Gonzo About Style

One.

2012-01-31T18:25:00.003+01:00

With the uncountable great movies out there, it is always very hard for me to name those few that would qualify as my "favorites". I don't believe in naming only one -after all, it would be, quite simply, impossible. But maybe I could name, say, those five that are on top of my list. And the thing is, I love them all for different reasons.

There is one I do not watch too often but admire for all the emotions it contains, expresses and makes me feel: Last Tango in Paris. Sometimes it makes me smile, other times it makes me sad, and then it makes me think and later, excited - all this in a little more than two hours. Then, after the very last scene, there is that unexplicable silence when I still can't let go of the film's mood, when I don't really think about anything, I don't really feel anything, I just stay there, in front of the screen, absorbing and enjoying the experience. I know I saw a good movie when I want to conserve its ambient (I usually wait until the very end of the closing credits in these occasions).

With The Godfather, an obvious one to make the list, I just can't get over the fact how perfect it is. I must have seen it at least a 100 times (no kidding) and there are still newthings to discover. Then comes The Adventures of Picasso, also a film that I have seen many, many times and that always has a little surprise for me. Girl on the Bridge is one of the most beautiful motion pictures I have ever seen, with an extraordinary story and unforgettable music.

However, there is one movie I probably adore a little bit more than the others: The Man Who Wasn't There. I first saw it many years ago on tv and it was love at first sight. If you read this blog, you might as well know how crazy I am about the Coen brothers.Well, it all started with this one. Aside from representing pure perfection in every aspect and being one of the reasons I love cinema and wish to one day have something to do with it professionally, what makes me have stronger feelings for this one is the leading character, Ed Crane. Brought to life by an impeccable Billy Bob Thornton, this barber is, for me, the unsurpassable, the best, the most important movie personality I have ever had the luck to "know". If I had to choose which fictional character I would like to meet, I would not hesitate to name Mr. Crane. Of course I can't say it's because we would have so much to talk about - none of us is a man/woman of words - but I would enjoy sitting in silence with him more than anything.

Also, The Man Who Wasn't There is, from start to end (and by end, I mean the lastminute of the closing credits), like a symphony. Better said, it's like the combination of a beautiful poem and an amazing painting, with words so perfectly formed and images so astonishing that the result is mesmerizing. Whenever I watch this movie, I feel like I just can't look away. It's like being part of magic, the manifestation of something truly supernatural and sublime.

The therapy and the masterpiece.

2012-01-22T14:34:00.003+01:00

I think there is no question about it that R.E.M. is (was) one of the most important performers of the last 30 years. Many of us grew up on their music, loved it and respected it and still get excited when one of their songs are on the radio. Also, they are the ones who gave the world Losing My Religion, a song that not only made them crazy famous at the time but that wrote their name in music history. It might be a cliché to say this is one of my favourite R.E.M. songs ever, but let's face the undeniable: this song, with its brilliant lyrics, eats-itself-under-your-skin sound and amazing video, is perfect.

There are a lot of love songs out there, many of them are about obsession, but none of them describes them the way Losing My Religion does. All that pain, all that longing, all that madness and all those doubts are compiled and densified in this work of art of less than five minutes. No words or explications are needed after listening to Losing My Religion. No need for other love songs that makes you feel they're about you. Everything that has to be said is said in this song and all you can do is listen to it, admire it, maybe cry a little, then get yourself together and try to move on. Perfection.

Magic 13th.

2012-01-13T22:10:00.008+01:00

Although I am not a science fiction fan, there are some movies of this genre I admire and watch over and over again. One of my favourites is The Thirteenth Floor and I can't understand why it's not a more popular film.

Had it been made with more famous people, it could have become one of the most important Sci-Fis of the turn of the century but for some reason it didn't (I guess the fact that it came out the same year as The Matrix didn't help either).

The Thirteenth Floor has it all: mystery, drama, action and an incredibly interesting story. It raises ethical questions and is extremely entertaining, intriguing and exciting from the first minute to the last.

Filled with beautiful pictures of past, present and future (being the old-fashioned person that I am, I obviously love the 30s scenes the most) and a brilliant idea, it almost makes me pissed at how overlooked this movie is. So the actors are not A-list stars. But do we really need them? The Thirteenth Floor is perfect without them as well. Maybe even better.

It really would have deserved more than what it got - the sad example of how the Hollywood system fails again and again because it only has eyes for money and the stars.

The British Trio.

2012-01-08T16:51:00.005+01:00

More and more filmmakers turn to modern British legends when it comes to finding inspiration and so far the results have been more than brilliant. Three movies and three remarkable performances started this new era of - hopefully - quality historic biopics. The leading actors of the first two already won the most important award of their profession and now all eyes are on Ms. Streep as she gets closer and closer to her 17th nomination.

1. The Queen was first in the line. With Helen Mirren's breathtaking acting, this movie managed to show the humane side of a woman so much criticized for not showing her emotions, especially following the death of her ex-daughter-in-law and mother of the future king of Great Britain. However, the film does not try to make you like Queen Elizabeth II more (or less); it tries to be objective, while reminding us all that no situation or person is ever black or white.

2. The King's Speech tells the story of another extremely famous and talked about event of the Royal Family: the abdication of Edward VIII and, most importantly, the battle his brother, now known as King George VI, to overcome his stammer and become the king his country needed: a leader who can speak to his people and can unite and comfort them during the time of war. Once again, Colin Firth is impeccable as the man who had an unwanted date with destiny and became more than he could have ever imagined.

3. The Iron Lady was one of the most anticipated movies of the year and for good reason: Meryl Streep (the only one of the three who is not British) is mesmerizing as Margaret Thatcher (then again, when is she not mesmerizing?) and depicts the life of a great woman who refused to be just another housewife and became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her performance is sometimes shocking, other times witty and always majestic - if she does not win an Academy Award for this one, I will lose all my faith in the Academy.

Although it is obvious that the success and greatness of these works of art lies in the talent and devotion of their writers, directors and protagonists, we should not forget the amazing contribution of the supporting artists either - James Cromwell, Michael Sheen, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce and Jim Broadbent, to name the most important ones.

Elvis and the parents.

2012-01-06T13:39:00.002+01:00

I fell in love with Elvis Presley's music back in 1997 when there was an Elvis marathon on the radio commemorating his death. Ever since I've been a fan, even if in this case it "only" means I just love listening to his tender voice and sometimes beautiful, other times energetic but always great songs.

However, being born decades after he rose to fame, I never really understood why parents didn't like him, why they thought his music was so sexual and damaging to their adolescent children. That is, until I heard his version of "My Babe" a few years ago. This song, written by Willie Dixon, first released in 1955 and then recorded by Elvis as a live cover in 1969, is filled with sexual energy, not really because of the simple lyrics but the way he performed it.

The original version, sung by Little Walter is less dynamic, less erotic and the lines themselves are given more importance than in the Elvis cover. Presley took the song and transformed it - Little Walter's was a rather innocent recording while the lyrics in the version Elvis performed are, at one point, hardly comprehensible due to his groans. Add to this his signature moves on the stage and the undeniably omnipresent energy and you can perfectly understand exactly what the aforementioned parents' problem was with one of music's greatest icons. Needless to say, it only makes it all the more interesting and entertaining.

New year, new banner.

2012-01-01T16:47:00.004+01:00

~Happy New Year Everyone!~

As you can see, the blog now has a new banner. There is a line in one of my beloved songs that says "times change I change just like them". I started this blog nearly four years ago and many things have changed since then both in my life and here on Gonzo About Style as well.

I feel I have become more mature and my posts are a bit different now as well. However, I did like the old banner but I came to think that it might time to refresh it. The style and some of the artists are still the same but now I included those who were missing from the first one.

