Easy Like Sunday Morning

Or Tuesday night. Whatevs. Because that's when some friends and I headed out and saw Easy A, a teenage comedy starring the ever sexy, feisty and charismatic Emma Stone. I tell ya, if Donna Pinciotti ever had a cheeky little sister, this would be her.


However, upon watching this film, I was instantly grateful for three things;

1. Not growing up in American middle school.
2. Not having parents that over shared their sexual history.
3. Not being surrounded by social networking technology during those years.

I was 19years old when I first got signed up to MySpace. I am so hardcore.

But seriously, it's especially hard for me to comprehend just how difficult it would have been to be surrounded by that over exposure where gossip, regardless of how fleeting or grossly inaccurate, could spread to the masses before you even had a chance to say "OMFG, FML!!!1!"

Our leading lass Olive (played by the charming Stone) throws caution to the wind after being inspired by The Scarlett Letter, the novel her English class is studying. By telling a little white lie to remedy an awkward moment with her BFF Rhiannon, Olive quickly discovers the uncontrollable effects of spreading a rumour about losing your virginity - especially when it is in earshot of the world's most demonic Bible-basher.

Is that an oxymoron? Who cares. Olive quickly discovers she is in over her head as the her lie spirals out of control and lands onto the monitors of every iPhone and Blackberry Curve within a 50mile radius. By using her web cam as a real time confessional, Olive embraces the medium to deflect the damage against her and explain what really happened.

I'm not crazy about glossy, mainstream Hollywood flicks directed at teenagers but this one was fantastic. Besides its obvious timely nature of social network obsessions, parties, cliques, gossip, angst and self discovery woes, it had a lot of heart, humor and several tributes to classic 80's John Hughes movies.
'Nuff said.


RT, bitches!
xx

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Above Us Only Sky

I'm sure this video has done its fair share of rounds since it was released onto the interwebz nearly 3 years ago. But as today marks what would have been John Lennon's 70th Birthday, please take the time to celebrate his life and his remarkably insightful view on love and war by giving this a watch.
The animation is breathtaking and I cannot help but hang off his every word. A real gem.


"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it." - John Lennon, R.I.P

Above Us Only Sky

Deliciously Despicable

Don't you just love when impromptu catch ups transform into a lovely evening? My darling friend V and I caught up over milkshakes and muffins. We then popped on our 3D glasses and sat ourselves amongst a cinema full of 6 year olds to watch Despicable Me.


Normally I know exactly what I'm paying to see. But we were pushed for time and were feeling fairly easy with anything. I was surprised to see that the films central character is an ugly, intolerable greedy man named Gru. I had to keep reminding myself that it is aimed at children and not to pick away at the story too much. There was a moment where it had swerved off track so much that I was baffled why I hadn't noticed it much earlier.

Deliciously Despicable

Holy Shit I Wish These Were Mine

You probably think I just flogged these amazing pick-a-matures off a random website like weheartit.com without acknowledging the owner. But I like to give credit where it's due. More so when the artist is one of my beautiful and ultra talented friends.


When Loren isn't clicking away awesomeness, she studies Visual Design and manages her brand spankin' new wesbite to showcase her amazing versatility and style. Plus, she has a kitten named Ziggy Stardust. Rad. We've spent the weekend together eating, drinking, swapping ideas for an upcoming 50's rockabilly photoshoot that yours truly shall be modelling in and watching some fantastic films including The Runaways.


Did anyone enjoy this flick as much as we did? I adored its grittiness and experimental approach. Kristen Stewart kicked ass as iconic Joan Jett and my budding photographer friend and I decided that we simply need to, nay, MUST wear more leather.


If you wanna check out more of Lorens skills, I highly suggest you follow her blog Obscur Photography. Oh and following her on her brand new Twitter obscur_fotos has scientifically been proven to increase chances of mind blowing sex. Just sayin.

Holy Shit I Wish These Were Mine

all apologies

Where the eff have I been?! Can I just start by saying you're all absolutely amazing for continuing to follow my hot bliggity-blog and send me beautiful comments despite my absence? I owe you all lollipops. Seriously, send me your digits.
Well, Lennon got it right. Just as your making plans, fate rears its fugly face and pulls the rug out from underneath you. Things really got a bit pear shaped there, with home situations and school and oh gosh, I won't bore you, but it was beyond my control AND demanded by undivided. Double thumbs down!


