Tune Tape Tuesdays #17

Top of a Tuesday to you. Wherever you are - and judging by my audience stats, that's anywhere from Israel to Columbia, Canada to the Ukraine (whoop!) - I hope the week's treating you alright so far. If not, don't fret: I've got a great selection of Tunes to make the rest of the week all that more bearable. I've had some good feedback on the decision to put everything in a downloadable folder for you all, so that's going to become a thing now. Here's the LINK for this week's pick. For this Tape I've sorted them into two categories: 'Pipe the F*ck Down', and 'Wake the F*ck Up'. Aggressive, but effective.

Right, down to the music. This week's Number One goes to The S That Stood For Nothing, by The Midwest Indies. Granted, it's not the perkiest of tunes, but it's catchy and the lyrics are heartfelt and thoughtful ("this wound with salt, it's not our fault, the pain just lingers...as we've done the math, tried every path, with shaking fingers"). The vocals and guitar riffs are sure to strike a chord (pardon the pun) with any Mumford fans out there - give it a chance, it's a grower. The first of two songs this week that bear my name is Words for Arabella, by Maybeshewill. Purely instrumental, it builds up to an uplifting crescendo that will brighten the darkest of days - and that's a guarantee. Second is Bells by MAESA, which is a dreamy folk tune that reminds me of early stuff by Feist (think along the lines of that Indie wedding anthem Mushaboom). Rhye was featured on one of my very first Tune Tapes, but this time, his song Open gets a facelift by another TTT favourite, Ryan Hemsworth. Hemsworth stays true to form, letting Rhye's song speak for itself but putting his signature spin on it - a progressive backbeat that takes the track to another level. Last week featured the Monsieur Adi remix of Laura Mvula's track of the moment, Green Garden. This week, she's back, this time teaming up with Sohn to create an other-wordly, dream version. Sit back and let it take you places - maybe even a Green Garden, who knows. Big news: Phoenix is back, releasing their first material since their Lisztomania album (thank God, because there were only so many remixes of that I could take). Entertainment heralds a great comeback, and I can't wait to see what else the boys are going to come up with. First up on the 'Wake the F Up' playlist is the fantastic # Remix of Alt-J's track of last summer, Breezeblocks. Listed as 'Trapstep', it's a fun-loving version of the Nu-Wave anthem, and will make you fall in love with the track all over again. Worth a mention is Emperor with Dust & Echoes, a dark and fragile Dubstep tune that is a far cry to the commercial and generic Skrillex wannabe crap that's out there at the moment. Restrained and absorbing, let's hope this marks a departure for Dubstep in a more respectable direction. For a good time, stick on Viceroy's Remix of Montell Jordan's 90's anthem This Is How We Do It and party like it's 1999. Finally, Major Lazer's album release may have been pushed back, but the Don has released an EP of remixes to keep us happy until that time comes. Featured on there is Jack Beat's filthy version of Jah No Partial for you to get low to. Last but not least, if you like the new sensation that is Trap, you'll love Jacob Plant's Shakedown. To quote Maximus Decimus Meridius: "When I give my signal, unleash hell."

Pipe the F*ck Down

Wake The F*ck Up

Love,
Belle x

Wish List Mondays #16 - Oscars 2013 Special

Well, it was kind of inevitable, wasn't it. In case you live on the moon, The 85th Academy Awards - or The Oscars, to you and I - was held last night in *Hollywood* (yes, the stars are necessary.). Those who were awarded a little gold man included Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook (at only 22!), Anne Hathaway for her role of Fantine in Les Mis (for around 15 minutes on-screen...), Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln (his THIRD Academy Award) and Quentin Tarantino for best screenplay in Django Unchained. This being a fashion post, I won't go into a debate on whether I think the awards were given to the right people as that always sounds quite pretentious and boring. Instead, I'm going to give a low-down on the Red Carpet hits and misses of this year's Academy Awards, tell you how to emulate the A-Listers, before moving on to a normal weekly Wish List. Lately, I've had a few people saying that my Wish Lists are too expensive (in my defence, they're a WISH LIST, not an actual shopping list...), but to prove to all you Doubting Thomas's that I can do style on a budget, I've set myself the challenge of only using High Street stores, so you can go out and buy it all! For anyone that wants to watch it, you can download the Red Carpet coverage HERE, and watch the Awards Ceremony itself HERE. Thank you please. 