Of course after finishing it I realized how many of my sources of inspiration I had left out again - Vladimir Nabokov, William Blake, certain philosophers... But it would be a mission impossible to include each and every one of them.

I hope you like the new banner and that you'll come back time after time to read my posts... I promise there will be more of them than last year!

There is a first for everything.

2011-12-31T12:17:00.002+01:00

Although I am a great admirer of the Coen brothers and basically have seen everything they've written/directed, it was only today that I watched True Grit. The thing is, I don't like westerns and not even the strong belief that they could make something beautiful and entertaining in this genre could convince me that it was time for me to sit it through.

However, I was pleasantly disappointed - it not only is your "typical" Coen movie (and in their case, typical means impeccable acting paired with mesmerizing photography, brilliant directing and, of course, that signature wit) but I also happened to enjoy the story. I knew the script would be well-written (after all, it always is) but I never thought I would actually find it so exciting, especially because it is an adaptation.

Film makers like them are the reason I still have faith in modern cinema - they know special effects and cliché stories might be indispensable for blockbusters but their quality ingredients are a recipe for masterpiece. And that, my friends, is priceless.

My Hero.

2011-12-17T21:05:00.006+01:00

Finding Larry David and Seinfeld was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. Before them I had thought I stood alone as this socially awkward person who worries about and gets annoyed by things people consider "normal" and won't say anything about because that is what's expected from us.
What started with Seinfeld continued and was developed in Curb your enthusiasm. One of the taglines of the series says "Deep inside you know you're him" and frankly speaking I couldn't agree more.
There is not one day I don't encounter an irritating social situation that was analyzed in one of these series and most of the time I wish I had the guts to pull a Larry David. The man himself said that his character on the show is "[his] version of Superman. The character is really me, but I just couldn't possibly behave like that. If I had my druthers, that would be me all the time, but you can't do that."

So here he is, Larry David, my hero.

Two days in Paris.

2011-12-15T20:35:00.003+01:00

I have always found it quite annoying and hard to understand that everyone's obsessedly in love with Paris. Frankly speaking, I have never been a francophile and my visit to the City of Light left me unimpressed. Add my infitie love of neurotic characters and sense of humor to this disinterest and you'll understand why I found 2 Days in Paris so irresistible.

Written and directed by (and starring, of course) the almost-legendary Julie Delpy, at first glance it might seem your typical multilingual indie film but the thing is it is much more than that. Aside from being witty and lifelike, it actually is a beautiful movie filled with emotions we all know very well but presenting and analyzing them so truthfully and closely that the result is something very much like an eye-opening experience.
Adam Goldberg gives his very best and you can't help thinking about Woody Allen while watching him act. I wonder how long until he discovers him and Goldberg will pull a Woody Allen, instead of a Polanski...

The life-saver.

2011-12-10T19:40:00.002+01:00

There are certain songs that not only comfort you but give you strength and dare I say, save you when you're at your lowest. I know for many people this song is Sinatra's My Way but for me it is Neil Diamond's Solitary Man.
It reminds you that it doesn't matter how many loves you thought were right broke, you can always have the hope that the real thing will arrive one day. And until then, you can live and be happy as a solitary (wo)man...

Let there be light.

2011-12-07T21:30:00.004+01:00

I know a lot of people are anti-Christmas when it comes to the commercial part of it, but I have to admit I kind of like it because it helps me get in the mood and somehow I was never one of those who gets stressed when seeing all the Christmas stuff in stores. Of course there are several things I can not stand either - the Christmas songs are the first ones on my hate-list and I also have difficulties with handling the crowd but my two favourite indispensable Christmas elements make up for it big time: Christmas lights and coconut turrón (which is basically a huge block of coconut with some sugar... and some dark chocolate if you're lucky!).
I really love Christmas lights in Madrid, especially when they are not that obviously for the holiday... for example the ones near my home:

The song of a generation.

2011-11-26T11:50:00.003+01:00

Where there is a despot, a system that tries to control basically every aspect of society and the lives of the ones living in it, there are always some individuals who resist - maybe it means helping others, the way Oskar Schindler did during World War II, maybe they decide it's time to get together and start a revolution because they just have to try, just like in Hungary in 1956. Then, of course, there are the artists, who know how to touch people and how to make them realize that together we can do more.
Luis Llach's song L'estaca was translated to many languages and is the symbol of resistance, of not accepting tyranny. It was written in 1968 using metaphors to prevent the censorship from banning it and - like many other songs composed in that era - it still has a meaning and it is still very inspiring.

The lyrics in English would be something like this:

Grandpa Siset spoke with me
early in the morning, in the frontdoor
while we were wainting for the sun
and we saw the cars passing by
Siset, don't you see the stake
where we all are tied?
If we cannot undo it
we won't be able to walk!

If we all pull it, it will fall
and it can't last much time,
surely it falls, falls, falls,
it must be worm-eaten by now.
If I pull hard towards here,
and you pull it towards there,
I'm sure it falls, falls, falls,
and we'll be able to be free!

But it's been a long time, now
My hands are peeling
And when my force goes
it's wider and bigger.
Yes I know it's rotten,
but you know, Siset, it's so heavy,
sometimes force forgets me.
Sing to me again your song:

If we all pull it, it will fall
and it can't last much time,
surely it falls, falls, falls,
it must be worm-eaten by now.
If I pull hard towards here,
and you pull it towards there,
I’m sure it falls, falls, falls,
and we'll be able to be free!

Grandpa Siset doesn't speak anymore
bad wind who took him away
he, who knows where,
and me, here under the door
and when new boys pass by
I strech my neck to sing
Siset's last song,
the last thing he taught me

If we all pull it, it will fall
and it can't last much time,
surely it falls, falls, falls,
it must be worm-eaten by now.
If I pull hard towards here,
and you pull it towards there,
I’m sure it falls, falls, falls,
and we'll be able to be free!

Somewhere between autumn, winter and love.

2011-11-24T20:23:00.002+01:00

I think the best seasons to listen to Edith Piaf are autumn and winter - not because they are, in general, sad songs (okay, not only because of this), but because they just warm your heart. It might sound weird, but listening to her makes me feel like sitting near a fireplace when it's cold outside. It comforts me and gives me shelter from whatever's outside. It lets me know I am not alone with my feelings.

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

2011-11-06T12:35:00.001+01:00

To tell you the truth, I often feel bad when I think about this blog because I see that I either don't post or all my entries are about movies.
But, after all, cinema is what I love the most, what interests, inspires and entertains me the most, so what the hell.

As you may have guessed, what I wanted to say is that this post is going to be about a movie as well. And not just any movie, it's going to be about my new favourite 21st century comedy.

I wrote in an older post that I found that each decade's comedies have their own style and vibe and that many times I am anything but impressed by that of the new-era comedies. I would say the only movie of this genre that was made in the past few years and that I have seen several times is Something's Gotta Give. Well, at least it used to be the only one, since now I have a new title on my to-go list: Crazy, Stupid, Love.

I really like Steve Carell and I think he is one of the best comics now out there - his works are funny even when they're a bit dumb (Get Smart, I'm looking at you!) and he is such a softspoken guy, I find impossible not to like him. But the thing is, even if Carell by himself is enough reason to watch a movie, this one's cast list is more than amazing: we have the always gorgeous Julianne Moore, the now legendary Kevin Bacon and undoubtedly THE most talented actor who was born in the 80s - Ryan Gosling. We also have rising star Emma Stone, I think it was the first movie I've seen with her and I can assure you there will be a lot more!

In case you need more convincing (I doubt it), I would like to add how funny and interesting this movie is. The story in itself might not be that original but the way the creators approached it is very unique and witty.

