lapels.
3) Woody Allen has his trademark “nerd” glasses. You can have your own trademark specs too—these chic 2-tone glasses are far from nerdy, but would standout from the crowd.
4) You’ll always know the date and time with this sleek futuristic Microtimer watch.
5) A classic black silk bow tie is timeless!
In Sleeper, Luna’s house (the Sculptured House) was decked out in white, but Mr. Peacock thinks a black sofa would be more practical.
Click image to enlarge.
1) This white-on-white pendulum clock, sans numbers, reminds me of a full moon with numbers. The modern green “pendulum” hypnotically sways back and forth.
2) Six lights, on a diffuser, fill this organic shaped Atomium suspension light—it looks vintage and modern at the same time.
3) Free-form shapes create this On the Rocks sofa in black. It would be perfect for lounging on—now or in the future.
4) This Alexander Girard reproduction Moon Pillow, homage to the USA space exploration circa 1972, is also Mr. Peacock’s homage to Sleeper’s Luna.
5) Chrome and Carrara style marble are a timeless combination, and this round marble coffee table would look great with a modern or traditional interior.
If you’ve never seen Sleeper, or just haven’t watched it in a long time—Netflix it today. There are many classic “Woody Allen” scenes in Sleeper including the scene with the "orgasmatron," an enclosed closet that induces instantaneous orgasms at Luna’s house party.
Above: Mr. Peacock loves this reproduction French poster of Sleeper.
Maybe Apple will develop an iGasm to rival Woody Allen's imagined orgasmatron? What’s your favorite Woody Allen movie?
On the drive there, I would always daydream in the back seat as we drove past the grazing Bison in Genesee Park (above)...
...and the Sculptured House nestled high atop Genesee Mountain.
The Sculptured House looked like a giant clamshell hiding in the evergreen trees. I would always imagine who lived there, and what the interiors looked like...and that I lived there.
The Sculptured House was originally built in 1963, and almost went into foreclosure this past month.Woody Allen used the house in his 1973 movie, Sleeper
He filmed Sleeper entirely on location in the Denver, Colorado area. The title is in reference to the classic science fiction novel science fiction novel The Sleeper Wakes by H. G. Wells—which deals with a man in suspended animation who awakens in a dictatorial future against which he rebels.Sleeper is a futuristic science fiction comedy about a nerdy Manhattan jazz musician and health-food storeowner, Miles Monroe (Woody Allen), who is cryogenically frozen without his consent, and revived 200 years later.
It is all part of a plan called the “Aries Project” to use Miles as a spy to infiltrate and over throw the dictator. The authorities of this police state discover the plan and want to kill Miles.
Miles escapes by disguising himself as a robot (above) and goes to work as a butler in the house (the Sculptured House) of socialite Luna Schlosser (Diane Keaton). Luna decides to have her robot’s head replaced with something more “aesthetically pleasing” and it forces Miles to reveal his true identity.
As an adult, I appreciate and like the humor of Mr. Allen, but as a kid I didn’t understand the jokes. But it was fun seeing my childhood church used as a futuristic McDonalds in the film (above).
I’m not sure who the architect was of my church, but I know skateboarders liked to ride the roof.You don’t have to be asleep for 200 hundred years to own your own tuxedo!
Click image to enlarge.1) This slim fit ten-pleat white tux shirt is a classic, and would look just as good with a tux as it would worn casually with your favorite jeans.
2) Every gentleman peacock should own a tuxedo at some point in his life. You won’t look like a robotic butler in this dapper 2-button tuxedo with peaked lapels.
3) Woody Allen has his trademark “nerd” glasses. You can have your own trademark specs too—these chic 2-tone glasses are far from nerdy, but would standout from the crowd.
4) You’ll always know the date and time with this sleek futuristic Microtimer watch.
5) A classic black silk bow tie is timeless!
In Sleeper, Luna’s house (the Sculptured House) was decked out in white, but Mr. Peacock thinks a black sofa would be more practical.
Click image to enlarge.1) This white-on-white pendulum clock, sans numbers, reminds me of a full moon with numbers. The modern green “pendulum” hypnotically sways back and forth.
2) Six lights, on a diffuser, fill this organic shaped Atomium suspension light—it looks vintage and modern at the same time.
