Good vs. Evil & True Love Everlasting

Winter's Tale - A Review

pic courtesy of comingsoon.com

I finally got to see Winter's Tale, written and directed by Akiva Goldsman.  The screenplay was based on the Mark Helprin novel, and starred Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay and Russell Crowe.  The film also had supporting roles played by William Hurt, Jennifer Connelly, Mckayla Twiggs (young Willa), Eva Marie Saint (older Willa - love her!), and, to my surprise, Will Smith (yes; that Will Smith - Fresh Prince, rapper and now actor). The reason it was a complete surprise to me was Smith was not in any of the trailers, there are absolutely NO pictures of him on the web playing the role and he played Lucifer, the devil himself.  I am telling you-one of the creepiest face morphs, all-be-it quick, that I have seen.  This was one real shocker of a cameo appearance, and I won't be forgetting it soon.

The movie is a love story with the theme of "can you love someone enough that they will never die?"  However, the underlying and always evident premise throughout the film is good vs. evil, or really God and his angels vs. the devil and his demons. 

pic courtesy of justjared.com

The film opens in present day New York City, but quickly goes back to the real beginning of the story in 1895.  The viewer is not in 1895 too long before transported to 1916, where Peter Lake (played by Colin Farrell), a thief, and Beverly Penn (played by Jessica Brown Findlay) first meet, then fall deeply in love.  

SPOILER ALERT:  Beverly Penn is dying of "consumption," which is what they called severe wasting disease or tuberculosis during that time.  She experienced very high fevers and did not have long to live.  As the film transpires, Peter ends up saving Beverly from being killed by the demon Pearly Soames (played by Russell Crowe).  Peter rescues her on a white horse that can FLY.  Now, this is a fantasy, after all, and the concept of the angels beating the demons and the flying horse were really my favorite part - that and the tender love story.

Russell Crowe as Pearly Soames, a demon, & his demon gang
(pic courtesy of contact.com)

When Peter learns he has been given a very special gift, he sets out to save the love of his life, Beverly.  However, sometimes things are not what they seem and this film is about our journeys through life, as well, and how we must find out our real destiny.  Once again in present day New York, Peter works to find out why he has his gift and what he is supposed to do with it.

Beverly Penn sees the light all around her
(pic courtesy of ljagilamplighter.com)

Remember earlier that I told you this is a fantasy-romance, and that there was a white horse that could fly?  Well...the white horse reappears more than once and comes to the rescue helping Peter save people. That white horse represents good, and Pearly Soames has a black horse (obviously representing the evil).  

Love, hope, miracles, belief...all themes in this film.  Also, the concept of light, from the light all around us to the stars in the sky, are rather fascinating as used throughout the film.  (see picture above re: a good representation of the light all ar0und us).

The film was a bit convoluted at times, so you really have to follow it closely as it spans more than 100 years and covers a lot of ideas.  It had some really beautiful moments, some thriller-like segments, but at times it does drag a bit.  The acting was fantastic from the beautiful Jessica Brown Findlay and Colin Farrell gave a really good performance.  Little McKayla Twiggs was precious and did a good job as Willa, and Eva Marie Saint was brilliant as an older version of Willa.  I must say that I expect more from both Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.  Both of their acting in this film was good, but I know what they are capable of, so it was a bit disappointing.  As for Will Smith, he scared me with his cameo and although his part was brief, it stuck with me. Kudos to him.

Peter Lake & Beverly Penn, circa 1916
(pic courtesy of contactmusic.com)

If y0u love drama/fantasy/romance films with a bit of mystery, see this one.  You will probably really enjoy it.  I thought the ending was so-so (could have been a bit better) but still left me uplifted. 

I give Winter's Tale ★★★☆☆

MPAA Rating:  PG-13 

(violence & some sensuality)

Running Time: 118 Mins.

Sex           ★☆☆☆☆

Nudity      ★★☆☆☆
Language      ★☆☆☆☆
Violence     ★★★☆☆
Alcohol/Drugs     ★☆☆☆☆

This is not a true story.  This is true love.

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**Don't forget to vote in the Best Picture Oscars poll at the top right of my blog page.  It will be interesting to see which film all of you HOPE wins Best Picture on March 2nd at the Academy Awards.

BAFTA's Best Dressed Winner Is....