Finally, a film I can turn to after a bad day, or after watching yet another disappointingly boring and predictable "comedy".

Must see.

The funny side.

2011-10-31T20:56:00.003+01:00

Have you ever had the feeling that there are certain things in life nobody talks about and then you discover them and turns out everyone knew about it but you?

This is how I felt when my friend introduced me to Funny Talking Animals - Walking on the Wild Side. I mean, seriously, how come I've never heard about it before? Am I the only one?

If you are sad, had a bad day or just have two spare minutes, do check out the videos posted on YouTube. They will cheer you up in no time!

Warning: they're addictive.

The new-age poet.

2011-10-30T18:55:00.002+01:00

"Mine is not a heart of stone, I am only skin and bone,

And those little pieces are little pieces of my own.

Why don't you give me some love?

I've taken shit-load of drugs.

I'm so tired of never fixing the pain.

Valium said to me,

I'll take you seriously,

And we'll come back as someone else,

Who's better than yourself."

¿De qué color son mis ojos?

2011-10-27T21:31:00.004+02:00

I am always a bit worried when everybody sings anthems about a movie because I find that “the most people like it, the worse it is” rule applies far too often. Great films, after all, are not and shouldn’t be for everybody’s taste. However, when it is such a cultic work as Tesis, from now world famous director Alejandro Amenábar, I couldn’t help keeping my fingers crossed.

First of all, I knew nothing about the movie before seeing it, though the tagline (“I am Angela. I am going to be murdered”) gave me an idea. Then the first scene started and I simply couldn’t take my eyes off of the screen. There is not a scene, not a sentence, not a piece of music I would say is unnecessary or bad. I remember thinking, “this movie is quite simply perfect”.

Nothing proves more Amenábar’s genius than the fact that Tesis was his first feature film and I know awards don’t really serve as a proof, but the man collected basically all the important Goya’s for it. In the mid-90s, when Internet was about the begin its conquering tour around the world, when it became easier and easier for people with the weirdest – and often illegal – fetishes to satisfy their needs, Amenábar opted for a topic that sadly is still very current (snuff videos, that is) and managed to adapt it to the screen in a way that not only sends shivers down your spine but also makes you realize that the people who you think you can confide might not be that trustworthy after all.

As someone who’s anything but a fan of thrillers, I am proud to say I not only enjoyed Tesis more than any other movie recently but I also declare it the best of his kind ever made. All this of course is not only due to the undeniable talent of its creator but also to the impeccable actors’ contribution. Eduardo Noriega gives his very best as the mysterious student whose angelical face and calm voice makes him rise above any suspicion and makes you believe he is just an ordinary guy who happened to be surrounded by the wrong people, at the wrong time – and with the wrong camera. Both Noriega's performance and his character are irresistible - just like the movie itself.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

In desperate need of a bowl.

2011-10-15T15:22:00.002+02:00

While I am a big fan of art, I have to say there are only a few cartoonists I really like. One of them is, undoubtedly, Charles Barsotti. I especially love his animal/dog cartoons, collected in the book They Moved My Bowl.

Apart from achieving that I actually want to buy a cartoon book, I also respect Mr. Barsotti for depicting animals in a respectul way - he doesn't make fun of them, instead, he expresses their emotions...

....he speaks up for their rights...

...or he places them in human situations, always in a witty way and never considering them inferior.

I just can't stop crying.

2011-10-06T21:26:00.003+02:00

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Another animal-lover post. Because it is never enough of them.

2011-06-21T20:00:00.001+02:00

"I ask people why they have deer heads on their walls. They always say because it's such a beautiful animal. There you go. I think my mother is attractive, but I have photographs of her." -Ellen DeGeneres

Memo.

2011-06-12T18:17:00.000+02:00

On worse tides.

2011-06-04T23:58:00.003+02:00

I watched Pirates of the Caribbean 4 today and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. Of course in this case I am quite sad that I wasn't since I expected something much, much worse than the original trilogy and this fourth episode lived up to my expectations. However, I wouldn't say it was really that bad, it was just mediocre. I was not bored of course, how could you be with so many action scenes? But the truth is, the only things that saved this movie for me were the ones that either referred to - like the little monkey's appearence -, were inherited by - the music is still unbelievable - or simply came naturally from the previous episodes (such as Johnny Depp's and Geoffrey Rush's acting genious).

As for Ms. Cruz, in the first hour and a half she seemed quite uncomfortable in her role that affected her acting but in the last 30 minutes her real self made an appearance (bear in mind that it was her first real blockbuster).

I was delighted to see that - true to form - they still leave a last scene for the ones who, including myself, are patient enough to sit through the endless closing credits and I have to say that this scene was one of the best bits.

Even if it obviously can not be compared to the previous movies, there is still some charm in this story and these characters, even if part of it is nothing else but nostalgia.

And if they happen to make more Pirates films, I can assure you I will not hesitate and go to the cinema to watch them all, even if with always higher and higher expectations of disappointment, but, after all, it also means that I will be even more pleased if they somehow manage to write a great screenplay.

The best era for comedies.

2011-05-29T19:18:00.003+02:00

90's US comedies have a certain vibe I can't seem to get enough of. I just watched My Cousin Vinny and couldn't stop laughing. It was witty, ironic, with the happy ending that seemed more just than in any other new-era comedy.

This is what new light movies should be like but unfortunately most of the time sense of humour loses the battle against the sickening romance-glamour-sex triangle. Of course I don't say these three shouldn't be given a leading role, but why is it that what could be done in the 90s with Pretty Woman (that included this triangle and a lot of sense of humour), quite simply doesn't seem to find its way to our present days' comedies?

The beautiful spring.

2011-05-11T20:57:00.002+02:00

Nothing better than a sunny day, travelling, looking out the window, observing the landscape/city and listening to Manu Chao.

A fitting poster.

2011-04-30T19:50:00.001+02:00

The charm of the hipster doofus.

2011-02-23T00:10:00.002+01:00

I think it's safe to call anyone a liar if they have seen a scene with Kramer on Seinfeld and say Michael Richards isn't the best comical actor of all time (okay, maybe I'll settle with a "one of the" as well).

This performance is legendary and he played the character for 9 years, getting better and better with each episode.

Rewatching the series I still laugh at and with him the way I did for the first time and yes, I even watch certain scenes only for his sake.

While I love the other characters as well and find the series's philosophy extremely interesting, I can't stop thinking that without Michael Richards, it wouldn't have been enough.

Nowadays you can read many things on how new TV series have more quality acting-wise but the truth is, most of the actors on Seinfeld (not only Richards, but Jason Alexander as well and many others) give better performances than any other artist in today's series.

The worst thing about Seinfeld is that sometimes I worry my neighbours are disturbed by my laughter.

Coulda woulda shoulda.

2011-02-09T20:07:00.004+01:00

When I see a bad movie, I usually say I didn't like it because it wasn't made the right way - the story was good, but something went wrong in the process. Other times I say it was bad because the story wasn't interesting or witty enough - could have been better. But I don't think I've ever seen a movie before that gave me the impression that it was a mistake even waste money and intellect on it. Sadly, Sofia Coppola's latest, Somewhere, is the first film that makes me feel this way.

The problem with Somewhere is that there are only traces of a story (a full-of-clichés movie star's relationship with his daughter) and since it was too short to make a feature film, the creators decided to show endless sequences about a black Ferrari or just prolong the scenes until they are at least double the lenght of what they should be.

I understand Ms Coppola hadn't made a movie for a long time (maybe she forgot how to do so in the meantime?) but she should have developed this script before shooting something that's nothing more but a stub. Writing more drafts would have given the otherwise great actors not only more time on the screen but also the possibility of creating something as wonderful as Lost in translation.