But I'm back and ready to kick this around once more! Though sadly, my movie-a-day challenge has been abandoned in the mess. Forgive-ahness pah-leeze? But can I just blow my own horn for a second and say that 94 isn't that bad? Damn straight! But who else thought it was getting stifling? I want this to be fun and cool to follow and it was quickly becoming a chore.


So onward, I say! I shall continue posting film reviews, strange tangents, bizarre stories and general all round weird, crazy shit that I have a knack for encountering on a daily basis - all without the pressure of a deadline.
I hope you all enjoy the picture too. I was going for a Lindsay Lohan mugshot kind of vibe except with less cocaine and more sarcastic sentimentality. That girl cracks me up. Ha! Crack! Get it? Oh me...

all apologies

Afterglow

I read Vladimir Nabokovs' Lolita sometime last year and I was enthralled by it's intoxicating use of lyrical descriptions and long, uninterrupted tangents of thought. I only wanted to watch the film after I had finished reading it to see how Director Stanley Kubrick had envisioned this controversial love affair between Literary scholar Humbert Humbert and his 12 year old step-daughter Dolores "Lolita" Haze. The 1962 version incorporates a screenplay written by Nabokov himself, sustaining the genuine nature of the classic novel without ever compromising it's content for theatrical pleasure.


The movie was highly enjoyable though it did occur to me that it was a quick skim through a intensely rich and, at times, traumatic love affair between Humbert and his divine 'nymphet', omitting crucial scenes that developed both the story and the emotional arc in which Humbert would be pulled through in order to prove his infatuation and loyalty. Converting a novel to film format obviously requires careful deliberation, sometimes requiring dramatic changes to the story. What works in a book may not necessarily work onscreen and vice versa. But in this case, it was a carefully constructed and beautifully executed projection.

Film Count: 94 out of 365

Afterglow

Lingering on Love Street

This is one of the most enjoyable biographical films I've ever seen. Covering the highly influencial 60's rock band The Doors, it is simply eerie how Val Kilmer so closely resembles the group's lead singer Jim Morrison.


I've held this iconic poet in my heart since childhood, their tunes humming from my dad's old radio he kept in the garage while he tinkered away on his cars. They were some of my earliest memories and I continued to indulge in their music as I grew older. I was skeptical of the movies intent, unsure if it would really do the singer any justice and give him the credit he so deserves, despite his controversial open attitude to drug addiction and the rock and roll lifestyle that naturally came with the success of being in one of the most successful bands of that era.


But the film shares with viewers the beauty and majesty of Morrison's mind and the infectious presence he had amongst his band members. Infact, Kilmer looks and sounds so alike to Mr Mojo Risin' that following the films release, the surviving members of The Doors experienced difficulty distinguishing the actor from the singer himself.

Film Count: 93 out of 365

Lingering on Love Street

Au Revoir, Monsieur Vampire

The bookstore in my dead-end town is so depressing. All I wanted was something enjoyable, perhaps inspiring. Classic even. Instead, there's more vampire romances than you can poke a crucifix at. There's something really wrong with men when women begin fantasizing over graveyards and the undead.


But sometimes, some stories are better told onscreen. The lovely, delicate character of Amelie would no doubt be shadowed amongst the browing papers of a forgotten book. Not to mention the breathtaking and heart warming aesthetics that make this feature a cinematic gem. Forever a classic, touching the hearts of millions.

Film Count: 92 out of 365

Au Revoir, Monsieur Vampire

Play or Pass

Contrary to the title of the film, The Score barely rated above mediocre to me despite its incredibly talented all-star cast. Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando and Edward Norton are all favourite actors who I hold in the highest regards but I suppose this film just proves that without a suspenseful story to glue audiences to the very end, no amount of Hollywood A-Listers can save what will ultimately be a safe attempt at a white-knuckled thriller.

Film Count: 91 out of 365

Play or Pass

Room Service

There's really nothing more blissful than being in a cozy bed with a good book (thankyou Jean-Pierre Léaud and Claude Jade for demonstrating this), unless of course, it is watching a French film by one of your favourite directors.


Bed and Board is the 3rd installment of the adventures of the spontaneous and mischievous Antoine Doinel, a fictional character created by the amazing Francois Truffaut who formed a 20 year friendship with Léaud. The film takes a peek into the life of the now married Doinel who spends his days dying flowers while his wife gives violin lessons. He struggles to settle down, the image of maturity frightening him away from his new bride and into the arms of a Japanese model.