(All Red Carpet photos sourced from vogue.co.uk.)

Best Dressed

This years Oscars saw two big trends on the Red Carpet: Nude Tones & Navies. Led by Oscar Winners Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence, nude is effortlessly classic and super-flattering. If you prefer darker tones, navy - as seen on Nominated Actress Helen Hunt - is much less boring than black, and doesn't drain your skin tone...

Get The Look

1. Sequinned-Shoulder Gown, Mango, £120. Buy it here.
2. 'Tizian' Earrings, Swarovski, £100. Buy them here.
3. 'Nanette' Shoes, KG Kurt Geiger, £130. Buy them here.

1. Chiffon Maxi Dress by Wal G, Topshop, £40. Buy it here.
2. 'Filippa' Chain Mail Box Clutch, Reiss, £125. Buy it here.
3. Chandelier Crystals Necklace, Mango, £23. Buy it here.
4. Dinner Jacket with Satin Collar, The Kooples, £415. Buy it here.
5. Jacquard Dress Suit Trousers, The Kooples, £175. Buy them here.
6. Navy Silk Knitted Tie, Reiss, £55. Buy it here.
7. 'Anton' Black Shoes, KG Kurt Geiger, £110. Buy them here.

Worst Dressed

Obviously, the most fun you can have on Oscars night (besides finding yourself trapped in a closet with Ryan Gosling), is slating the people who made epic fails in their outfit choices. The theme of disasters this year seems to be 'Dancing on Ice', with gowns that wouldn't look out of place on a competing ex-Hollyoaks actress. Here come the Fashion Police...

Alright, that's enough bitching - time for this week's Wish List!

1. Short-Sleeved Panel Shirt, Topshop, £34. Ask the panel, here.

2. Crystals and Chains Necklace, Mango, £43. Be part of a chain gang, here.

3. Stripe Fishnet Underwire Bra, Topshop, £16. Bras and Stripes, here.

4. Grey Cotton-Blended V-Neck Sweater, Uniqlo, £20. 50 Shades of Grey, here.

5. Knitted Zip-Back Jumper, Topshop, £36. Zip it, here.

6. Jacquard-Patterned Carpet Handbag, Zara, £80. No magic carpets were harmed, here.

7. Black Imitation Leather Shorts, French Connection, £50. BDSM-Chic, here.

8. Sparkle Earrings, H&M, £7. Add a bit of sparkle, here.

9. Two-Tone Round Sunglasses, Topshop, £14. Hold the tone, here.

10. Two-Tone Sandals, H&M, £30. Lower the tone (to your toes), here.

11. Nail Polish in Valley, Topshop, £6. Down in the Valley, here.

12. Lip Paint in Peach, Barry M, £5. Just peachy, here.

13. 'Amore' Black Court Shoe, KG Kurt Geiger, £110. That's amore, here.

Love, 

Belle x 

London Art: Lichtenstein Retrospective & Becoming Picasso

I'm not going to lie, being a History of Art student has a lot of perks. For one, we probably have the least hours of any degree subject - technically, this year I have a five-day weekend (if only it were true in practice). Secondly, looking at art is a lot more visually appealing than looking at pie charts, dead bodies, or algebra. Thirdly, we get to go on field trips, and, as Cartman would put it, pretty much "do what we wawwnt". On Wednesday morning, a bleary-eyed group of 20-somethings boarded a minibus headed to London, buoyed up by the prospect of free travel and decent pubs at the other end. After five and a half hours of wishing we'd just splashed out and taken the train - if only for the extra legroom - we arrived in London at the Tate Modern. After a quick headcount, we were left to our own devices - which meant a quick look round the galleries and then on to the pub. Rather than see the permanent exhibits, I decided that I might as well take a tour of the new Roy Lichtenstein Retrospective exhibition that the Tate is hosting. So, hopefully without too much pretension, here's what I thought of it...

One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Lichtenstein is one whose work is instantly recognisable, yet a lot of people don't know his name. His career started in the early 1960's, and, along with contemporaries such as Andy Warhol and Sir Peter Blake, gave rise to the Pop Art Movement with his preoccupation with comic strips, advertising, and mass culture imagery. Fun, often in the form of tongue-in-cheek parodies, is a huge part of Lichtenstein's work. The first room of the exhibition contains his 'Brushstrokes' series; a gentle jab at the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock, who had dominated the previous decade. While Pollock emphasised how his strokes were random and a result of chance, Lichtenstein makes a brushstroke 'a grand gesture'; outlining it in harsh black and making it the central focus of his paintings. 