The style is alright, the story is alright, the actors are more than alright, why couldn't they just wait some more to make it something better? Dear Sofia, what were you thinking?

Pure beauty.

2011-02-07T20:26:00.000+01:00

A beautiful song and a beautiful video for today.

...and the tango is over.

2011-02-03T18:12:00.002+01:00

Maria Schneider 1952-2011

3 things I don't get about Madrid.

2011-01-20T20:15:00.003+01:00

I'm okay with the late meals and I understand why there are so many holidays (after all, who doesn't love them?) but still, there are certain things I just can't get when it comes to the city I live in, Madrid.

1. Why is it that in Lavapiés (a normal size metro station) one of the mechanical stairs never works? It's always one or the other... Couldn't they just work, all of them at the same time?

2. How can it be that it's one of the world's most famous metropolises, yet you always just know you're in a huge city and never actually feel it?

3. What's wrong with Snickers? Why is it a mission almost impossible to find this delicious little candy bar in this city, or, for that matter, in this country? And why is it that once you've found it, it costs more than double what it costs in any other country I know?

Gibraltar.

2011-01-15T22:16:00.004+01:00

I want to travel more. Right now I wanna go to Gibraltar...

Nostalgia.

2011-01-05T22:33:00.001+01:00

Just a freezing day in Budapest.

2010-12-29T22:37:00.003+01:00

When a few decades ago they executed a group of Jews and shot them into the Danube, they had to take their shoes off.

I like it how this little monument on the coast of Europe's most important river and almost embarassingly close to all the famous things in Hungary's capital reminds one of the past and somehow stops you from thinking of only the glorious things - when it comes to the Danube and when it comes to Budapest as well -; it's like getting slapped in the face by all the horrible things human beings did to other human beings for no rational reason at all.

I think this is what they call the power of the tiny things - after all, these are just shoes, aren't they?

Evening is the time of day I find nothing much to say...

2010-12-18T20:17:00.001+01:00

...so I'll let Vanity Fare speak instead.

The Catalan Santa Claus.

2010-12-12T22:33:00.003+01:00

According to this tradition, he does not bring gifts accompanied by reindeers but... well, let's just say gifts find their way out of his body...

Barça - Real Madrid 5:0

2010-11-30T23:14:00.002+01:00

If you are not a football fan or simply just arrived from Mars: FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two best teams in the world and whenever they play against each other, it's called El Clásico. When it comes to El Clásico in Spain, it's not just two teams playing, it's two worlds against each other: the Madrid/Spanish world and the Barcelona/Catalan world. Let's just say it's a hate-hate relationship when it comes to sports, culture, language and political news.
And yesterday el Barça had a historical win over RM - 5:0. This is, without a doubt the best news of the month.

Impossible but true.

2010-11-29T14:35:00.002+01:00

I remember one day when my mother, after showing her the latest addition to my rather big collection of Picasso books - I even have one about the man's dog after all - asked when I was going to reach the point when I have a photo of all his works and stop spending money on new books. Then I told her it was an impossible thing to achieve since it is still unknown how many works he has - I believe around that time it was 13 thousand and counting.

Now I'm wondering what my mother will say if I tell her 270 new pieces were discovered - I guess she'll stay true to herself and say it's either impossible or quite simply ridiculous. And I'll stay true to myself when I tell her there's nothing impossible or ridiculous about it if you keep in mind that he had almost a hundred years to create whatever he had in mind. And we all know his mind and hands were anything but lazy.

5 reasons why I love The Sopranos.

2010-11-24T20:44:00.003+01:00

1. The humour.

A perfect example is the 10th episode of the first season. An all-time favourite.

2. As someone who's obsessed with the Godfather, it's something very much like an obligation to love it.

3. Even my mother loves it.

4. Tony's mum is hilarious, brilliant and adorable.

5. How did Tina Turner say...?

...oh yes, Simply the Best. Or at least one of them.

Have the faith I have in you.

2010-11-11T21:51:00.000+01:00

Pure perfection and some heartache.

...and he's back.

2010-11-08T21:42:00.002+01:00

When two years ago Joaquin Phoenix announced he was retiring, I believed him. I was suspicious, but I did. Then, the whole craziness started - falling off the stage, the slightly scandalous Letterman appearance - and I didn't say anything. When you like and, dare I say, know someone so much, you just know. Just like I did. On Letterman, I knew it was a character - none of the usual gestures, none of the usual changes in his voice, nothing Joaquin. I remember my friend was sending me video links about Joaquin's latest act and I just said let's wait until the film comes out and you'll see.

It wasn't long ago that I sent named friend a link with recent photos of him (I was happier than ever to see him back to normal at the Venice Film Festival) and the link with his visit to Letterman.

Joaquin is like famiy to me - I basically grew up with him and I couldn't wait to see him again. And here he is, on Letterman again, as we know him, all those moves, all that tone, all those glances. He might be the best actor in the world but I still know when he's acting. And here, my friends, he is himself, that modest, shy boy I grew up with - and who is always eager to get off the show.

Yet another movie post.

2010-11-05T18:20:00.002+01:00

I find it somehow unbelievable and very sad that though there are three feature films out there about Coco Chanel, none of them is acceptable. And the worst is, it's not even high expectations - they are, quite simply, lousy movies. First there was the Shirley Maclaine version and everyone hated it (though she got nominated for some awards for it) and said let's wait for the Audrey Tautou one, that will be the real thing. Then, it turned out to be a huge disappointment, even if the colours and outfits were nice.

And then there was the one about her romance with Igor Stravinsky. When I started watching it it was okay but then suddenly I realized that 10 minutes passed and nothing happened. Of course you could say it's ok since the movie is almost 2 hours long (and why is it that it's always the worst ones that last the most?) but it was pure suffering. And I like Diaghilev and ballet...

The whole movie seems pointless - the creators obviously decided they would show the important things through facial expressions and not words but it all seems too forced. I understand they are French and we are talking about turn-of-the-century artistic circles but still, there is a way to make it seem effortless. What they lack in filmmaking talent, they try to compensate with the good old weapon: nudity and long sex scenes.

I don't know why the life of Coco Chanel is so difficult to succeed on the big screen, maybe the creators of these movies should turn to Mr Lagerfeld for an advice. After all, he accomplished the apparently not so impossible mission with his short movies...

I ate, I loved, I prayed - and I came back.

2010-11-02T21:42:00.004+01:00

Hello everyone, after more than 3 months without posting I am back again. Due to my rather exhausting working hours (48-50 hours per week paired with 24 hours of travelling) and my busy university schedule (I had to turn in my thesis and prepare for a few exams), I simply couldn't find the time to write here, or anywhere else for that matter.

But now here I am, with a brand new job that hopefully will let me have the freetime to enjoy life and my hobbies. To celebrate the beginning of what for me is a new - and once again, hopefully better - life, I watched Eat Pray Love last night.

The thing is, it was a hit in Spain and now everyone is reading the book on the metro and the promotion made me believe it was some light comedy so I must admit I decided to watch it for pure entertainment and had no intentions whatsoever to actually have thoughts provoked by this film. But I was wrong. And this time, it was a lovely disappointment. Eat Pray Love might not be heavy weight but it's also far from light. I couldn't avoid thinking while reading behind the lines and the great acting but all this, the fact that this movie actually has a profound meaning, it has something to say, didn't stop me from having a good time. I like how Italy is for eating, India is for meditation and Bali is for love in the film and I also love that despite the obvious beauty of these places the creators stayed away from the shallow let's-show-the-beach/monuments /pretty things-and-call-it-a-day shots. Some elements of the editing are also outstanding, and all in all I was surprised and overwhelmed by the quality the film presented.