Picture courtesy HollywoodLife.com

AMY ADAMS!                                                          

 

Wearing a black ensemble from Victoria Beckham, Amy Adams was simply stunning on the red carpet.  Even better, she had the best hair and makeup of the event.  Her slicked back bun went perfectly with the look she chose, and that light smokey eye was GORGEOUS!  Her blue eyes have never looked more amazing.  The subtle peachy-pink blush and berry-toned lip topped off a makeup look that made her head-to-to perfection.  

Fifty percent of voters in the Film Fashionista blog poll voted her best dressed, and it's no wonder why.  The more I sit and take in the look, the more I just love it (and want one for myself).  It's just lovely.

Amy Adams is the clear winner, and I simply can't wait to see what she wears to the Oscars!  We know she can't go wrong in Victoria Beckham, but I'd love to see her in a different designer for the Oscars - just to change things up a bit.  

Tadashi Shoji, Fall 2014*

Tadashi Shoji, Fall 2014*

For instance, the incomparable Ms. Adams would look smashing wearing something from Tadashi Shoji's Fall 2014 line.  The lace top black dress (left) is perfect for her, and she would look beautiful in it.  The blue strapless dress (right) would look gorgeous with her blue eyes, and with the right hair, makeup and accessories, could land her on the best dressed list. 

Personally, I really loved Tadashi Shoji's entire Fall 2014 line - it was just lovely and I would be honored to own any piece of it.  It showed incredibly on the runway and I know we will be seeing some of the gowns on the red carpet.  Hollywood celebs and their stylists have probably already called "dibs" on these amazing looks.     

Bagdley Mischka Fall 2014*

Bagdley Mischka Fall 2014*

Bagdley Mischka had some great looks in his Fall 2014 runway show that I think would really flatter Amy Adam's figure and make her look like a winner, too.  In the gold look (left), without fur around her neck, of course, she would glitter like an Oscar Statue and be a real stand out on the red carpet.  In the sleek, black, textured look (right), she can't go wrong.  She certainly has the body for it and we know she can pull off black and knows how to do the hair and makeup subtly and perfectly.

No matter what the Oscar-nominated (Best Actress-American Hustle) Amy Adams decides to wear to the 86th Academy Awards on March 2nd, (hosted by the always hilarious and just wonderful Ellen DeGeneres, by the way), one can be sure that she will turn heads and, win or lose, she will be a winner in the fashion category once again.

Tune in Sunday night, March 2nd from the beginning of the red carpet of the Oscars as I live tweet about the nominees, who they are wearing and get your opinions on their looks.  Follow me on twitter at @filmfashionista.  Please post your comments below re: the above article - LOVE comments and feedback.



*photos of Tadashi Shoji and Bagdley Mischka Fall 2014 Runway/gowns courtesy of www.mbfashionweek.com 

Oscar Buzz 2014 – Best Costume Design

Who will take home the prize?

Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan

With the 86th Academy Awards right around the corner, many fashionistas may be wondering which Costume Designer will take home the Oscar.  This year, the category has two former winners, two new nominees, and even one six-time nominee.  The nominees for Best Costume Designer are:

Gatsby Party Costumes

Catherine Martin: "The Great Gatsby" – The Australian born Martin has won awards for this beautiful and high-fashion film already, winning a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award and a Costume Designers Guild Award.  I would bet on Catherine Martin winning the Oscar, as well.  The way she designed from start to finish for the movie was absolutely breathtaking, and the Academy will be drawn to the enormity of the task, the glitter and glam and the stunning visual impact that the costumes brought to the film.  This is Martin’s third Oscar nomination, she won two Oscars for Moulin Rouge! in 2001, Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction.

Michael Wilkinson: "American Hustle" – This is Wilkinson’s first Oscar nomination, and my second favorite costume design as far as the nominees.  You have seen his costume work before in 300, Man of Steel, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 1 & 2. He did a brilliant job bringing life to the characters in this film, and has been nominated for the BAFTA Award, the Costume Designers Guild Award and the Critics Choice Award for the film.  

The Cast of American Hustle

While I don’t think he will win, anyone who has seen American Hustle knows that Wilkinson is amazing and certainly deserved the nomination.  Jennifer Lawrence's and Amy Adam's multiple looks throughout the films were nothing short of awesome, and what an era he had to work with!  The 70's outfits are so hot! While not exactly a costume award, I personally think there should be a special award for Bradley Cooper's daily permed hair; it deserves an award of its own.  To be honest, it was actually really awesome! 

