Foodie And A Movie
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Dear Suzy, Dear Sam
Image of "Moonrise Kingdom" - Focus Features |
At
some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced a forbidden love towards another
that couldn’t be ours. In our youth, such rebellious love affair is seen as an adventure,
however as we cross the path of harsh adulthood, it becomes more of a heartbreaking
saunter of pain and confusion. In Wes Anderson’s newest eccentric voyage,
Moonrise Kingdom, we empathetically observe such transformation between two
pre-teens entering their last stage of innocence. The magical simplicity of
childhood is a part of a past that all adults yearn for; Anderson expertly
prods at this stifled emotion thus causing us viewers to cheer on the young
lovers’ great escape.
The
film is set in a fabricated “one-cop town” called New Penzance, near
Summer’s End, in New England. It may be the year 1965, however the era is
painted in such a light that it could be set in both the present and past. In
the Wes Anderson fashion, the town is illustrated as dysfunctional, quirky,
kitschy, handmade, homemade, but more importantly, inviting. Humanity set in a
whimsical vision. The warm buttery yellow tinge throughout the film presents
the story like an old, beloved photograph that had been improperly stored away
in a dusty attic. Each building
looks like large-scale versions of miniature sets and dollhouses illuminated by
theatrical lighting. It’s humorous without overstepping the boundary into
cartoonish. This is a common theme that spreads even into the actors’ performances. The whole production is like one grand theatrical play at a local summer camp.
The
opening sequence of the film begins with three young boys listening to Benjamin
Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”. It goes without saying
that much like the orchestra, each individual in the town will encounter a
force of separation before being put back together again. In order to interact with others, one has to understand their role and purpose. The only person,
other than the narrator, to acknowledge our presence is a young girl in a pink
dress fiercely watching us at the top of a lighthouse with her midnight black
binoculars. Much like a deer in the woods, she signals that she knows that we
are within observing range, watching every move each character makes.
Sam
Schakowsky, a loner orphan, flees the Khaki Scouts at Camp Ivanhoe to reunite
with Suzy Bishop, a misunderstood schoolgirl with a poignant personality due to
her overbearing parents. The two met at a church performance of “Noye’s Fludde”
(Noah’s Ark) a year earlier. “What kind of bird are you?”, Sam inquired. “I’m a
raven”, Suzy replied. A biblical allegory that these two wild animals were
destined to fly away and seek refuge from social order together. A brilliant
nod to French New Wave’s Jean-Luc Godard’s “Le Pierrot Fou”; a common reverence
seen in Anderson’s former films such as, “The Royal Tenenbaums”. Their getaway certainly stirs up a storm. Frantically, Suzy’s lawyer parents (Bill Murray and Frances
McDormand), the town’s lone officer (Bruce Willis), Camp Ivanhoe’s Scout Master
Ward (Edward Norton) and “Social Services” (Tilda Swinton) hunt down the two
lovebirds. While the adults embark on their own journey, we learn that they too
are sad, lonely people who have desires to be loved. Such journey reminded them
about their forgotten inner youth that pushed them to capture the one they
loved. It’s a moving tale that certainly has a beat of its own. “Poems don’t
always have to rhyme, you know. They’re just suppose to be creative”.
While
Anderson transports you in this capricious, yet life-affirming saga, be sure to
take note on the actors’ shortened pants (a la Anderson’s personal wardrobe
style), the unique use of vehicle pov shots as well as the fun, obscure
soundtrack. I challenge you to not get Hank Williams “Kaw Liga” stuck in your
head.
Restaurant
Recommendation: The Melting Pot's "Campfire S'mores Martini"
Though
this specialty drink is only served at The Melting Pot during the winter
season, lucky for us all, I found the recipe that will surely go into your First
Aid survival kit. Find your favorite book, turn on your portable record player and relax by the camp fire with this delectable treat.
Campfire S'mores Martini
Ingredients
- 2oz SKYY Vodka or Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow Vodka
- 1oz Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup (4pumps)
- 1oz Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
- 1oz Half & Half
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Ice
- Chocolate shavings
- Large Marshmallows
Directions
- Dip rim of glass into Monin Toasted Marshmallow, then into graham cracker crumbs.
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, Monin Toasted Marshmallow, Hershey's syrup and half & half.
- Cap and shake, shake, shake!
- Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass, then strain cocktail into glass.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and marshmallow.
- Drink and say "Yum!"