Film Count: 90 out of 365

Room Service

Bellissimo!

Sundays are best spent passing the time sweetly by in the presence of lovely people. I bid my darling Roxanne goodbye and met Robbie for coffee as we checked out some very strange stalls on display at the local market. This was followed by lovely italian woodfire pizza in the afternoon with the gorgeous Anna, who always manages to bring a smile to my face! We visited a chocolatier and discussed big dreams. It was so wonderful to recharge from the previous night. It's a shame it all went too quickly! The bus I caught was playing Michael Jackson hits - a bittersweet salute to the king of pop's one year passing.


Arriving home, I watched the marvelous Pan's Labyrinth. I am constantly astounded by the beauty and gothic feel to this film, with some of the characters looking like they belong in a Tool video clip.

Film Count: 89 out of 365

Bellissimo!

The Key to Happiness

Inbetween packing my bags and getting ready for a big weekend, I watched The Skeleton Key which didn't sit very well with me. Interestingly, Kate Hudson had removed herself from the romcom stigma and experimented with a darker film exploring a mysterious family secret buried within an old mansion. Sounds a little old hat doesn't it? Well before you completely disregard this one, the story was actually quite unique, drawing on superstitions and voodoo magic. However, it's delivery was the downfall. Perhaps it was around the time that Caroline (Hudson) threw herself into a canoe that just so happened to be lying in the front yard and frantically paddled down a river to escape the gunshots of a senile old woman. That or the sprinkling of red dirt on doorways that actually prevented the bad guys from entering a room. I'll have to remember that next time I'm writing a script and can't figure out how to make it trumps for the good guy.


My weekend instantly picked up the moment I hit the road though! Some nights are just brilliant from start to finish, forging memories that will forever remain in your mind and instantly bring a smile to your face. We hit the city tonight to celebrate the birthday of gorgeous Kelly with cosmopolitans, sponge cake and a whole lot of laughter! Roxanne and I then joined the que at Britpop to indulge in beers and Oasis tunes all night before being snapped up by the photographers and conversing with a quirky bunch of boys from all corners of the globe.

Film Count: 88 out of 365

The Key to Happiness

White Flag

While on the topic of Al Pacino of late, I must mention the film I watched today, Dog Day Afternoon, which has instantly shot up as a favourite. I was blown away by the sheer magnitude and energy of the pint-sized hot headed Pacino as young Sonny who decides to rob a bank in Brooklyn one hot summer afternoon in 1972. Based on a true story, the movie won an Oscar for Best Screenplay (1975) which formed the springboard for Pacino to dive in amongst the confused, frustrated outsiders that reflected his society of the time.


Skipping a formal introduction, we find our hero at the Brooklyn Bank, only finding out small details of his past as the film progresses. A Vietnam vet trapped in his own mind of frustration and the feelings of being an outcast, Sonny directs his actions towards the minorities he connects with and against the authority he despises.


He's funny and outlandish, taking care of his hostages like family. Feeding them pizza, fixing the air conditioner and letting them watch television highlights his good intentions. He is awe of his sudden fame, showboating to the crowd of admirers as he deflects his inner problems crying "I'm dying. Everyday I'm dying."


Pacino is amazing.

Film Count: 87 out of 365

White Flag

Seeing Red

Today Australia greeted their new Prime Minister Julia Gillard. In a striking entrance to power, she challenged the current leader Kevin Rudd who stepped aside in a matter of hours. She is the country's first female Prime Minister. I don't exactly want to discuss politics on my blog but lets just say she was met with very mixed receptions. It will be interesting to see what changes this shall bring about!


Power and vanity is no doubt an excellent motivator and when that dangerous combination titled The Devil's Advocate involves a splash of Al Pacino, it couldn't get anymore fine if you tried! This husky voiced star is magic onscreen and a dear favourite of mine. Though not my favourite Pacino movie (I found it much too drawn out and wishy washy in terms of flow), he is the flame of the film, despite Keanu Reeves persistently steely gazes.

Film Count: 86 out of 365

Seeing Red

Baby, It's Cold Outside

I feel a little bad for interrupting my peaceful evening consisting of vanilla lattes and Cat Stevens songs by throwing on Brothers, a tragic tale of a young man returning from the war in Afghanistan and his younger brother returning to society after being released from jail.