Roy Lichtenstein, Brushstroke, 1965

Much like Courbet in the 19th century, who took scenes of 'low life' peasants and blew them up to gigantic, 'in-your-face' size to challenge the Parisian bourgeoisie, Lichtenstein took 'low-brow', mass-produced media, and made it look like art. His most famous series is entitled 'War and Romance', and features distressed looking women and fighter pilots depicted in comic-strip form, using dots for colour and shading - as was the process for printing actual comic books. Focusing on preconceived gender roles of the 'damsel in distress' and the male hero, he tentatively highlights the problems of sexism in the mass media by making it so glaringly obvious. The series made Lichtenstein an overnight sensation, and provoked as much media interest in the 1960's as Tracey Emin did with her unmade bed in the 90's, debating either Lichtenstein's ingenuity or impertinence. In the exhibition, the series is displayed in one room, against a stark white background - intensifying the comic strip element. 

Roy Lichtenstein, Hopeless, 1963

Roy Lichtenstein, Masterpiece, 1962

Roy Lichtenstein, Whaam!, 1963

Around the same time, Lichtenstein also produced a lesser-known black and white series, which focused not on comics but rather on mundane everyday household items (like Warhol and his soup cans). The most successful of these is the huge Compositions I (1964), where he blows up the size of a high-school exercise book to dwarf the viewers. In this way, the painting becomes the object, rather than just a depiction of it. 

Roy Lichtenstein, Compositions I, 1964

In the latter half of the 60's, Lichtenstein experimented with landscape. Personally, I don't think they're as successful - presumably the conclusion he also came to, as he never did anything like them again. Using only coloured dots and lines, he attempted to render down sunsets and sunrises to their bare elements - but they lack character and any rooting in recognisable or relatable popular imagery, and are, on the whole, pretty forgettable. Around this time, he also branched out into sculpture, taking inspiration from the then-outdated style of New York Art Deco for oversized, shiny brass sculptures. Although a complete departure from his usual style and oeuvre, they are quite amazing - especially since he attempted them as a complete amateur. 

As I mentioned before, a big part of understanding Lichtenstein is the amusing way he deals with the subject of authorship and appropriation in art. Whilst it is slightly more acceptable to 'make art' out of comic strips or advertisements, when Lichtenstein takes on Picasso, things start to get interesting. Inspired by the artists of the first half of the 20th century, Lichtenstein created a series of paintings that put his own spin on the iconic works of Picasso, Matisse and Mondrian, among others. In my opinion, he's most successful at Picasso - their styles seem to work and compliment each other, creating a really interesting dialogue. This is shown in a 1974 Portrait Triptych, where one of Lichtenstein's glossy damsels morphs into a proto-cubistic Picasso 'femme'. The irony here is that Picasso is famously quoted to have said: "Good artists copy, great artists steal." You can see the inspiration and adaptation process if you put together the original Delacroix Femmes d'Alger, Picasso's Les Femmes d'Algers and Lichtenstein's interpretation, Femme d'Alger...

Eugene Delacroix, Femmes d'Alger, 1834

Pablo Picasso, Les Femmes d'Algers, 1955

Roy Lichtenstein, Femme d'Alger, 1963

In this way, Lichtenstein is aligning himself with the greats of Art History. 

Another artist that Lichtenstein 'took on' was Matisse. In the early 70's, Lichtenstein embarked on a series of 'Artist's Studios', taking heavy inspiration from Matisse's series of a similar subject matter. In Matisse's 1911 work, The Pink Studio, the artist depicts his studio - complete with his own works upon the walls. Lichtenstein copies this idea in his work Artist Studio 'Look Mickey' in 1973, where we see one of his earlier Pop Art works hanging with prominence on the wall. I also believe he's drawing somewhat on the work of the 'father of Pop Art' - Richard Hamilton - and his 1959 collage, Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing? See what you think...