And to think that I almost stayed away from such an experience because of some cash-oriented, misleading promotion! Now if only I could find out why despite loving the movie I do NOT feel the urge to read the book.........

In and outside I turn to water.

2010-07-16T14:33:00.000+02:00

Lay a whisper on my pillow
Leave the winter on the ground
I wake up lonely,there's air of silence
In the bedroom and all around

Touch me now, I close my eyes
And dream away...

It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched till the time had run out

Make believing we're together
That I'm sheltered by your heart
But in and outside I turn to water
Like a teardrop in your palm

And it's a hard winter's day
I dream away...

It must have been love, but it's over now
It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without
It must have been love, but it's over now
It's where the water flows, it's where the wind blows

It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched till the time had run out

It must have been love, but it's over now
It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without
It must have been love, but it's over now
It's where the water flows, it's where the wind blows.

The good laugh.

2010-07-05T23:13:00.003+02:00

When I have a little spare time, I just love watch David Letterman interviews. I usually go for the new ones but after I just had to turn off Kirsten Stewart's appearence for finding her immature and lack of sense of humour, I decided to go for Sarah Michelle Gellar. She is just lovely and - I guess that's why I like her so much - her sarcasm, combined with that of Letterman make me laugh out loud.

This interview, from 1997, is one of my favourites.

Three things that happened to me while I was away...

2010-06-23T23:29:00.003+02:00

Boy, it's been a long time since my last post! Nowadays I'm either really busy or really tired or running errands...

So here are three things that happened to me, that interest me, that ate themselves under my skin during the hiatus:

1. I watched Sex and the City 2...

... and of course I didn't like it. I found it one of those shallow, meaningless and unfinished "movies" I would never, ever watch if the title didn't say Sex and the City.... So I guess I'll just have to rewatch the six seasons to cure myself out of the huge disappointment.

2. I decided to spend a ridiculous amount of money on sunglasses.

I am one of those persons who don't ever wear sunglasses - not because I am somehow immune to sunlight but because none of the styles seem to fit me. I have a bunch of sunglasses yet I never wear them - for this reason. But today I encountered what might just be the perfect design for me and I'm thinking of it as of an investment. Thank you, Tom Ford, for thinking of me!

3. I developed a serious addiction for Angel, the series - again.

A few years ago I was a Buffy/Angel fan - just like many others - and when I come home from work, tired and yet not sleepy, it feels wonderful to watch an episode. Or two. And one while having breakfast. I thought it would look dumb now that a few years have passed but I actually still just love it - sarcastic humour is eternal after all!

Have no time for nothin'...

2010-06-11T01:08:00.001+02:00

... just to say Goodnight (Moon)....

Busy bee.

2010-06-01T13:58:00.004+02:00

I'm working six days a week nowadays and this is the first day when I have a little time for things I like - such as posting here...

The most devastating news of last week was the passing of the legendary Dennis Hopper - I think even those who did not like him respected him so much that his death devastated the whole movie business - and movie lovers as well.
He will be missed and will always be remembered as one of the greatest of his generation.

Beautiful things.

2010-05-17T13:09:00.005+02:00

This statue is in Barcelona's Parc de la Ciutadella - the whole park is breathtakingly beautiful (and with the cat shelter it's also a bit scary sometimes - imagine dozens of cats sitting in a bunch, all looking in the same direction as if they were waiting for something grand to happen) but since I am a statue fanatic, this one takes it all for me.

The cat man.

2010-05-01T23:13:00.003+02:00

Marlon Brando was not only the greatest actor of all times, a wise man and a humanitarian, he was also an animal lover. I always thought the way someone treats animals shows the kind of person he is and if I'm right, looking at these photos just proves what a wonderful man Brando was.

If I could pick one famous person to resurrect, I would not hesitate and would definitely bring Marlon Brando back to life...

Lovefool.

2010-04-24T21:53:00.001+02:00

So are you to my thoughts as food to life,
Or as sweet-season'd showers are to the ground;
And for the peace of you I hold such strife
As 'twixt a miser and his wealth is found;
Now proud as an enjoyer and anon
Doubting the filching age will steal his treasure,
Now counting best to be with you alone,
Then better'd that the world may see my pleasure;
Sometime all full with feasting on your sight
And by and by clean starved for a look;
Possessing or pursuing no delight,
Save what is had or must from you be took.
Thus do I pine and surfeit day by day,
Or gluttoning on all, or all away.

Péter Popper, 1933-2010.

2010-04-20T22:39:00.003+02:00

"If you want people to lie to you less, stop asking too much and never threaten."

"If there is chaos in a person, he creates chaos in his environment. If there is orden in a person, he creates orden around himself."

"The sneaking murderer of love is laziness; when the acquired happiness's safety starts to destroy the everydays. When we are lazy to court, to seduce, to make ourselves desirable - including having a bath, washing our teeth, combing our hair, using perfume and pretty dresses, pajamas. Why? He's ours now anyway. But this is what tinkles the death-bell of a man-woman relationship. Because we should inscribe to our hearts with capitals: A PERSON IS NOT A PROPERTY!"

"A politician has opponents in every party. But he only has enemies in his own."

"The most important: don't let yourself burn in the fire of your own past! Because that is hell itself. And you yourself chose it."

"Depression starts when you start to believe your future will be exactly the same as your present."

"If you can target with coldness, your words will strike home more precisely than if you roared madly. A rampaging, lost-his-temper man becomes ridiculous in no time."

Hit the rock bottom.

2010-04-14T18:41:00.002+02:00

Sorry for the long hiatus.... I could say I was really busy but the truth is I just developed some addiction to the series 30 Rock......!! I love the series though I couldn't explain why, sometimes it's dumb, yes and I don't know why it is that while I don't like Office (they are not the same but the atmosphere is very similar) I absolutely love 30 Rock but this is the truth. Maybe it's that Alec Baldwin is in the latter - I have always liked him but since this series I just love him. I remember being a little girl reading articles of him and his brothers and watching some of his movies, admiring him but I never thought he was so funny. His talent and his voice are just mesmerizing. His character on the show is hilarious, a really put together personality you sometimes feel sorry for (some of his bursting-into-tears scenes are so authentic they actually send shivers down your spine and you just want to run up to him to comfort him) but most of the time you're just laughing out loud.

My other favourite character is Kenneth's (played by Jack McBrayer) - also a many-sided character who might seem simple but is actually quite wise (though he has no idea about it). McBrayer's acting is impeccable, he turned Kenneth into one of the most memorable characters of contemporary TV shows... well, at least for me. I like it that Kenneth represents some stereotypes yet he is not completely a bunch of clichés - he's unique, very original and unbelievably entertaining.

Can't wait until the fifth season!

Szerelem, szerelem.

2010-04-01T22:12:00.003+02:00

Márta Sebestyén is a Hungarian folk vocalist, the finest and most famous one all over the world. This particular song, that can be heard in the beautiful Anthony Minghella movie, The English Patient is called Szerelem, szerelem (Love, love) and though many others have sung songs like this before and after, no-one can perform them in such a touching and emotional way as Sebestyén.

The lyrics in English:

O, love love
accursed torture
why did you not blossom
on every treetop?
On the top of every tree,
on the leaf of a walnut tree,
so every maiden and unmarried young man
would have plucked it.
Because I too plucked it
and I let it slip away.
I too plucked it
and I let it slip away.
O, I would pluck one again
if I found a good one,
if I found a good one, a beautiful one,
my old lover.
And for my old lover
what wouldn't I do?
I would skim the water
from the sea with a spoon.
From the bottom of the sea
I would gather small pearls
and for my old lover
I would braid a wreath of pearls.