3) Free-form shapes create this On the Rocks sofa in black. It would be perfect for lounging on—now or in the future.
4) This Alexander Girard reproduction Moon Pillow, homage to the USA space exploration circa 1972, is also Mr. Peacock’s homage to Sleeper’s Luna.
5) Chrome and Carrara style marble are a timeless combination, and this round marble coffee table would look great with a modern or traditional interior.
If you’ve never seen Sleeper, or just haven’t watched it in a long time—Netflix it today. There are many classic “Woody Allen” scenes in Sleeper including the scene with the "orgasmatron," an enclosed closet that induces instantaneous orgasms at Luna’s house party.
Above: Mr. Peacock loves this reproduction French poster of Sleeper.Maybe Apple will develop an iGasm to rival Woody Allen's imagined orgasmatron? What’s your favorite Woody Allen movie?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sherlock Holmes Style
It’s Mr. Peacock’s birthday this week—so I will be posting items with Gemini connections.
Happy belated birthday to Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle aka Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (above and below), author of the Sherlock Holmes novels. This Gemini peacock was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Peacock loves his impeccably waxed bushy 'stache.
Above: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his home c. 1912, and in Paris in 1925.
Mr. Peacock has always been fond of the Sherlock Holmes character in books, films, et all. It doesn’t matter to me who’s portraying the drug addicted sleuth in television or film adaptations, as long as the director keeps the mystery on edge—and the costumes are on the mark.
In anticipation of the Sherlock Holmes film (above) with Jude Law (Dr. Watson) and Robert Downey Jr. (Mr. Holmes)—Mr. Peacock ponders what a modern “Sherlock Holmes” gentleman wardrobe would look like today?
A Modern Sherlock Gentleman click image to enlarge
1) A cotton trench coat—with a modern cut, an essential for any gentleman peacock
2) Regimental striped ascot—also keeps your collar clean
3) Grey plaid duckbill hat
4) Military inspired watch, with a leather triple wrap band
5) Dunhill Dragoon Pipe, made of amber root
6) Cotton canvas shoes, with leather trim
7) Grey glen plaid 100% linen trousers
3) Green leather driving gloves
Above: Basil Rathbone (30’s and 40’s)—also a Gemini, June 13th!
A Sleuth’s Chic Study click image to enlarge
1) Tudor curio cabinet—to keep all of your research materials (by Jaime Hayon)
2) Copper pendant lighting
3) Canopy chair, with hand carved Alder frame
4) Recycled leather belt flooring
5) A parchment covered, dining table—used as a desk
6) A secret "book" box to keep all of your illicit goodies
Above: Peter Cushing (50’s and 60’s)—another Gemini, May 26th; Douglas Wilmer (60’s and 70’s)
A 21st Century Dr. Watson click image to enlarge
1) Straw derby hat
2) Charm necklace—souvenirs from previous cases?
3) A trusty mustache comb for tidy grooming
4) Indigo striped denim jacket, with leather buckle at the collar
5) Handmade large leather doctor bag
6) Suede monk strap oxford, with a rubber sole
7) Slim safari green chinos in a blend of linen and cotton
Here’s the trailer for the Guy Ritchie directed Sherlock Holmes film—set to open in theaters in December. I’m not sure if I’m more excited that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Mr. Holmes, or that Jude Law is playing Dr. Watson? The costumes appear to be a visual treat.
Above: Jeremy Brett (80’s and 90’s)
The Sherlock Holmes Society of London recently made a memorial pilgrimage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s grave. And here’s a link to the official website of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Literary Estate.
Above: Even Leonard Nimoy is a fan of Sherlock!
What’s your favorite Sherlock Holmes novel or trivia?
Happy belated birthday to Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle aka Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (above and below), author of the Sherlock Holmes novels. This Gemini peacock was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Peacock loves his impeccably waxed bushy 'stache.
Above: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his home c. 1912, and in Paris in 1925.Mr. Peacock has always been fond of the Sherlock Holmes character in books, films, et all. It doesn’t matter to me who’s portraying the drug addicted sleuth in television or film adaptations, as long as the director keeps the mystery on edge—and the costumes are on the mark.