Henri Matisse, The Pink Studio, 1911

Roy Lichtenstein, Artist's Studio 'Look Mickey', 1973

Richard Hamilton, Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?, 1959

For Lichtenstein, the 1980's seem to have been a bit of a blip. Focusing on lines and perspective, he created a number of works that are, in my humble opinion, quite emotionless and devoid of imagination. Not to fear, though, because you can skip that room and move straight onto the 90's - where he's back to his old self. His focus once again is on gender roles in the media, this time through the age-old medium of nudes. Apparently in a retrospective mood himself, Lichtenstein revisits the comic-strip females that ignited his career as a successful artist - this time stripping them naked and contorting them into positions of ecstasy. In this way, they become less objects of lust and voyeurism and more autonomous, free-thinking individuals. That having been said, there is still a strong focus on media-perceived female beauty, and you can see how the aesthetics of the 90's Barbie doll had permeated ideas of feminine perfection.

Roy Lichtenstein, Two Nudes, 1995

At this point I was summoned to the pub, so I quickly looked at the last room of the exhibition - Japanese-inspired dot-paintings - before heading to Covent Garden to catch up with some friends. After a rushed drink, we said our goodbyes and headed to the Courtauld Institute in Somerset House to assemble for our private, after-hours tour of the new Picasso exhibition currently on show: 'Becoming Picasso: Paris 1901'. 

Spread over a manageable two rooms, the exhibition focuses on the year that was a huge turning point for Picasso - both personally and artistically. In this year, he moved from his native Spain to Paris, and started signing his works simply, Picasso. In this way, he 'became' Picasso, as, before then, he had used both his parents surnames: Ruiz and Picasso (as is the tradition in Spain). It signifies a real sense of personal identification and reinvention for the artist, shown in the amazing assembly of works the Courtauld has managed to beg, steal and borrow for the exhibition. It marks the departure point for the one of the periods he is best known for: his blue period - and the paintings in this series witness the development of themes and ideas that would come to permeate and define his later works. I've included my favourite works from the exhibition here, one of which - the Girl with a Dove - is quite personal, as I grew up with a print of it in my childhood bathroom! If you're around the Strand between now and the end of May, I would definitely recommend you pop into Somerset House and see the paintings for yourself. In the risk of sounding like a hippy, they have an incredibly powerful 'aura' about them, and are charged with emotional energy. Even if you don't buy in for any of that, simply go because you'll probably never see all these works in the same room again - certainly not in London, anyway.

Pablo Picasso, The Blue Room (The Tub), 1901

Pablo Picasso, Girl with a Dove, 1901

Pablo Picasso, The Death of Casagemas, 1901
Painted after the dramatic suicide of his close Spanish friend,
the poet Carlos Casagemas, which had a huge impact on
Picasso - both personally and artistically.

Pablo Picasso, Self Portrait, 1901

Love,
Belle x

Tune Tape Tuesdays #16

Today you're witnessing another Tune Tape Tuesday breaking all previous records. This week I've lovingly hand-picked 21 new music tracks for you all to listen to, gathering tunes from pretty much every genre - including remixes and mash-ups. I've also put them all in a handy folder again for you to download and listen to on the go - just click THIS LINK and thank me later. This week I've sorted the tunes by categories, so if you're a party-pooper and don't like Dance, you can skip to the 'Indie' or 'Hip Hop' section and be all alternative n shit. 

