Marlene Dumas - Beautifully Ugly

"My best works are erotic displays of mental confusions (with intrusions of irrelevant information)." she says about her work

One of the best painters I have seen in a while. She is really pushing the boundaries of what is disturbing, what is beautiful and what is aesthetically disturbing that you can't stop looking. I think a few decades ago, she would have been a strong dadaist. Critics call her an intellectual expressionist.

Her art is sincere, naked, primal, smothered in seduction and has no reservations. It is a repelling child, a mother, a confused girl, naked boy... Daily mundane images that we do not stop to look or can't stop looking...

She may very well become one of my favorite artists... Someone to pay attention to...

Lars and the Real Girl

I am on a roll people. I have seen another movie this weekend! I can't I am actually listening to good music, making an effort to see a movie a week... Wow! This is crazy with a "k" (almost).

So less about me, more about how great an actor Ryan Gosling is....

Lars and the Real Girl, unlike my expectation is not a comedy. It is about a delusional young man who hopes to find love in a real doll that he orders on the internet.

It has multiple awkward scenes that push your moral and social boundaries at times but overall, the dosage of drama is well balanced and the acting as I would like to reiterate here, is exceptional.

The movie is not exploring the recently talked about real doll phenomenon but more exploring the psyche of a young man with broken family ties and emotionally absent father and lonely upbringing. It is a sweet story of love and support. The ties between Lars and his brother are well depicted.

It still made me question our social prejudices despite how Lars' situation was well compensated in his small town. I want to ask everyone, why is there no real man dolls? If there were real man dolls, would a small town like Lars' handle that the same way? I don't know.

But one thing I do know is that this movie had a huge potential to be just awkward and bad. Congrats to Gillespie for making this movie just right. This movie had a lot of mainstream buzz despite its unconventional plot.

The Golden Age of Iron & Wine: The Shepherd's Dog

My new obsession is Iron & Wine's new album: The Shepherd's Dog. Finally after 2 wonderful EP's, Sam Beam released a full length album. Like Women King, this album is really soulful, rhythmic and hazy but a lot more progressive and rich. Some songs make you want to dance, and all really make you smile.

Sam Beam is a one man band. He writes and sings and plays his songs. This is his first album where he actually sounds like a band, with rich sounds, multiple vocals, jazzy elements and exotic instruments. The contributors (Joey Burns and Paul Niehaus of Calexico, as well as jazz musicians Matt Lux and Rob Burger) make the album rich without shifting the essence of Iron & Wine.

For those of you who do not know Iron & Wine, there are a couple of things that make Iron & Wine so addictive: Beam's voice is soooo soothing and luring. The percussion in the songs is so clever, unique and catchy. And his style is jazzy, lo-fi and a little bit of alt-country.

This album to me is one of Beam's most elaborate and mature works. If you love Iron & Wine you will not be disappointed. If you do not know Iron & Wine, you really have to get this album. You will feel like it will fill the void in your music collection.

The Darjeeling Limited: A Fun Train Ride

Darjeeling limited starts with three brothers going on a "spiritual" journey in India (but only in a Wes Anderson sort of way). Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Adrian Brody are three dysfunctional brothers who have not seen each other since their father's death a year ago. It is a fun ride with wonderful images of India and a lingering question: Will this trip make the brothers get close again?

Whether or not this trip helps the brothers turn back time and heal their wounds is a question you can ask yourself at the end of the movie. I will tell you why you should go see it.

I normally do not like Anderson's whimsical and bittersweet humor. I usually find it contrived. I think with Darjeeling Limited, he is able to make his characters a lot more comfortable and real, less dramatic, stiff and contrived (think Royal Tenenbaums). There are some genuinely hillarious black humor moments, well done and extremely unique. It still has the deliberately uncomfortable moments but that's Wes and I think we have to accept him for who he is.

The super trio (Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Adrian Brody) are well casted. The cinematography is also very impressive. You really feel like you are in India.

So if you like Wes Anderson's style, I think this is one of his best films, with the most mature style. He is so unique that I think it is unfair to compare him to other directors in this genre.

Overall, good laughs, beautiful scenes, interesting movie. I would recommend...

Pretty in Pink

I think we should all remember that october is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and do something special to support the cause...
Even if it is picking up pink m&m's or something...

Patrick Wolf among the Sheep

I was just looking through Bazaar and saw this Burberry ad and I was sooo surprised

Why?

for those of you who do not recognize the bloke in this picture, let me introduce you to one of the most talented young musicians I have ever met (not literally but figuratively speaking of course): Patrick Wolf

I would highly recommend all of his albums (his latest, The Magic Position came out within this year). He is barely 21 (if that) and he writes his own music. He has a very unique style. He is melancholic, a little pissed off. His music is dancing with violins and pops in your head reminding you, demanding you... Oh so great!