In anticipation of the Sherlock Holmes film (above) with Jude Law (Dr. Watson) and Robert Downey Jr. (Mr. Holmes)—Mr. Peacock ponders what a modern “Sherlock Holmes” gentleman wardrobe would look like today?
A Modern Sherlock Gentleman click image to enlarge1) A cotton trench coat—with a modern cut, an essential for any gentleman peacock
2) Regimental striped ascot—also keeps your collar clean
3) Grey plaid duckbill hat
4) Military inspired watch, with a leather triple wrap band
5) Dunhill Dragoon Pipe, made of amber root
6) Cotton canvas shoes, with leather trim
7) Grey glen plaid 100% linen trousers
3) Green leather driving gloves
Above: Basil Rathbone (30’s and 40’s)—also a Gemini, June 13th!
A Sleuth’s Chic Study click image to enlarge1) Tudor curio cabinet—to keep all of your research materials (by Jaime Hayon)
2) Copper pendant lighting
3) Canopy chair, with hand carved Alder frame
4) Recycled leather belt flooring
5) A parchment covered, dining table—used as a desk
6) A secret "book" box to keep all of your illicit goodies
Above: Peter Cushing (50’s and 60’s)—another Gemini, May 26th; Douglas Wilmer (60’s and 70’s)
A 21st Century Dr. Watson click image to enlarge1) Straw derby hat
2) Charm necklace—souvenirs from previous cases?
3) A trusty mustache comb for tidy grooming
4) Indigo striped denim jacket, with leather buckle at the collar
5) Handmade large leather doctor bag
6) Suede monk strap oxford, with a rubber sole
7) Slim safari green chinos in a blend of linen and cotton
Here’s the trailer for the Guy Ritchie directed Sherlock Holmes film—set to open in theaters in December. I’m not sure if I’m more excited that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Mr. Holmes, or that Jude Law is playing Dr. Watson? The costumes appear to be a visual treat.
Above: Jeremy Brett (80’s and 90’s)The Sherlock Holmes Society of London recently made a memorial pilgrimage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s grave. And here’s a link to the official website of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Literary Estate.
Above: Even Leonard Nimoy is a fan of Sherlock!What’s your favorite Sherlock Holmes novel or trivia?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Revamped Grey Gardens Online Site
If you watched the HBO dramatization of Grey Gardens and are hungry for more trivia and factoids about the Beale ladies, then be sure to check out the newly revamped Grey Gardens Online website. You'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about Grey Gardens. "We hope to reach even more fans, and we will strive to improve upon it along the way," says website co-creator, Beau Kelley. Mr. Peacock loves perusing the section "memorabealia." Julia Kelly concurs, "Grey Gardens Online is our way of paying tribute to the Beales, while celebrating these unique women in a fun and informative way."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Grey Gardens—True Glamour Never Fades
Mr. Peacock saw a preview showing, last night, of the new HBO dramatization of Grey Gardens—True Glamour Never Fades (Thanks Doug!) This dramatization, by HBO Films and directed by Michael Sucsy, tells the story of Edith “Big Edie” Ewing Bouvier Beale (Jessica Lange) and her daughter Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale (Drew Barrymore)—the aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.Mind you, Mr. Peacock has always had an obsession with the ladies of Grey Gardens, but I had serious trepidations about this HBO project when I heard Drew Barrymore was cast as Little Edie—could she pull it off? Don’t get me wrong, I love Drew, but she’s played the same character film after film. Well I have to say, I was blown away by her performance in this touching and poignant dramatization of Grey Gardens. Bravo Drew!
It took a few minutes for me to believe that she was Little Edie, but then it just clicked—the accent, the mannerisms, the alopisha, everything. Of course, Jessica Lange’s performance was sublime as Big Edie. I was also anxious to see Jeanne Tripplehorn’s performance as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was good, but her portrayal didn’t wow me.
This HBO story weaves flashbacks of Big Edie and Little Edie, starting in 1936, with the Maysles Brother’s filming their documentary (which inspired this film and the Broadway show) at Grey Gardens.
The sets, costumes, and aging make-up were brilliant. Drew’s make-up as Little Edie was so precise, right down to the freckles and little teeth. The flashback scenes to the 1930’s had wonderful set decoration and beautiful costumes. Above: The original trailer for the Maysles Brother's 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens.