So let's start with some Indie for a change. This week's top track comes from the band Elephant with their song Skyscraper. With dreamy vocals and a swing beat that makes you want to "scrape the sky", I'm predicting this song is going to be big for summer. It's got that sunny BBQ vibe - all you need is a Corona and a great group of friends. In the Dance stakes, we've got some Deep House with Claptone and No Eyes (feat. Jaw). With slick vocals and a beat that builds up to what can only be described as 'groovy', this is one song that'll definitely get your derrieres shakin'. If you like that, definitely check out the offerings from Satin Jackets and AMTRAC, the latter featuring a sample from the late 90's track Ghetto Superstar by MYA (if anyone remembers that, if not, click here), which in turn was loosely based on Dolly Parton and Kenny Chesney's Islands in the Stream - that's some music knowledge for you. At the end, I've also shoved in a Dubstep remix from Protohype & Carnage (carnage being the operative word) of Röyskopp's new track, Running to the Sea. Get down wit yo bad self. Next up, we've got a couple of new HipHop releases, one from FloFilz with Sippin - representing CalifornI.A. in sound and spirit; the other Asher Roth's new offering, a major departure from I ♥ College he released a few years ago to a world-wide cringe. A few of you'll know how fond I am of covers, so to share my enthusiasm, I've put a couple under their very own heading. First up is a cover of one of my favourite bands, Beirut, and their lesser-known song Sunday Smile. Kishi Bashi strips it back to the bare essentials, and adhere's to the Beirut spirit with his beautifully haunting vocals. Next we have the Soundcloud-banned Azealia Banks's take on the Harlem Shake. Luckily I've managed to find a version that's slipped through the censors. Freestyling like a suped-up Lil'Kim, Azealia is pure dynamite. We also have a cover of Phoenix's Lisztomania by Two Blondies x One Uku. Swapping male for female vocals, paring it back and adding some sax, the ladies manage to turn this classic track into something new and fresh. Purity Ring is also back with their new single Grammy, which is a cover of a Soulja Boy song. I loved their album they released last year, and I can only predict great things for them in the coming months - starting with this. Next category is Chillwave/Electric, this week headed up by Parker Ighile (no I don't know how to pronounce that, either) and So Beautiful. Vaguely reminiscent of Gyptian, the song couples classic R&B lyrics with a grinding bass beat that is just plain naughty. The Weeknd is also making another showing on TTT, this time teaming up with Hucci to give us I Got You - an unashamedly sexy tune with the great vocals The Weeknd are known and loved for. Finally, we have a choice of Remixes/Mashups for you to enjoy, first of which is Monsieur Adi's take on the great Laura Mvula's Green Garden (which, if any of you watch Graham Norton, was featured a couple of weeks back). Monsieur Adi turns this into a bass-heavy, dreamy pleasure with added instrumentals. Truly beautiful. Lastly, I've got big love for Flume, who have been consistently great throughout 2012 and into 2013. This month, they've been mashed-up with Notorious B.I.G. by Jaymee Franchina & Jeremy Smith, who are giving away their album, 'B.I.G. Flume' for free. Just click HERE. I've put up the two tracks which I'm crushing on this week, but to be honest, they've done a great job with the album and it's awesome to hear Biggie being mixed with something so current. Give it a listen and tell me what you think!

Indie

Dance

Hip Hop

Covers

Chillwave/Electric

Remixes/Mashups

Love,
Belle x

Guest List Mondays #1 - Snow Special

So I've had a pretty novel idea this week. I'm starting a 'Guest List Mondays' special, where I rope in a friend doing something interesting to share what they're wishing for this week. Enter one of my best friends, Iona. She's possibly got the coolest job ever. Out on the mountains of Austria (not singing the Sound of Music...), she straps a camera to herself and heads to various snow parks, recording skiers and snowboarders at the top of their game, doing gravity-defying tricks and stunts. Then she goes and has a beer with them. Check out and 'like' her Facebook fan page for her media company, ICAT, HERE. Rather than trying to strike out with my limited, 'family-holiday' experience of skiing, I thought I'd get her to put together a Wish List of what's hot right now in SnoWear. So, over to Iona...

As February half term approaches many of you will be off somewhere snowy for a few days or weeks on the hill. So here I am/ICAT is to make sure you are updated on ski fashion essentials for the 2012/13 season.  

Lets start at the beginning. Your attitude. Know your level and stick to it.  Be respectful, and easy going, and listen to those people who know more than you. The mountain is not to be reckoned with, neither are the locals who’s town you are invading. Do a bit of research before you go on the resort and ski area.  Read some magazines, watch a freeski movie or two, or three...

Quicksilver presents Candide Thovex, king of the hill in ‘Few Words’.  Have your mind blown and your reality checked during this document of ski madness.

Available in full on iTunes to Rent or Buy, just CLICK HERE.

The freeski world’s photo journal containing beautiful snapshots and brilliant articles on the top rated of the moment. 

http://freeski.downdays.eu

Now for your kit.  ‘All the gear, no idea girl’ is not a nice image.  So a few tips on how to rock your outfit:

• Your goggles must be connecting with your hat at all times, its a giveaway if you a ‘gaper’ gap that you are clueless.  
• Make sure your pants aren’t ankle swinging; you want them touching the ground, even when in your boots.
• If you want to be cool, all your upper body wear should be long. This means body of the jacket should be longer than the jacket’s sleeves. 
• Stick to your femininity/style in the right way. Where outerwear and equipment is concerned stick to the latest ski trends.  For everything underneath, do it your way, jazz it up with base layers, painted nails, perfect hair and make up.  Fuck it, fake tan too, why not?