Anyways, what is he doing in the Burberry Fall 07 Campaign I do not know. He's quite the fashionable guy I guess... I like it though... He is not trying to look like a Prada model - he is very much his pissed off aloof self.

Yup buy The Magic Position... Or Wind in the Wires...

Wanted: Bad Posture

This is one dilemma I have with fashion photo shoots. Why is it that we grow up thinking good posture is so important yet all these designers make their models slouch in their ads?
The PR explanation was that new styles are more care free and fits everyone and models need to show that they are not perfect. It is supposedly an attempt to connect these designs with the real world... (What???)
I just don't buy it... I think it is a fashion trend... Some artsy thing none of us can explain.

America's next top model loves it too... I hear Tyra and the crew directing their models to hunch, thrust their pelvis back and slow more collar bones...

I think it looks kinda artsy and cool but why did this trend start? I do not know

Knocked up - From a Gal's Perspective

Knocked up was one of this summer's most talked about movies and finally I saw it (Victory!!!)

The movie is about Ben (Seth Rogan) and Alison's (Katherine Heigl) one night stand where a drunken misunderstanding causes them to be parents together. Ben is an overweight, immature post college dude who lives with a post frat house kind of arrangement with the typical bong hitting roommates who are into porn. Alison is a determined, career driven E! News reporter. This seemingly unmatched duo try to see whether they can become a couple for the baby they are about to have.

Well, I have a lot to say about the movie. Unfortunately, I had ridiculously high expectations and I was not entirely let down but the movie did not fully meet my expectations either.

First the good things:
Trying to share the responsibilities of an unexpected pregnancy etc. was handled extremely sincerely, maturely and without slapstick comedy elements all-the-while catching the naturally funny aspects of the situation.

The cast was well chosen and everyone, literally everyone was relate-able and real. All actors fit their characters like a glove. One character that I especially loved was Ben's dad, despite his brief appearance. All characters were enriching the story line. They were so approachable. I felt like at the end of the movie, I could go to the set and hang out with these guys.
The film is also well balanced between the two main characters. Both Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogan are equally strong and carry the story line together. And it is not a male dominated comedy.

Having said that though, that leads me to the bad thing about the movie: I think it was written too much from a guy's perspective. It is exactly what I think guys think when we get mad at them. We freak out for no reason!!! The complexity of why Alison was frustrated with Ben is so overlooked. I think in part because the director, Apatow still cannot figure out why his wife freaks out on him. He just knows women do that and men probably did something to start it...

Overall though, Knocked up was very funny and delicate in analyzing a sensitive social issue. Not just a pointless comedy... I was not expecting such a mature point of view.

An Unlikely Discovery: Christopher Denny

I am not really into country music unless it is so alternative that it is just melancholic good music, like Iron & Wine or Magic Numbers. But I just found a closer to traditional alternative music that is as refreshing as Loretta Lynn.
And without further ado, (not like you haven't read the title of the post but whatever), I would like to introduce Christopher Denny and his amazing album Age Old Hunger.
His lyrics are full of love and his music is stripped from all impurities. It is just heart-felt. He is freakin' 23 people. He has that Devendra Banhart kind of pitchy whine that just makes him so cool. It just really touches you, makes you aware of how urbanly jaded you are. Makes you go back to the days of drive in movie theaters in the summer and root beer floats with a cherry on top.
You need to get this album... It is so good. This guy is going to be Johnny Cash one day... In his own way.

Tapeo - The Tapa Central

Today, I went to Tapeo on Newbury Street, Boston. You can find decent tapas at decent prices at this very authentically European feeling/looking restaurant. They have the spanish rustic look nailed.
Their wine menu is actually brief but definitely satisfactory. And their sangrias are very famoso and delicioso.
I really enjoyed their garlic shrimp and heard that their seafood paella is excellent. However, I do not think they have the same consistency of taste with all their dishes.
I thought the vegetable crepe was very blah and prune & goatcheese wrapped in bacon was just not quite right. The wine and decor were so perfect though, I just could not help but enjoy the moment. The service is excellent. Fast service and polite waiters. Some dishes might be a little too authentic for me such as the tiny octopus which came with the octopus head and all... Left too little to imagination...
Overall, the location, decor and service is unbeatable and extremely convenient. And naturally, it is overflowing with people. so make reservations peeps. the wait can be hours!!!