The word they whisper low.

2010-03-30T23:16:00.004+02:00

Roy Orbison is the kind of artist that gets you in the mood. When listening to his songs, I always see a movie, the story of the song - Pretty Woman, Anything You Want and Shahdaroba are my favourites. Doesn't the latter just take you to an underground club with whiskey and forbidden joys, a club that could be in Egypt or in New York or anywhere else, a club with that 60s mood? Magical, mystical and unforgettable.

Steve, 80.

2010-03-24T22:31:00.002+01:00

Today one of film's most stylish and influential actors, Steve McQueen would be 80 years old.

I always wondered what it is about him that makes one go crazy, man or woman, even just by seeing a photo of him. Then I realized that maybe I shouldn't look for a reason - it's just that he had it all: charisma, talent, a masculine, characteristic face and that certain something that screams "icon".

No comment.

2010-03-24T00:43:00.003+01:00

The lyrics in English:

I want you to suffer what I suffer

and I will learn to pray to achieve it

I want you to feel so useless

as a glass without whiskey between one's hands

and I want you to feel in your chest

the heart, as if it was someone else's

and it hurt.

I wish you death wherever you are

and I will learn to pray to achieve it

I want you to suffer what I suffer

and I will learn to pray to achieve it.

I want you yo lean out each hour

as a nosy prisoner, out of your window

and that the only scenery for you

shall be the rocks of the street.

I wish you death wherever you are

and I will learn to pray to achieve it

I want you to suffer what I suffer

and I will learn to pray to achieve it.

I want it now. Picture of the week.

2010-03-15T22:48:00.003+01:00

Maybe it's a shame to admit that until about 15 minutes ago I didn't know what Ang Lee's latest effort was about. But as I read an interview with him and saw a photo of the film I decided I quite simply have to watch it as soon as possible - that specific picture (with Liev Schreiber dressed as a lady) made me laugh and fall in love with any project that has such a strong effect on me after only seeing one outtake of it.

So... though it's been a long time since the last Picture of the week, here it is, Liev Schreiber in Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock.

Lovely.

2010-03-14T15:28:00.002+01:00

A while ago I watched Peter Jackson's Lovely Bones. The movie itself was quite beautiful and dreamy but I wouldn't say it was a masterpiece. However, Mark Wahlberg was genious - an unforgettable performance!

I have always considered him a talented actor, ever since I saw him in The Basketball Diaries but I firmly believe that for this particular role - he plays a father who loses his daughter, in brief, sans the magical part - he should have at least get a nomination for an Oscar. Especially since this year's nominees were mostly there for some lousy job (of course there were outstanding exceptions, think Christoph Waltz or Stanley Tucci, who actually got nominated for this movie).

But before you think I'm suggesting Mr. Wahlberg is the only reason to watch this movie, let me tell you that the actors are all wonderful - Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz, Saoirse Ronan... But what Wahlberg gives none of them can surpass.

Wicked Game.

2010-03-12T13:46:00.003+01:00

Roland Barthes has always been one of my favourite philosophers - his thoughts, expressed in a light, entertaining yet thought-provoking way make it a pleasure to read any of his works and his intelligence is really something to envy.

Yet, when I came upon his 1979 work entitled A lover's discourse, all my already existing respect and admiration increased; this book, about love, about various aspects and situations of love and, of course, about lovers themselves, is, quite simply, perfect. I think none of the help yourself books and seminars have meaning after reading this book - it might not have the answers but it describes feelings so perfectly it sends shivers down one's spine. And all this written by a man more than 30 years ago!

How strange yet amazing that nothing has changed over the years - people love, people suffer while others just leave behind.

"The fatal identity of the lover is nothing more than this: I am the one who's waiting."

11M.

2010-03-11T17:11:00.002+01:00

Today is the 11th of March, the 6th anniversary of the Madrid train bombings. I remember being shocked then and I still am, especially now that I see Atocha station almost every day.

The school of life.

2010-03-05T21:12:00.002+01:00

I spent this week back in Hungary with my family so I didn't post but in the meantime I watched a few movies.... And one of them turned out to be one of the best ones I've seen in a long, long time.

I am talking about An Education - this movie really taught me a lesson or two about life and how much one should (or should not) sacrifice for love and most of all it made me realize that no matter what, you should always follow your goals and never let anyone, even if that someone is your significant (or not so significant) other - after all, if that person really loves you, they will never make you or even encourage you to give up something that would do you good.

I am really sorry that this movie will probably bleed to death at the Oscars due to some awful movies that for some reason are more beloved by those who make these decisions. Thankfully, most of the critics still prefer good movies instead of bad ones.

Musings.

2010-02-23T19:14:00.002+01:00

I love it that Muse shows the going-mad-for-you side of love that is dark, bitter yet feels so good sometimes. This song is one of their masterpieces with lyrics filled with obsession - but don't we all fall in love so much some time during our lives that we basically become addicted to that person...? As if that person was a drug and you can only LIVE if he's around and when he's not... well... you only exist.

I know to some this kind of love might sound too consuming to some but the truth is, this is the only kind of love that is worth living. Wasn't it Arthur Miller who said the majority of people live in 50-60% relationships? Ever since I've heard this theory, I decided I would only settle for something that is 100%. This does not mean perfection, this means that you are completely attached to that person emotionally. And when you find this kind of love, it might hurt but still, it's wonderful.

Muse - Time Is Running Out

2010-02-21T17:05:00.002+01:00

If the man in my life is the only person for whom I would wake up at 7 am, Evgeni Plushenko is the only one for whom I would stay up until 6 am - and so I did, to root for him on this year's Winter Olympics. There many debates out there about whether or not Evan Lysacek deserved the gold - I am partial so I definitely say he didn't - this post is not going to be about that. Or at least not exactly.

All I can say is, what when Plushenko does it seems natural and instinctive, in the case of Lysacek seems prepared and artificial. Plushenko is a genious who was born to skate, I think no-one, regardless to what they think about the results of this specific competition can deny that.
Below, one of my personal favourites - his long programme at the Salt Lake City Winter Olypics, 2002

Style translates.

2010-02-20T20:57:00.002+01:00

When I heard that Tom Ford is about to make a movie, I got really excited. Now that I've already seen it - I must say, I am impressed. I wouldn't say it's a dynamic movie, I wouldn't say it's exciting - no. In fact, it is quite slow but this is the beauty of it. You get the impression (and this impression might actually be the truth) that Mr. Ford designed each and every one of the frames, all the tiny little details, from pink cigarettes to the way Colin Firth walks and all these things, paired with the beautiful music equals an exceptionally beautiful and thought-provoking movie... or not, maybe it is not even a movie, it is more like an art piece - and for that, I would say it's a masterpiece.

How does it feel to be on your own?

2010-02-15T17:12:00.002+01:00

Man, I love Bob Dylan.

Picture of the week.

2010-02-13T18:28:00.001+01:00

Jack Nicholson, by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair.

The one who showed us fashion really was art...

2010-02-12T01:26:00.002+01:00

... Alexander McQueen. My heart is bleeding.

Let's die a little.

2010-02-10T20:29:00.002+01:00

Those who like photography often compare Mantegna's Cristo Muerto to a picture taken of Che Guevara's dead body. This comparison has been made by - amongst others - Susan Sontag, Hungarian photographer Gellér B. - and David Bowie. I like the latter's version the most - so artistic, so cool, so Bowie.

David Bowie - Lodger:

Another movie post.