Overall, Grey Gardens—True Glamour Never Fades, was fantastic. If you have HBO, don’t miss it this Saturday night, and if you don’t have HBO, find a friend that does—but don’t miss it. Check out the Grey Gardens fan site here. And by all means, if you haven’t seen the Maysles Brother’s cult classic,1975 documentary, Grey Gardens, Netflix it right now! Has anyone seen The Beales of Grey Gardens?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Derek Jarman—Bohemian Auteur
Derek Jarman was an unconventional artist, writer, film maker, activist and gardener who passed away 15 years ago, this month, at age 52. This edgy and bohemian peacock was a key player in Britian’s alternative arts scene and led his life with courage and grace. The strong erotic, religious, iconoclastic, and anarchistic overtones of his work frequently shook the establishment. This peacock approached his artistic vision like it was a spiritual pursuit—fueled by cigarettes, vodka on ice, and an occasional hit of Ecstacy or acid.
Above left to right: Derek Jarman in the early 80's and in the 90's.He was a self professed “auteur and oddball” who refused knighthood from Margaret Thatcher’s government because of the controversial Section 28. Mr. Jarman publicly disclosed his HIV+ status in 1986 and was one of the rare few, at that time, who talked openly about their experiences of HIV and AIDS.
Mr. Jarman's films include (clockwise from above right): Caravaggio, Sebastiane, and Wittgenstein.He originally studied painting and then became a set designer, which led him to make his own films. Mr. Jarman left a substantial body of experimental independent work that includes: Sebastiane (1976), Jubilee (1979), Caravaggio (1986), Wittgenstein (1993), Blue (1994), and Mr. Peacock’s favorite, Edward II (1992)— which has a cameo with Annie Lennox. Click here for a complete Derek Jarman filmography.
The Queen is Dead video Mr. Jarman directed for The Smiths in 1986.
Mr. Jarman felt that he “found his voice in the 1980’s” and a way of working that expressed his creativity and artistic vision. He directed many iconic music videos for Throbbing Gristle, The Smiths and The Pet Shop Boys.
Mr. Jarman thought the Pet Shop Boys video, It’s a Sin, was one of the best things he’d ever done.
Mr. Jarman’s garden in Dungeness is not open to the public, however, it’s been besieged by thousands of fans each year, since his death, who come to view it's bleak beauty. The video (above) was made by two Derek Jarman fans who filmed their pilgrimage to Prospect Cottage, and added the soundtrack, "I Walk in This Garden," words by Derek Jarman and hauntingly sung by Donna McKevitt.
In his last years, Mr. Jarman lived and worked at Prospect Cottage, next to a nuclear power plant in Dungeness, England. He saw his first movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” when he was a small child and it frightened him immensely. Mr. Jarman compared his cottage at Dungeness to Dorthy’s house in “The Wizard of Oz” and the power plant to the Emerald City.
At the cottage, Derek Jarman created his own mythology with his unusual garden landscapes. Mr. Peacock adores the exterior color palette of the cottage, black with yellow trim, against the colors and textures of his windswept garden. 
For Burberry’s Spring 2009 Menswear Collection (above), English fashion designer, Christopher Bailey, imagined what Derek Jarman would have worn while he was gardening at Dungeness. The dour color palette of this collection is also inspired by the tones of Jarman’s windswept garden and includes: moss, stone, peat, bark. And of course the collection included variations of the floppy Panama hat worn by Mr. Jarman.
In 1991, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence canonized Derek Jarman as St. Derek of Dungeness of the Order of Celluloid Knights. His friends included the artist and peacock David Hockney, artist Robert Mapplethorpe, designer Ossie Clark, actor Tilda Swinton and Julian Sands, and many other members of the creative avante-garde. Tilda Swinton wrote, narrated and coproduced the recent documentary, Derek, which is a loving tribute to her friend and mentor. There are also many great books about Derek Jarman's life, artwork, films, and of course is eponymous garden. Mr. Peacock salutes Mr. Jarman for his artwork, courage, uncompromising life and continued inspiration. Thank you Derek Jarman!
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