Not Your Ordinary Bodega

I have discovered about the coolest thing in Boston. I think it may just about be one of the coolest boutiques I have ever been to. Bodega is a cult classic, hidden on Clearway Street and Mass Ave, a few blocks from Berklee School of Music.
You feel like you are walking into a cheap and cheese new york deli.


Then when you walk in, you see this hipster bingo dude that looks nothing like your ordinary deli manager, checking email on his MacBook. He completely ignores you. If you know the drill, you know what to do. You go in front of the vending machine. And an automatic sliding door opens and you enter this cool shoe store.

Hiphop is blasting through the stereos. The selection of men's sneakers are amazing. Vintage looking Nike's, Asics, Vans and Converses and a bunch of cool brands I have never heard of.
Just the pseudo vending machine looking sliding door is enough of a gratifying experience. And the cool sneakers are just a plus.
Just a cool cult thing to do... Loving it!

Earlimart releases Mentor Tormentor

I haven't written much about new music lately. Partly because I have been lazy/busy which kept me from venturing and reading about music. (Hey I only blog part time...)
But also, I felt like there was a music lull especially in the type of music I was secretly craving lately.
And Earlimart's new album Mentor Tormentor hit that spot for me.

They are from the LALAland, and I think hail from Silverlake, a haven for musical genius!!! I think sunshine and broken dreams are the nectar of inspiration for west coast bands such as Snow Patrol, Modest Mouse, Death Cab, Elliot Smith and the such...

Well back to Earlimart's album. I think the way I would describe it is an LA version or a more kicked back and whimsical version of Radiohead... I am not sure whether you will see the connection but strangely I do... It is ethereal and has that deep sullen melancholy that does not take sadness so seriously. And I think more importantly, as it gets rainy and grey out, this band will pump that lush pop through your ears that does not clash with the mood but gently elevates you from whereever you are... Yup highly recommended...

Staple Scarves

As fall fades to winter, I feel the urge to go scarf shopping. And this fall/winter, scarves are bold, colorful and really make the outfit stand out. I think the leopard and paisley prints are this season's hottest!!! Like so...



such a cheap way (2 for $15 @ every street corner) to look stylish...

Metropolis - The Brunch City of Boston

This weekend I ventured out to South End and discovered a local favorite: Metropolis. It seemed like everyone who came there for brunch was a "frequenter" of Metropolis.
The brunch menu had all the essentials, it was comfort breakfast food done well. The decor was perfect for sunday brunch, cosy and intimate with tons of sunlight seeping in. The coffee was Lavazza at its best (bad coffee to me is a deal breaker sometimes - brunch coffee should be yummy... not dinery/watery).

The big windows, comfy booths and decor give a french twist on an american classic feel.

The french toasts are fluffy and yummy. The eggs benedict seemed to be a favorite among Metropolis citizens, which I did not try.

I would highly recommend... But call ahead of time to make reservations: At peak hours the place gets super crowded - a tad bit beyond the cosy place can handle.

Ps. I heard acquitaine across the street (see my dinner review) has amazing brunches as well. So hopefully will try that next week...

Solar power + fashion = Zegna?

Rumor has it that Ermenegildo Zegna designed a new Solar-Powered Jacket, which is set to hit stores in November. What a wacky thing? Apparently, you can accumulate solar power with this jacket to charge your phone or ipod while looking like you are an aluminum wrapped stuffed turkey. Definitely not my understanding of high end fashion.

5 hours of direct sunlight and you are able to power your ipod or cell phone. I mean if I have 5 hours to kill, I will go home charge my ipod and cell phone while watching 2 netflix movies instead of standing still under the sun... Really...

I knew that ecological wear is making its headlines in fashion (which for some reason, I don't think will catch on unless Gore makes a documentary out of it) but solar jacket is taking this green concept to a whole new level. A fugly new level...

Oh yeah and this awesome practical jacket comes with a nice price tag too. $750 for a souped up windbreaker. So do you dig it?

Rose Obsession Continued: Montes

The last few weeks until you have to admit that fall is here... And what a better way to ease into fall than enjoy a great rose...

This weekend I have discovered a great buy: Montes Rose of Syrah Cherub


It is ~$15 or so, by a great Chilean producer and got a 90 pts from Wine Enthusiast. But beyond the reputation and the rankings, I am intrigued by a Rose made from Syrah grapes. It is a very beautiful pink, which makes me happy just by looking at it. It has a quirky label which also puts a smile on your face, the very necessarily morale boost we need as the weather gets cold and melancholic.

I have not tried it yet... but for now these are the tasting notes I stole from someone else... I will confirm later...