The 2012/13 season trends are camo, khaki, beiges, and neutral tones. Think bleached skater rustic looks. ICAT was very lucky to gain entry to ISPO in Munich this year to see all the 2013/14 ranges. I can tell you that colours are harking back to the 70’s next season with mustards, rustic browns and reds, and bright royal blues, so maybe mix some of these in to be ahead of the crowd.  

When it comes to picking skis, it is so important to choose one that suits you.  Choose a ski that suits your ability and in the right size.  If you like skiing piste, rent a piste ski.  If powder is what you are after, try the VJJ by Armada, its the very best girls powder ski on the market trust me; soft and floatatious, you are going to feel like you are riding a new sex toy in the deep stuff.  If you can’t choose between park, powder or piste try out the ARV or the ARW for the not so experience but adventurous park riders.  Try Elis Brigham Mountain Sports for some good quality advice, and even a chance to demo your new ski for free before you buy them.  Do not look on the internet for help, you will just meet a bunch of people like yourself who think they know better.   

1. VJJ (Powder/Big Mountain) by Armada Skis, comes in sizes 165cm, 165cm. £520. Buy here.

2. ARV (All Mountain) by Armada Skis, comes in sizes 165cm, 175cm, 185cm. £470. Buy here.

3. ARW (Park) by Armada Skis, comes in sizes 161cm, 166cm. £440. Buy here.

4. One (The All rounder) by White Dot Skis, comes in sizes 166cm, 173cm, 180cm. €500. Buy here.

Boots are the most important part of your outfit, they need to be fitter perfectly by professionals to ensure maximum performance and comfort.  Again, try Elis Brigham’s for a full fitting, they spend a lot of time and effort training their staff to help you so its worth a shot!

Okay, without further a do, here’s my Mons Monday wish list:

1. Smile Hoodie. RPM Apparel Co. $99NZD. Buy here.
2. Rasta Lion Dress. TallT Productions. $36. Buy here.
3. Black Logo Hoodie. Black Label Project. £60. Buy here.
4. Vintage Sunglasses. Nike Eyewear. $80. Buy here.
5. 'Soul Sister' Ski Boots. Full Tilt. $530. Buy here.
6. Black Logo Gator. Black Label Project. £15. Buy here.
7. APX Goggles. Dragon. $180. Buy here.
8. 'Isis' Jacket. Armada. £240. Buy here.
9. 'Merchant' Pant. Holden. $280. Buy here.
10. Black Leggings. Mons Royale. $120NZD. Buy here.
11. 'Neppy' Beanie. Holden. $36. Buy here.
12. 'Fishtail' Parka. Holden. $220. Buy here.


Love,
Iona & Belle x

Film Fest Fridays #5

Apologies are in order once again for the lateness of this post. Unfortunately my charger broke up with me on Friday, which resulted in a total loss of battery and a broken heart. Luckily chargers are marginally more replaceable than men, so I managed to source out a new one yesterday. Last week also witnessed the comeback of a dangerous addiction I thought I'd managed to kick as a tween: Pokemon Crystal on Gameboy Advance. Turns out, you don't even need the outdated consoles any more - you only have to log into www.playr.org and you have thousands of retro games at your disposal! NB: Not recommended for anyone who has an essay deadline in the near future.

Piss off, Rattata.

In between fighting (and defeating, I might add) the Pokemon League, and searching for an Apple shop deep in the heart of Surrey (comparable to finding the Holy Grail), I have squirrelled myself away this week as penitence for not publishing a Film Fest Fridays post last week and being late this week. To make it up to you, I've watched FIVE WHOLE FILMS and reviewed each and every one of them: Seven Psychopaths, Flight, and Warm Bodies are all currently in cinemas, joined by Chinatown and Amadeus, which were on my 'to watch' list from IMDB's Top 100. So, here's what I thought of them...