But I was pleasantly surprised. Given the touchy nature of a subject matter that is no doubt still alive and burning within the hearts of thousands of soldiers and their loved ones, the film already bears the weight of representing the countless men and women and the losses they face in the way of war.


Brutal and gripping, the roles are formed by Jake Gyllenhall, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire as the tormented Sam Cahill, no doubt aiming to shake the shadows of Spiderman and release himself into the dark world of personal battles. Tobey is truly terrifying as the gun swindling Cahill who increasingly becomes more erratic as he struggles to reconnect with reality.

Film Count: 85 out of 365

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Schwing!

Above: A still capturing one of cinema's most memorable moments.


Ages ago, I bought one of those Saturday Night Live DVD's where they select an actor (in this case, Mike Myers) and show their best appearances. The hilarious Wayne's World segment proved so successful that it lead to it evolving into a full length feature that was actually a shitload better than the 2 minute skit. Normally a risky venture to cash in on what could have been a passing fad to a fickle audience. But the film was so jam packed with 90's grunge and pop culture goodness that it instantly became timeless. And ironic.

Film Count: 84 out of 365

Schwing!

Flying High

Today was fabulous for a number of reasons. But mainly, it was because I handed in my very last assignment for the semester. Hello, holidays!


Today's movie was escapism at it's best. I wanted nothing more than to set fire to my textbooks and throw the laptop out the window. Rioting or celebrating, you take your pick. But popping Moon instead seemed a lot less damaging and wouldn't exactly create a criminal record. Basically, it was win from the start.


Directed by Duncan Jones (that's David Bowie's son for all you non-hipsters) as his debut film, Moon charters the loneliness surrounding Sam Bell, a curious character played by Sam Rockwell, who is nearing the end of his 3 years of solitude in space, farming a precious resource used to sustain energy on Earth. His only company arrives in the form of satellite messages from his wife and daughter, and that of onboard computer GERTY, voiced by the legendary Kevin Spacey.


I don't want to expand on this anymore as I'd hate to spoil any of the magic that Jones has delivered. Rockwell is amazing, considering he is the life and soul of the entire film, able to carry and sustain our focus for the films duration. His character explores the depth of loneliness, paranoia or playful quirks such as miniature model making and tending to his plants. Though Sam quickly becomes to suspect GERTY and he learns more about his mission and himself than he ever thought possible.

Film Count: 83 out of 365

Flying High

Royale With Cheese

It's a rare thing when the morning after closely competes with the previous night in terms of fun and endorphin releasing enjoyment with your buddies but today couldn't have gone any smoother if I tried. Which I couldn't possibly in that state. No way.


Train hopping further into the city for breakfast lead us to seek shelter from the blinding pavement and eat greasy things while we watched a bevvy of stunning supermodels showing off the latest sky-high heels and must-have bags. Being the tech obsessed trio we were, we seemed more interested in the equipment the camera crew were using and momentarily considered asking to stand alongside and watch and learn any advice they were willing to share.


I bid my friends farewell and boarded another train to meet with the lovely Effie where we indulged in shoe shopping (Why hello, Tony Bianco) and caramel milkshakes. Yes, yes, oh yay. Mine wasn't quite $5 but I couldn't resist throwing on Pulp Fiction for the 28th millionth time and doing a half-assed twist dance of my own.

Film Count: 82 out of 365

Royale With Cheese

The Tequila Society

Saturday night was spent in Sydney catching up with friends over a drink or fifty at Nicoles! So much fun involving pizza, strangers and dancing barefoot. Before heading out, I squeezed in a viewing of the highly quotable, socially dysfunctional 1980's classic The Breakfast Club. When I grow up, I want to be John Bender but for now, I may just have to settle for being The Kook.

Film Count: 81 out of 365

The Tequila Society

Stay, Lay or Pray

Keeping in tune with all things nostalgic, I couldn't pass up the viewing of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a cult 80's film covering all things awkward and adolescent from first dates, shit jobs at fast food chains and scraping passing grades. Featuring the infamous slow motion sequence of a bikini clad Linda plus appearances by Forest Whitaker and the hilarious quintessential surfie stoner Spicoli played by Sean Penn, the movie is a funny, albeit somewhat touching portrayal of high school disarray.

Film Count: 80 out of 365

Stay, Lay or Pray

You're The Boss, Applesauce!