"Montes Cherub is a vibrant, flavor-filled Rose from Chile's coastal region. This Rose is made from Syrah grapes, which dictate both its brilliant color and swank flavor. The flavor profile offers rich red fruit, mainly strawberry and cherry with a touch of orange and spice. Montes Cherub Rose also boasts backbone and lively acidity, culminating in a long, delightful finish. A fantastic wine for end of summer gatherings. Consider pairing with shrimp, fish or prosciutto appetizers." About.com

Also, I would highly recommend try other Montes wines... Chile is definitely up and coming...

Fay Grim: To be funny or not to be...

...That is the question I have asked myself over and over while I was watching Fay Grim this weekend. Written and directed by Hal Hartley, I think this is a sequel to Henry Fool, or maybe not... That's what I have been told while trying to understand what on earth inspired this guy to write/direct this movie...

Fay Grim (Parkey Posey), a single nosey mom, gets coerced by the CIA to cooperate in finding her husband Henry's secret notebooks that supposedly have some governmental secrets. And the pseudo comedy/thriller that is the global(ish) quest of Fay Grim starts...

One review I read about this movie, nails my feelings for this movie right in the head...

"Overall, though, Fay Grim only occasionally connects with the viewer. It is a film so caught up in its own cleverness and cheekiness that -- despite the solid work by its cast -- it forgets to make you truly care about its characters." Stax, ign.com

It has its slightly funny moments - in a dark humorish way. Parker Posey and Jeff Goldblum's performances are very good. It is just that I constantly felt like Hartley was trying to impress me rather than engage me... Which is not a very pleasant feeling... You feel like you are in math camp with a smart ass 8th grader... who keeps on asking you stupid riddles... You just want the yapping to stop...

Hmmm, I would say don't watch it... alas it is not really worth your time

Exciting New Discovery: Paul Theroux

Speaking of the New Yorker and my favorite section, Fiction, this week's contributor Paul Theroux is just amazing. His short story Mr. Bones was so great to read.

http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2007/09/17/070917fi_fiction_theroux

Please please read... (if you have time heheh)

He has a new book coming out named The Elephanta Suite, end of the month. I am really thinking of buying it after reading his short story. He has written a LOT of novels and travel books but unfortunately (or fortunately) this is the first time I heard of him.

I hope you like his story...

Junot Diaz, A writer with a lot of buzz

I love the New Yorker. I just do... especially its fiction section. And one of these days, The New Yorker introduced me to an amazing writer: Junot Diaz. He is the author of Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao which I am looking forward to reading.

I think to sum up his style, I would say call it a very genuine latin voice within the New York community. His portrayal of the dominican culture in New York is so touching and vivid and real. His characters are really unique and all reel you in. He has been listed as one of the top 20 writers in the 21st century.

His new book is in my list of books to read and wanted to share a wonderful writer with you...

Borders of Canada: Toronto International Film Festival

Yup, something that I know you are jealous about... Rightfully so... It was awesome! It was probably one of the best things I have ever done in my life: Going to Toronto Film Festival

I have seen three amazing movies and one hyped movie (respectively)
Jar City by Baltasar Kormakur
Lust, Caution by Ang Lee
The Man from London by Bela Tarr
4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days by Cristian Mungiu

So first of all, I have to say that people in Toronto were amazing. Everyone so friendly and polite and helpful... It was as if every person went to school of manners and came out with perfect scores. What a great experience!

And I really really liked Toronto. Very hip and cosmo... Has a Berlin'ish european feel to it... Very modern and clean...

Anyways, back to the movies

Jar City is adapted from the Icelandic Thriller by Arnaldur Indriðason and seems like a very hard book to adapt. And can I say that Kormakur has done an amazing job... A must see for the year

Ang Lee's movie, Lust, Caution was a very good take on Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love. Although lacking in plot and style originality, it is a very good attempt to be Wong Kar Wai and carrying his style to mainstream.

And Bela Tarr's movie was a cinematographic masterpiece. I have never seen such precision and beauty in a movie before. The entire movie felt like one photo after another... Every second of it beautiful.
And he was so nice and humble too... I actually got a photo with him which I am thinking of magnifying to poster size for my office and one wallet size for everyday staring... I love him!!!!

And finally, the most hyped up movie of all... 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days... This movie is about abortion and stylistically reminds me of 21 grams. I think it is tough to do a movie on such a sensitive subject but I think all the hype is about the subject rather than the actual directing job... Which was very disappointing...

No, I did not see George Clooney or Brad Pit... Yes they were there... And so were 2 million people who wanted to see them... Meanwhile, I was obsessing over Tarr and Kormakur...