Seven Psychopaths (2012)
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
My Rating: 7.7/10

Right from the opening scene, you can tell that this film desperately wants to be a Tarantino. They've drafted in a witty scriptwriter, arranged a great cast, and rented lots of guns and vintage cars - but let's get one thing straight: it ain't got nothing on Pulp Fiction. That's not to say the film isn't highly enjoyable, because it really is. The film, which is a mise en abyme (or to be less pretentious, a play within a play), centres around Colin Farrell's character Marty, who is writing a screenplay called Seven Psychopaths. Oddly enough, he's writing about seven - he believes - fictional psychopaths, but it soon becomes apparent that these guys are far from imaginary. Marty is, if I'm being honest, rather a weak character; a wet fish that mopes around LA with a wining Irish accent. His 'best friend' and subsequent psychopath Billy (played by Sam Rockwell), however, has an amazing screen presence, and it's really him - with the help of the legendary Christopher Walken (Weapon of Choice...) - that makes the film so watchable. Take away these two characters and I'm afraid you're left with a rather unsatisfactory imitation of Reservoir Dogs that wouldn't really cut it. 

Chinatown (1974)
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
My Rating: 6/10

Billed as a 'neo-Noir', and highly praised by both critics and friends, I sat down in front of Chinatown with pretty high hopes. Hopes that were unceremoniously dashed. For those who haven't seen it, it follows a pretty similar line to Michael Clayton, or Erin Brockovich - replace George Clooney/Julia Roberts with a young Jack Nicholson, instead of a lawyer, he's a Private Investigator, and the 'fat cats' of the big company he's up against is the Los Angeles Water Board of the 1930's. Nicholson's character becomes embroiled in a political scandal that centres around the covered-up diversion of water from Los Angeles to poorer, previously dry, farming areas just outside of the city. This parched land is being swiftly bought up by city bigwigs, in on the secret plans. Woven into this espionage is the daughter of the owner of Los Angeles's Water, Evelyn Mulwray - supposedly the femme fatale of the film. Well, I'm just not buying it. For a start, no offence to Faye Dunaway, but Evelyn Mulwray is just not pretty or alluring enough to really make you give a shit. Sure, she's posh and hoity-toity - the opposite to Jack Nicholson's working man character - and she smokes like a chimney, but her face is just too, well, plain. The film's also super slow, and takes hours (literally) to get to any kind of climax, which, when it finally arrives is, I have to say, pretty anticlimactic. The sole propeller of the movie is Jack Nicholson, without whom, the film would be entirely lacking in laughs or interest. I believe there is some significance of LA's Chinatown in regards to the plot, but by the time it was possibly explained I'd switched off completely and was willing the film to end. If anyone would like to let me know about this, I'd be mildly interested. Similarly, the 'shocking' element of the whole film is also brought in far too late in my opinion. In short, if you like long-winded films about the 'travesty' of rich men being tipped off about cheap property, and you have around 3 hours to spare, Chinatown may be the film for you. For those of us who prefer shorter films with a spicier subject matter, you'll probably be as bored as I was.

Amadeus (1984)
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
My Rating: 7/10

Amadeus is a film that my parents have been raving about for years. So naturally I've postponed watching it for as long as possible. Filled with an entire cast that no-one's seen or heard from ever again, I get the feeling that Amadeus is one of those fluke cult classics; a film that didn't necessarily break any new cinematic ground, but has nevertheless stuck in the mind of those who watch it. For those who didn't get the reference from the title, the film is about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, told through the eyes of his greatest rival and most envious contemporary, Antonio Salieri, in a series of flashbacks from the mental institute where he will eventually end up. Essentially, it is a story that highlights the difference between someone good and someone great - and the disparities between their characters. Salieri was a great musician and composer, who came from a similarly humble background to Mozart, but tirelessly clawed his way to the top with no help from anyone. Mozart, on the other hand, never had to work; he was born great, and his journey to the top was significantly shorter and easier. Salieri was a devout Christian, who gave up himself wholeheartedly to God - abstaining from any activities that might raise even the most prude of eyebrows; Mozart was a loud-mouthed, obstinate, rude and lecherous rascal, with no regard for any authority - heavenly or earthly ("I am a vulgar man. But I assure you, my music is not.") Salieri just can't understand why God would give these extraordinary musical powers to such a, well, dick - and slowly begins to lose his faith in God, as well as himself. The film is quick-paced and absorbing, and the use of flashbacks is well-done rather than cheesy. The script leaves a lot to be desired, and has significantly dated since 1984, but I suppose a little artistic license is acceptable. It's not the glossy, Kiera Knightly saturated, period dramas we're used to seeing, but that doesn't make the sets or the costumes any less inspiring - in fact, the 'look' of the film is probably one of the best things about it. As well as looking great, the film also makes you contemplate the attitudes of the talented - those who are given ('by God', if you're that way inclined) an unsurpassed flair for something, rather than striving to attain it. Going beyond that, it highlights what we take for granted in life, and how often we forget that there are many who work for the 'normal' life we are used to. 