2010-02-08T19:38:00.003+01:00

After my huge disappointment, I practically spent the last week in the cinema, watching all the movies I could to get over my slight cinematographic depression. Now I can say I have seen all the movies available in English right now and I still long for something as thought-provoking, extraorinary and outstanding as the new Coen movie. Here is the 3+1 list of my latest experiences on the field of the big screen.

1. Nine

I've been waiting for this film for such a long time and maybe it was the problem - I know musical fans would call it a deadly sin but I must admit I loved the move except for the songs - some had nice lyrics though. Anyway, the actors were fantastic of course and the film itself was good, the atmosphere was similar to 8 e mezzo and I guess this was the point. But please, why is it that the songs are so lame? Not a single tone to remember.

2. Invictus

The new Clint Eastwood movie with Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman. It was a nice watch but nothing really special. Again, the actors saved it all.

3. The Road

With Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall and Guy Pierce it is yet again a film with great talents but with not really much to say. I basically still can't get it, it was not touching, it was not thought-provoking, it was quite simply very dark and very sad. I would say the creators tried way too hard to create something moving but due to these efforts they failed.

+1: The Hurt Locker

I would have never ever watched it if I didn't see Ralph Fiennes's name on the poster. And then what do I get? A war movie where Mr. Fiennes appears for about 3 minutes and then dies. The same could be told about Guy Pierce. I think this is nothing else but cheating - a dirty way to attract viewers to the cinema because they know otherwise no-one would watch it. Especially since the word of mouth of the movie is awful. So are the reviews. What on Earth is this film doing amongst the best this and that nominees for the Oscars...???

Disappointment of the week.

2010-02-01T13:15:00.002+01:00

I finally settled down in my new place, of course there are some unpacked things left... But the good news is, now I am only a 3 min walk away from Reina Sofía, the museum that gives home to dozens of Picassos, including Guernica!

Plus, now my favourite cinema is closer as well and last week I watched Sherlock Holmes. I expected a lot from this movie, not only because the actors are wonderfully talented but also because I like Guy Ritchie and the story itself is interesting as well. However, what I saw on the big screen was anything but interesting - in fact, it was so boring I had to force myself not to fall asleep. The film in one word is terrible, with overwrought jokes, a flat plot and the constant feeling in my heart that it could have been so much better. Even Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law were tame!

Anyway, every bad movie has some good features of course and I must admit the music is fantastic - only it needs a way better movie.

Moving!

2010-01-28T12:37:00.002+01:00

During the first two decades of my life, I lived in the same house. Then, I moved to Madrid and now I'm moving again, this time from the outskirts of Madrid to the city centre. However, despite all the excitement I just discovered how much I hate to move because whenever you think everything's packed, you'll discover another corner in the flat you haven't even touched yet. So many things in such a little place...

Maybe I should adopt George Clooney's style in Up in the Air and have nothing else but a little suitcase with all my life in it. As for the movie itself, I loved it, it was really witty and all, a bit predictable maybe but at least it was original. Thumbs up!

Seriously.

2010-01-25T13:33:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I watched A Serious Man by the Coen brothers and it's no surprise that I absolutely loved it. The actors were fabulous, especially Michael Stuhlbarg whom I have never seen in any other movie I think...he was uncanny and he played perfectly his oh-so-recognizeably-Coen character. On the other hand, the conversations are so witty you basically can't stop laughing, unless you despise irony, which I don't.

The movie has all the ingredients a Coen movie does - good acting, excellent script, sarcasm, that typical atmosphere other filmmakers can never even imitate, that unsettling ending - and a new one: the film evolves around Jefferson Airplane's masterpiece, Somebody to Love - a song that's wonderful if you're listening to it on your iPod or at home but that eats itself under your skin if you listen to it in the cinema; believe me, you will struggle not to shout out loud the refrain for a very, very long time.

Yet again, the wonderful duo created a work of art, a masterpiece I would like to watch over and over again to experience the humour, the beauty, the genious of it. And again, those three little words come to mind: a must see.

Picture of the week.

2010-01-24T11:14:00.000+01:00

Annie Leibovitz and Mikhail Baryshnikov for Louis Vuitton.

Prelude...to tragedy.

2010-01-16T19:01:00.002+01:00

Back when I was a young teenager, I was crazy for a Finnish band called HIM. Their songs approached love from a different, darker, more painful and, oh yes, more sexual angle than any other song I heard before (of course, later I learnt that it was not just them but a whole genre... however, I still think they are the best) and I loved them to death.

But times change and most of the bands I listened to then belong to my past now but the first two albums by HIM are still with me... And the following song, from Razorblade Romance tells me more now than it did before. Listening to the lyrics as a more mature person I discovered their more profound meaning that still fits my emotions up to a certain level.

So, now I think I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy) is about a person who doesn't like easy love - who gets bored if he gets what he wants. Who believes that the more he has to fight for someone's love, the better. All this and an excellent musical background - how could I ever give up HIM...?

Crystal again.

2010-01-15T14:39:00.002+01:00

Due to V Magazine's (plus-)size issue, the fashion world is all about weight issues again. While I think it is a good think to promote models who look more like an average woman, I think most efforts in fashion to end the reign of super skinny models is nothing else but the other side of the imaginary horse - instead of using stick thin girls, they opt for using overweight people. And I know nothing about the US but here in Europe none of the above says "average" to me, not to mention the health factor.

One refreshing exception is "the most successful plus-size model", Crystal Renn. She really has a figure that reminds me of an average woman and when I look at her I think she is completely normal - and healthy. This is the kind of body the industry should promote instead of trying to break one bad habit with an other one.

Save me.

2010-01-09T21:46:00.002+01:00

This is one of my favourite songs from Queen. The lyrics - whether it fits my current emotional state or not - always breaks my heart.

La dama y la muerte.

2010-01-08T11:16:00.003+01:00

Or, in English: The Lady and the Reaper. This is the title of a Spanish short movie and it will go to the Oscars - at least I hope so! It is witty, the music is incredible and even someone who doesn't particularly like animation films (I'm looking at myself...) can love it dearly.

This is just the trailer, if you have the opportunity to watch the whole film, I highly recommend it!

2010.

2010-01-02T22:45:00.002+01:00

To loosely quote Oscar Wilde, doing nothing is only great when you have things to do and - just like all the time - he was perfectly right. This is why I stayed in bed the last two days, doing nothing but watching movies and reading (Al Pacino: In Conversation with Lawrence Grobel to be exact), instead of preparing for my upcoming exams... Or writing my thesis.

But, as I plan to end these days of laziness, I hereby wish you all a happy new year!

Can I be electric too?

2009-12-31T18:26:00.002+01:00

I love Oasis, especially their (What's the Story) Morning Glory album, it always cheers me up, makes me smile and want to have fun. It's perfect for a New Year's Eve party if you like this kind of music.

Merry Little Christmas!

2009-12-24T09:23:00.002+01:00

Dear Everyone, I wish you all a merry Christmas!

Picture of the week.

2009-12-23T22:01:00.002+01:00

Gemma Ward, a Taschen e-card

València, València.

2009-12-20T11:34:00.002+01:00

So, as I already mentioned, I spent some days in Valencia witha friend. I must say it is a very beautiful city and the fact that it has a beach is also a plus. However, we went in December and it equals hardly any people on the streets after midnight (something that was extremely weird for us after Madrid, along with the timetables of the stores and pubs and restaurants - almost all of them closed at 1 a.m.!) and after you've seen the city centre and the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, you don't have too much to do. But I can imagine that during the summer, when you can swim and everything, it's something very much like Paradise Found.

What I really liked was L'Oceanogràfic, it was awfully beautiful though we could not get into the dolphin show because we would have had to wait about 1,5 hours in line... That part should be improved, otherwise, it was a great experience!