I decided to include with this post a few shots from New Years Eve (2009/2010) where we dressed up as celebrities. This is me doing my best impersonation of 60's socialite and infamous Warhol muse, Edie Sedgwick. It took me alot of eyeliner and two sets of false eyelashes to perfect her iconic look so I hope you appreciate the effort!


Speaking of the free spirit Edie, I watched Factory Girl which is still as much a favourite to me as it was when I saw it for the first time 3 years ago. While it might not be totally correct in relation to events surrounding the elusive Bob Dylan, the whimsical world of pop culture redefines art, bouncing off the screen, seen through the eyes of the undeniably electric yet fragile Edie. The soundtrack alone is worth the visit, a favourite of mine being 'Shakin' All Over' by The Guess Who!

Film Count: 79 out of 365

You're The Boss, Applesauce!

Ah, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, the least loved film of the series. Just viewing the poster is sure to make many grimace with a reluctant acceptance. Many a fan complained of several things about the movie, but the role of John Connor ranks the highest of grudges. Played poorly by Nick Stahl, I couldn't help but think to myself did Nick even bother to watch the previous flick? The original John Connor was fiesty, angst filled and rebellious. He wore leather and rode around on a motorbike blasting Guns n' Roses from his boombox. A total badass.


This new John Connor is nervous, clumsy, high strung and rejects his role as the leader of the human race, cowering from the steely glances of The Terminator. What's more is the enormous car chase scene that shamelessly competes with it's predecessor to the point where it's a blatantly ridiculous and obscene show of money.

Film Count: 78 out of 365

Say, That's A Nice Bike

After arriving home, I simply had to relive the Terminator saga buy hiring out the 2nd installment, Judgement Day - which is a true classic and will always remain high on my list of all time favourite movies. Highly quotable, bitchin' fight scenes and just the right amount of fear injected into it's magnificent script (The poor coffee loving security guard). The special effects were well beyond its time and it contains one of the best action packed chase scenes in cinematic history. Brilliant.

Film Count: 77 out of 365

Say, That's A Nice Bike

Snuggle Time

This is Patrick. He is the most adorable cat I've ever met - which is saying something because I'm not much of a cat person. Please excuse my shabby appearance but it was a long weekend so I unleashed my inner tomboy and indulged in the guilty pleasure of being a couch potato, listening to metal, drinking beer and watching the ever classic Terminator - which was interesting to observe how much improvement on sound/music and action the second installment focused on. The Terminator series has always been a huge favourite of mine, growing up watching it hundreds of times with my brothers, neglecting my expensive Barbie dolls in the process.

Film Count: 76 out of 365

Snuggle Time

Counting Headlights

On the way to Jono's house, slightly hungover, the smell of smoke whispered from yesterdays jacket. The trains were down for trackwork so we had to all pile onto a bus. Which was kinda cosy because gritty 70's hits crackled from the old speakers and I was sort of secretly hoping for an Almost Famous tiny dancer moment. I happened to sit next to a guy named Anthony. He was tall and lanky and he was wearing a concert entry wristband from the night before. A few jokes about the bus later, we were in full flight of a conversation about music, movies and (somehow) coles frozen food. The trip zoomed by and before I knew it, it was time to go. I bid my new friend farewell and I climbed off the bus. My head spun at the fresh smell of the sea.


Nestling down to watch Boondock Saints 2 (We had seen the first one a while back), Jono was adamant about the benefits of Blu-Ray. I'm not convinced. There's something about the way it robs the sense of illusion, making me an aware spectator, too distracted by the now noticable pores and every line digging into the characters I'm watching. Call me old fashioned...

Film Count: 75 out of 365

Counting Headlights

Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con!

Today was Loren and Cinzia's joint science fiction themed birthday party. I dressed up as Pris from Bladerunner and before long, we were dancing to David Bowie, eating homemade italian pizzas and played Wii. Which was a first time for me. And I won. Woo.


Quickly squeezed in a viewing of G.I Joe a few hours before the party and I while I didn't hate it, I certainly wasn't blown away by it. But modern Hollywood action movies do that to me. Bang, explosion, extreme closeup, dramatic slow motion, even bigger explosion. Seen it once....

Film Count: 74 out of 365

Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con!