Warm Bodies (2013)
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
My Rating: 8.5/10

I pretty much knew this would become a firm favourite as soon as I saw the trailer. It combines two of my favourite genres in an epic hybrid: post-apocalyptic (think 28 Days Later, I Am Legend, The Road, etc) with a love story to rival Twilight - and an awesome soundtrack to boot. Also, for a newly single gal like me, I was not complaining at having to watch Nicholas Hoult for one and a half hours. For those of you who haven't been inclined to watch the trailer (hi, male population), the story's very loosely based on Romeo & Juliet. Nicholas Hoult, aka 'R', is a guy from the wrong side of town - the zombie side, to be precise - and 'Julie' is the daughter of the head of Camp Living. But R isn't your normal zombie. In fact, he hates what he is, and tries to do everything in his power to retain some sort of 'humanness' - decorating his home in an abandoned airplane with all sorts of human memorabilia. Julie is sent on a group patrol mission to retrieve medical supplies for base camp, which winds up with her boyfriend getting killed and eaten by none other than R (awkward turtle...). In short, R feels pretty bad for eating her BF, so he takes her back to his place and they make sweet zombie love. No, not really, that comes later. Despite Nicholas Hoult shuffling around like a depressed Emo, and occasionally eating brains, he does grow on you, and by the end of the film you are willing him to jump his blonde captive - preferably naked. Like, fully naked. Everything out. Thanks. Admittedly, it's a bit of a girl's film - but guys, I guarantee if you take any girl to this film, you'll definitely get laid. I've got a feeling 'zombie role-play' is gonna become a thing...you heard it here first.

Flight (2012)
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
My Rating: 7.3/10

Before watching this film, I actually enjoyed flying. I trusted the pilot, picturing him as a man of outstanding calibre and rock-steady morals, and never really gave a thought about what a plane crash might be like. I'm now a WHOLE lot more apprehensive about stepping on an aircraft after watching this film. Whip Whitaker, played by Denzel Washington, is an alcoholic and drug-addicted pilot, who enjoys a life full of vice and shame similar to that of a rock star. Except he isn't playing electric guitar in Status Quo, he's flying people thousands of feet above the Earth in a suspended metal cylinder. Hundreds of people. Every day. This film centres around the day his luck runs out. After a particular heavy night on booze and cocaine, he powers up a plane that has a mechanical fault, and, 30,000 feet above America, takes a nose-dive. Powered on nothing but vodka orange and coke, he somehow, miraculously, manages to land the plane, in an ordeal which is about as traumatic for the viewer as for the passengers. Whip is an anti-hero; deeply flawed and wholly unlikable from the start. It's a fairly typical story: divorced, he has a volatile relationship with his wife and son, he lies through the skin of his teeth about pretty much everything, has a penchant for pretty young women, and a filthy temper and attitude. He's not exactly winning any awards for Pilot of the Year. Yet he's bizarrely watchable - almost like watching a car crash (or more appropriately, a plane crash) in slow motion; you just can't look away. Let's get one thing straight: this is not a story of redemption or resolution - and in many ways, it doesn't deserve to be; that's not the point. I'm sure you could draw many symbolic similarities between Whip's life and the plane in a nose dive - as the pilot of both the plane and his own life, he is the only one who has power to save it. But it also highlights how we believe people who are in charge of lives - whether that be doctors, pilots, politicians in some ways - to be holier than holy. When really, they're just people, and people will always be flawed. That's not to say that I condone the pilot of my next plane ride to take a bumper of coke before takeoff, but just to remember these people are...people. Just like you and me. 


Any suggestions for this week?

Love,
Belle x