Patricia Norris: "12 Years a Slave" – a six time Oscar nominee, Norris is the veteran of this group.  She, too, deserved the nod from the Academy, but this is not the sort of glitzy or in-your-face kind of costume design that normally garners the win.  However, she is 82 years old and has paid her dues with such films as Scarface, The Elephant Man and Days of Heaven.  She has never won an Oscar; could this be her year?  One never knows.

12 Years a Slave Costuming

Norris has never won an Oscar; could this be her year?  It would be a long shot, but one never knows.  To see a wonderful interview that Katie Van Sykle did with Patricia Norris, check out NYMAG.COM.  I really enjoyed reading it; what a determined woman!

William Chang Suk Ping: "The Grandmaster" – Perhaps the biggest surprise in this category is Suk Ping’s nomination for the Hong Kong film The Grandmaster.  The BAFTA’s, for instance, nominated Saving Mr. Banks and Behind the Candelabra in this category, and many expected that Daniel Orlandi would be nominated for his costume design on Saving Mr. Banks at this year’s Oscars.  

The Grandmaster - Sleeper?

South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo

Some may know Suk Ping's work from The Flowers of War starring Christian Bale, or My Blueberry Nights with Jude Law and Natalie Portman.  Since this is an Asian (Chinese) film, however, many think that it has no chance of winning.  The mere fact that it is nominated and the elaborate Asian-style costumes make it a great contender.  It could certainly be a sleeper for the award, so don't count it out just yet. 

Michael O'Connor: "The Invisible Woman" – Born in London, England, O’Conner is a former Oscar winner for The Duchess.  He was also nominated for 2011’s

Straightforward & Sharp -  not "invisible"

Jane Eyre.  So far this award season, O’Connor has been nominated for a BAFTA, though he lost to The Great Gatsby.   
The Oscars could be a repeat, I predict, for O’Conner; The Great Gatsby is just so much more visually stimulating than The Invisible Woman.

Who do you think will win Best Costume Design at the 86th Academy Awards?  Please comment and  follow me if you love film & fashion.  Let me know who your favorite costume designer is, and which of these films costumes caught your eye.  My vote goes to Gatsby - how about yours?  

NOTE:  I hope to hear from you!  I will be tweeting LIVE starting with the red carpet events on Oscar night leading up to the show at @filmfashionista, so follow me on twitter, too.   For more on the upcoming Oscars, go to Oscars 2014.
 

BAFTA Awards 2014 - Red Carpet's Best

The 2014 BAFTA Awards, which took place at the Royal Opera House in London, brought out big Hollywood stars.  The awards brought out some really beautiful gowns, as well as quite a few modern looks.  Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt both wore fresh looks (left), as she walked the red carpet in a Saint Laurent black suit with a white tuxedo shirt and undone silk tie, and Brad Pitt wore Valentino.

Lupita Nyong'o nominated for 
12 Years a Slave

Lupita Nyong'o was stunning in Dior Haute Couture, the emerald color making her a standout on the red carpet and my choice for best dressed.  The gold-belted gown looked fabulous on her, and those gold wrists cuffs were divine.  She just glowed and exuded sheer beauty and power.

My runner up for best dressed has to go to Amy Adams.  She was perfection in Victoria Beckham.  Her hair and makeup were great with the dress.  American Hustle won BAFTA Awards for Best Original Screenplay, as well as for Best Hair and Makeup.  

Amy Adams, nominated for  
American Hustle

My honorable mention MUST go to the elegant and forever classy Cate Blanchett, who in a floral Alexander McQueen gown stepped onto the red carpet already looking like a winner.  She was wearing Chopard Jewels, and as is always the case, she dazzled.

She won the BAFTA for Best Actress for her role in Blue Jasmine, Woody Allen's movie about an New York socialite who moves into her sister's modest San Francisco apartment to try and put her life back together again after her marriage to a wealthy businessman falls apart.    