Walking The Line

We've all watched those sorts of films where by the end of it, we're either here nor there and we can't make up our minds. After seeing The Road, I was a little perplexed. There's a fair few post-apocalyptic movies on rotation at the cinemas of late but this one is much more bleak in the way it is delivered. Starring Viggo Mortensen and newcomer Kodi Smitt-McPhee, our two heros are deprived of their names and the audience is only given a vague explaination of how the world became to be the decaying wasteland they must walk through, each day a new battle to survive, find food and avoid capture of a gang of cannibals. Occasionally the viewer sees various glimpses into the past to flesh out character stories and give us direction in how long the world has been in this state. I'd really like to hear anyones thoughts on this one. I won't lie, I'm a little unsettled.

Film Count: 73 out of 365

Walking The Line

Here Comes The Sun

I did actually have some nice photos from today to include but it seems my laptop battery adapter has died and so I have included one of my favourite photos of John and Yoko instead. Hopefully it will inspire.


We spent a total of eight hours in the editing room today. It amazed me just how much time it took just to make a film that is just 5 minutes long. The process was long and tiring but interesting all the same. I am happy to have the hands on experience and a great team of people to work with. By the end of it though, cabin fever was beginning to set in and we were getting fed up with everyone. But we got icecream afterwards and suddenly our lives were peachy once more!


It's eerie that when I arrived home, mum handed me a copy of Memories of John Lennon, a book by Yoko, compiled of various tributes from famous artists, musicians and poets paying tribute to the late peace icon. It was beautiful. I own a few books on Lennon but this one is just so sweet to pick up every so often to remind myself that love extends life.


Little did she know that I was about to watch Nowhere Boy, a film covering the turbulent adolescent years of John before the rush of Beatlemania hit airwaves. Starring the amazing Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass), it's no surprise that he won Best Newcomer for this role. Simply put, he is pitch perfect. These years saw him coming to terms with family deaths, accepting his unusual upbringing and projecting this frustration and confusion into his music, a creative outlet he shares with the then pint-sized Paul McCartney. I was struck by the complexity of his character. John is rebellious, charming and cheeky. Though bonding with his estranged mother or competing against band members sees him recede into the form of an innocent wall flower. It's here where such events dramatically shape the person in which Lennon later becomes. I hope you'll watch this one. It's really beautiful.

Film Count: 72 out of 365

Here Comes The Sun

Highschool Never Ends

Aside from the draining task of completing a Law exam, this evening I awakened my senses to the tragically beautiful film Into The Wild.


The movie is based on the true story of a young American boy by the name of Christopher Candless who rejected a consumerist world, abandoning the prospects of a Harvard education and wealthy family inheritance by donating his college fund to charity and setting out into a world of solitude. His social emancipation lead him to travel miles from home with his eyes on Alaska.


During his exploration, he befriends a variety of characters and while their relationships are only temporary encounters, Chris imparts on them his contagious optimism, his desire for true happiness and ultimate freedom the only destination.


The film was written and directed by Sean Penn who brings to life the magical, breathtaking landscapes to portray to viewers not only what Chris saw but the way in which he saw it. It seems that you could just about pause the footage anywhere and admire a breathtaking view of nature. Rich with wisdom that nurtures the soul, viewers walk alongside our solitary hero and witness his own pursuit of happiness, recorded in his journals.


Into The Wild is nothing short of magnificent, Chris' courageous spirit inspiring many for years to come.

Film Count: 71 out of 365

Highschool Never Ends

On Set

I'm pretty darn lucky to be working alongside such vibrant, funny people on a day to day basis. Infact, if it were not for these crazy cats, the very idea of our short film Bieber Fever would have never existed. And we all know what a crime to humanity that would be. We spent most of today shooting the film and it was a race against time. We only had Matthew (playing Bieber) for a short amount of time, daylight was quickly fading and equipment needed to be returned. So I divided the script into three main scenes and filmed each as one long take, before standing off camera reading the actors their lines until they completed the shot. This meant that by the time we hit post production, we were able to easily slice out the shots we wanted in order without having to spend a tedious amount of time flicking between scenes on the unedited tape. I once read that this is how Robert Rodriguez filmed the chase scene in his early feature El Mariachi, considering that a lack of resources, extras and daylight were a problem.


By sunset, we happily called it a wrap and will be meeting in a few days to edit! We were exhausted but now we can easily see just how much effort and organisation goes into creating a single shot. I think I appreciate films even more now. Is that even possible?