So, my adivce is that if you want to visit this city, a) you must go in the summer; b) you must accept it's not a big, ever-moving city, even if it is the third largest city in Spain and c) you must love the beach a lot so that you don't get bored, not even after seeing pretty much everything in the centre.

Ode to Madrid.

2009-12-13T10:46:00.001+01:00

It is a weird thing to admit but it's true: once you lived in Madrid, it will be terribly difficult, if not impossible to live anywhere else. Or, and this is embarassing, even leave it for a few days.

We spent two and a half days in Valencia and by the end of the second one every third sentence that rolled out of our mouth was "I miss Madrid, when do we go home?". My friend went to Paris for almost a week and decided she had already seen enough to come home - after her first day in the French capital.

But what is it about Madrid that is so mesmerizing and unique that you get addicted to it? Well, it's maybe the fact that you can get anything, anywhere, anytime here, the fact that people are always happy-go-lucky, the fact that this indeed is a city that never sleeps (maybe except for Sundays).

However, Madrid is not perfect either (after all, I've already seen testicles on the subway and many, many other rare things all over the streets) but this is exactly what makes it so fabulous - it comes with shortcomings, yes, but every single one of them is entertaining.

Madrid might not be a tourist paradise (there are many more beautiful cities out there) but it definitely is a wonderful city to live in.

Picture of the week.

2009-12-11T11:33:00.001+01:00

Medusas in L'Oceanogràfic, València. Aren't they just beautiful?

In the Shadow of the Valley of... Music.

2009-12-04T18:39:00.003+01:00

Apart from being an extremely influential musician, Brian Warner (or, if you like, Marilyn Manson) is also a talented painter. His works are mostly less shocking than his music is considered to be, yet they are equally thought provoking. His intelligent and sincere artistic approach is impossible to miss if you look at his paintings and this is something that makes me respect Mr. Warner a lot, in addition to his many songs I happen to love.

Here's to you, Mrs Robinson...

2009-12-02T21:01:00.002+01:00

I really don't know what is with this song that it always cheers me up. Of course I knew it way before I watched The Graduate - this song actually made me watch it... Needless to say, the movie impressed me as well. I also like the Sinatra version, although it's not as happy-go-lucky... Also, he changed "Jesus" to "Jilly"... What can I say, so Sinatra!
Simon and Garfunkel:

Frank Sinatra:

Picture of the week.

2009-11-27T10:12:00.003+01:00

I seem to have a thing for the DKNY - Be Delicious ad campaigns, and one of the latest one is no exception. I like it that - just like most of the others - it is very, very similar to the previous ones yet it's different in a way. In this case, in a Lichtenstein way...

The post of shame.

2009-11-21T21:39:00.003+01:00

I am so sorry for not posting for such a long time, my life in Madrid is either superfast or superlazy, shame on me.
Anyway, today I have a book recommendation: Seen Behind the Scene. The author is photographer Mary Ellen Mark and the book features her photos of various celebrities, including Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Nicole Kidman and Johnny Depp on the set of their movies.

This book is on the list of those I find a bit expensive but a great investment if a) you like famous and talented people; b) you like photography.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

2009-11-06T22:57:00.002+01:00

I've been looking forward The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus for a long, long time and last week I finally had the opportunity to watch it. Movies like this don't come around often - in fact, I could not compare it to any other film, except for maybe Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the Johnny Depp version) or Big Fish. This comparison is true if I think of the colours, the special world that was created, the omnipresent humour and the brilliant acting and directing. But it's not true because there is something else that makes this film special and that is solidarity, since this great picture could not be in teathers right now without the help of three A-list stars, Jude Law, Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell, who all decided to play a double-sided game: on one hand, they contributed with their talent and on the other hand, they agreed to somewhat hide in the dark as doubles for the late Heath Ledger, instead of being the major names on the cast list. And then, of course, there is Lily Cole, who was surprisingly good.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is something you'll remember for many time after seeing it - not particularly because of the story but because it's so out-of-earth, so rare that it eats itself under your skin and keeps returning in the mask of an emotion - an emotion filled with affection and heartache for a massive talent who could have become one of the greatest.

Picture of the week.

2009-11-01T13:08:00.000+01:00

From V Magazine

Source: Fashionista

Picture of the week.

2009-10-25T21:01:00.003+01:00

Kate Moss, David Bowie, and the very well-known Antonioni pose.

The original:

In the Name of the Father...

2009-10-23T16:16:00.003+02:00

In the Name of the Father is a movie I rarely watch because of the effect it has on me - I practically cry and cry while watching it. Yet, it's so beautiful and despite being overly shocking, so encouraging that I can't keep myself from sitting down with some handkerchieves and watch it. Also, the opening music is fantastic and mesmerizing. It is performed by Bono but it's quite different from what you'd expect from him, I would say it's darker but the lyrics are superpowerful here as well, as always. Whenever I listen to this song, I think about Daniel Day-Lewis and whenever I think about him, the first thing that comes to my mind is that he is such a good actor he might be too good. Really. If you don't believe it, watch In the Name of the Father and you'll understand everything.

Picture of the week.

2009-10-17T11:40:00.001+02:00

I found this at a website and couldn't stop smiling...

Media of the week.

2009-10-11T09:46:00.002+02:00

When Queen had a concert in Budapest in 1986, Freddie Mercury surprised fans with performing a Hungarian folk love song. The lyrics are something like "when spring comes, my dear, all the birds choose love, my dear".
It's precious.

In pictures: Irving Penn (1917-2009)

2009-10-08T17:05:00.003+02:00

Picture of the week.

2009-10-04T14:36:00.001+02:00

I just like this picture, I don't know why...

Source: Audrey Hepburn Complex

In the mood for love... street.

2009-10-02T12:52:00.002+02:00

The music of The Doors describes my mood nowadays. Even if it's dark, even if it's not so much, I can't get enough of it. This music always mesmerizes me, I can relate to the lyrics and when I'm in love, listening to The Doors, it's like falling a little bit more in love. Perfection.

Buen Retiro.

2009-09-26T11:07:00.003+02:00

I went to Retiro Park last Sunday and I must tell you, it's even more beautiful than I expected (and I expected a lot). It's huge and every little park in the huge park is a different world, not to mention the fountains, the lakes, the gardens... I think I'll go every Sunday, I still haven't seen most of the park, I want to discover, to picnic, to read... I want it all.

Picture of the week.

2009-09-24T10:41:00.002+02:00

I know many people say Sofia Coppola is rather and out-of-the-world beauty than a classical one, but still, I find her more beautiful than most current starlets. This is why I chose this photo, featured in Another Magazine, this week's Picture of the week.

Source: Fashionista

Life through a lens & Picture of the week.

2009-09-20T12:13:00.006+02:00

Sorry for the week-long hiatus, as my internet connection gets more stable and my life starts to get some balance, I will try to post more and more. I promised in my last post that I would write a little bit more about Annie Leibovitz and now is the time. There was an exhibiton about her works here in Madrid and it was quite successful - no wonder.

I have to admit, even if I have always liked her works, I wasn't really familiar with those of her photos that did not depict famous people. However, I did know about her relationship with Susan Sontag, therefore I was moved by the huge amount of photographs she took of her during their happy days and during the time of Sontag's illness and dying. Yet, the pictures of her family - and here I should write the very same words, the happy days and the dying of her father - were even more touching, if it's possible.
Now I no longer just like Leibovitz, I admire her. Not only as a photographer, but also as a person who is so sensible and pays so much attention to those around her, she is capable of taking photos so beautiful that they say more than a thousand words.

Picture of the week: Leonardo DiCaprio with a swan, photo by Annie Leibovitz