Cate Blanchett, BAFTA winner
 for Best Actress, Blue Jasmine

Cate Blanchett's very touching acceptance speech was dedicated to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who passed away on February 2nd.  In her speech, she said he had been "a monumental presence and was now, so sadly, an absence."  She continued, as if she were speaking to the late Hoffman, saying "your monumental talent, your generosity and your unflinching quest for truth, not just in art but in life, will be missed . . ."  Ms.  Blanchett told the audience that Philip Seymour Hoffman raised the bar continually, and then went on to say, "Phil, buddy, this is for you . . . I hope you're proud."

12 Years a Slave took home the BAFTA Award for Best Film, and Gravity won for best British Film.  You can find a full list of winners on the BBC News Entertainment site here: 

BAFTA Winners

Do you have a favorite look from the BAFTA awards?  Take the poll at the top right of the page.  Results will be posted soon.  Leave your comments and follow me for more fashion news this awards season, movie reviews, reports on fashion in film and more!  

(pictures courtesy of hollywoodlife.com)

Winter's Tale - A Valentine's Day Fantasy

Valentine's Day brings Winter's Tale, starring Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findlay (of Downton Abbey fame), to the big screen.  It is a film based on Mark Helprin's 1983 novel of the same name.  The film also stars Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.  A unique love story with a prologue set in 1895, Winter's Tale utilizes a decades-jumping effect to tell the story, bringing the viewer all the way to present day New York City.  

Farrell & Findlay in a love that won't die

The movie seems to have a lot to offer: fantasy, romance, mystery, and drama - if you like that kind of movie, that is.  My feeling is a lot of women will love it, and a lot of men may sit through it on Valentine's Day weekend and kind of wonder what it's all about (just a hunch).  

Colin Farrell plays Peter Lake, a middle- aged burglar who falls in love with a young heiress as she dies in his arms.  When Peter learns he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save his young love, Beverly Penn, played by the magnificent Jessica Brown Findlay.  Sound crazy?  Well...the plot is a bit out there.  If you have read the book and loved it, see this movie.  If you didn't read the book, see this movie anyway and be prepared for ups and downs, many plot twists and more than a few tears.

The Beauty & Fashion in Winter's Tale

 

The costumes for Winter's Tale were created by Michael Kaplan. You have seen his creations in such films as Fight Club (1999), Pearl Harbor (2001) ), Burlesque (2010), and Star Trek: Into Darkness (2011), to name a few.  He is sure to really bring it with the costume design to this movie, as there are so many different periods of time for him to work with.  

Findlay in gorgeous period style fashion

Expect to see Jessica Brown Findlay in some stunning looks, as the movie spans more than a century.  This is not only a love story, but also a classic story of good vs. evil.  Here is a one of the trailers for this fantastical film, found on screenrant.com:  Winter's Tale Trailer

Jessica Brown Findlay as the beautiful Beverly Penn

Anna Moeslien (Assistant Editor and Entertainment Editor of glamour.com) in an online column wrote that she cannot wait to see Winter's Tale, could literally be felt glowing from the pages as she the following:

Move over, Rachel McAdams.  There's a new time-traveling obsessed woman on the scene: Downton Abbey's Lady Sybil. Wait, I meant, Jessica Brown Findlay. Well, she is drinking tea, wearing enviable period-piece dresses, and falling in love with old-timey bad boys—it's easy to assume this is just alternate-universe Lady Sybil.

In related news, I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE. It has all the things I love: an adorable kid, epic time-traveling romance, sepia-toned lace dresses and undergarments. And this time Russell Crowe is playing the funny-hat-wearing bad guy in a movie and not singing, so everyone wins.

I don't know about everyone else, but she had me at "sepia-toned" and "lace dresses."  MAJOR fan of Russell Crowe, and as a bad guy?  Yes!!  The word on the street is Colin Farrell is sensational in this film, so it's a win-win in the male acting category for me. 

Russell Crowe as Pearly Soames

Love in sepia tone. Oh, yeah!

Love Story + Fantasy + Valentine's Day = Perfect!

 

 Do you believe in miracles?

Please feel free to leave your comments, and follow me if you love fashion, movies or the two combined.  Also, if you have seen Winter's Tale, I would love to hear your thoughts and comments - so please comment!  Watch for upcoming blogs on fashion, film, movie reviews and, well, who knows what may tickle my fancy.  If you wish to receive email updates on contests and and notices about upcoming events, email me at filmfashionista@gmail.com with your email address and use the subject line "sign me up."