Arriving home, I relaxed to the ever classic, the ever corny, Top Gun. Hailed as the biggest film of 1986, I'd have much rathered some Spielberg sci-fi to herald the year of my birth but I suppose the bodacious 80's glamrock soundtrack makes up for it. And who can say no to Val Kilmer in a towel? Exactly. Though, for some reason, I could have sworn I remembered this film being much more eventful. The story really is so simple that it's actually incredibly bland. And is it just me or is there alot of homoerotic undertones? Oh well, it sure beats Cruise's 'Cocktail'.

Film Count: 70 out of 365

On Set

Power On

Walking down two flights of stairs after running 40minutes on the treadmill is a victory within itself. Yay, me. I'm making use of all the elaborate machines mum has moved into the garage after transforming it into a private gym. Agnes Deyn legs, you will be mine.


In the meantime, while my muscles heal, I threw on The Family Stone and cringed and giggled for 90minutes as Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), an uptight business woman is introduced to her boyfriend's loud and eccentric family during their visit for Christmas. To be honest, I was not expecting a masterpiece by any means. I will always see SJP as her iconic role of Carrie Bradshaw so I was curious to see how well she could disconnect herself from that character and exercise her true acting abilities. I was impressed. Meredith is nervous, birdlike and self conscious and the dazzling cast consisting of Luke Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes and Diane Keaton bought vibrancy and compassion to the screen. The ending had me a little unsure but then I remembered that life is nothing like the fairytales we're exposed to as children so it was nice to see some more experimentation occuring. For what it's worth, give it a whirl.

Film Count: 69 out of 365

Power On

Jagged Little Pill

Coffees, music, magazines and pillows. I heart lazy sundays. I needed to recharge my batteries so a wind down is a great pick-me-up :)


Today I watched The Illustrated Family Doctor, an Australian film released in 2005. I was pleasantly surprised to see it starred husky voiced Samuel Johnson.


The movie is a bleak look at the little life of Gary Kelp (Johnson) who plays an unfulfilled office worker. He spends his days editing a medical manual, gradually becoming physically ill as he is forced to stare at the gruesome photos for hours on end. Irony and black humour shape the story in which Gary defines himself as a minor character. He sees no escape from the claustrophobic working world that we can all relate to. Darkly entertaining, the film is reflects current industries with faceless higher powers and the crippling effects of downsizing.

Film Count: 68 out of 365

Jagged Little Pill

Let The Write One In

Inbetween script rewrites and storyboarding for the up and coming Beiber Fever masterpiece that some Uni friends and I will be shooting in the coming days, I took a break from work and assignments by switching my focus to The Number 23.


Have you ever noticed each time you go to hire out some movies, you find the same movies just seem to stand out each time? No? Well maybe I'm just paranoid. But I just couldn't avoid Jim Carrey's face covered in biro scrawls any longer. I had heard mixed reviews and while he is a favourite comic actor of mine, I was hesitant in viewing a role that was serious, layered and troubled. But this is what the blog is all about!


The film follows family man Walter Sparrow who becomes convinced an old, yellowed novel is mirroring events of his own life. As his obsession takes over his life in a matter of days, he uncovers dark secrets and is propelled into the theory of the number 23 - whereby, everything, somehow, is linked to this number.


I admired the experimental visual styles of storytelling - particularly when Walter's imagination runs wild and we're treated to scenes that are Noir and somewhat animated that reminds me of Sin City. The idea of 23 could have been taken to a much higher level but Hollywood's lukewarm approach to an arthouse concept was a psychological thriller that fell shy of a gripping story.

Film Count: 67 out of 365

Let The Write One In

Clickity Click, Sixty Six

My brain feels like it has turned to mush. I practically spent the entire day researching a zillion different phones and plans and gadgets and apps and oh my, it's much too much!


Loren got a new telephone recently. It's in the shape of red lips. And who could forget Juno's fabulous burger phone? It's not possible to have a nasty conversation with someone on one of those things!


I chucked the brochures aside and flicked on From Dusk Till Dawn. Everyone's got a list of movies that they've always gotten around to but have never found the time to see. Completely different to the average vampire movie (is that an oxymoron?) on the market these days, this flick is a B-grade beauty. I was chuckling over how over the top the entire story and visuals were. But that's it's charm - especially since it's co-written by Quentin Tarantino. Movies of that genre can get away with virtually anything. Except for casting George Clooney as the hellbent Seth Gecko. That just didn't work for me.

Film Count: 66 out of 365

Clickity Click, Sixty Six