*As for the young ones, replace Vodka with vanilla ice cream.*
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Schoolyard Brawl
Image of "Carnage" - Sony Pictures Classics
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
With
the current uprising awareness on bullying, I became increasingly intrigued by
Roman Polanski’s return with his latest motion picture, Carnage, based
on Yasmina Reza’s Tony-award winning play, God
of Carnage. Since this film was relatively brief, I will attempt to keep my
review in the same vain.
In
current cinematic presentations, Mtv inspired editing and mind-boggling
cinematography has been placed on a high pedestal. This is all good and well,
however we seem to have forgotten about well-written screenplays as in addition
to acting. With a bold move, Roman Polanski strips away all shiny objects in
order to focus solely on the actors’ brilliant performances. No need for
neither multiple locations nor groundbreaking wardrobe for the here and now is
what is important. For those who do not know much about the play, the story is
about two young boys who partake in an argument. About what, we don’t know,
however the end of their personal dispute becomes public information when it
becomes known that one hits the other with a stick. From this point on, the
audience follows a conflict that quickly arises between the boys’ parents. Adversaries
are Mr. and Mrs. Longstreets (John C. Reily and Jodi Foster) versus the opponents,
Mr. and Mrs. Cowans (Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet). In short, Cowans’ son,
Ethan, refused to be involved with the Longstreets’ son, Zach, scheme. Zach
bullied Ethan and in return, Ethan expressed his annoyance by using physical
contact. Being responsible adults, they follow societies “law” that grown-ups
are to handle such occasion with a mature attitude by using reasonable conflict
resolution. The Longstreets welcome the Cowans in their apartment to conduct
such affair civilly. Funny thing is, being an adult just means knowing bigger
words, but the verbal affray is just as catty as a schoolyard brawl. While attempting to leave on more than
one occasion, the Cowans are harassed, first kindly then maliciously, back into
the Longstreets’ home. Polite sharing or courteous small talk is just one big
expose of bourgeois hypocrisy. Big tree branch sticks are replaced with
high-tech cell phones and 18-year-old scotch. Even cute nicknames, like
Darjeeling and Doodles, become tools for callous mocking. Inner securities that are born from
childhood are still alive, however adults tend to cleverly cover such flaws
with self-righteousness. Sticks and stones make break bones, but words will
always be emotionally hurtful.
In
order to round up viewers into the mess, Roman Polanski keeps the action in two
locations – inside the apartment and the hallway to the elevators. This
develops a claustrophobic sensation. All emotions plus egos are deeply
entrapped, therefore, quickly boils into childish bickering about unnecessary
laden topics such as misogyny, Darfur and animal cruelty. Unfortunately, I have not seen the
play, but doing a bit of research on it, it appears Polanski missed the mark.
The live play pushes the audience to participate in the madness by occupying
the same space as the actors. The audience is part of the gang of spectators
circulating around the two couples whereas with the film version, the
connection isn’t given. Nevertheless, what kept this film from being a huge disaster
was the outstanding battle of the wits between Foster, Reily, Waltz and
Winslet. If you have 80 minutes to
spare to witness the English language sharply utilized in illustrating modern
relationships, I recommend checking out Carnage. Even if you are not a
fan of Polanski and his personal past, it is still fun just to observe his
direction in having four highly acclaimed actors insult each other. Any civil pretentiousness
and superficial bigotry towards others beliefs calls for detention. Forewarning:
Verbal vomit isn’t the only spew that’s brought forth to the table.
Recommendation:
Apple-Pear Cobbler Recipe
In
the beginning of the film, as a peace offering, the Longstreets serves
apple-pear cobbler to the Cowans. My goal is whip up such treat hopefully by
this weekend. The recipe comes from Ms. Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. If any
of you make this crisp, please let me know!
FYI,
Mrs. Longstreets’ secret ingredient is Gingerbread crumbs.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
After Midnight, We're Gonna Let It All Hang Down.
This statement may deeply upset many cinema enthusiasts, so take hold, power through this and then let me explain myself – I don't consider myself a Woody Allen fan. Okay, take a deep breath, it’s all going to be just fine for here’s the positive – Midnight in Paris may have converted me. I’ll agree that Woody Allen is a vital player in cinema’s history. He is certainly a brilliant mastermind in illustrating taboo topics such as sex, religion and politics, however most of his films had never truly spoken to me. I couldn’t relate …until now. With Midnight in Paris, anyone who yearns for the nostalgic past, can easily connect with the main character, Gil, played by Owen Wilson. Gil is a disillusioned Hollywood screenwriter who’s ardent to become a world-renowned novelist. His fiancé, Inez (Rachel McAdams), on the other hand, only cares about the frivolous, materialistic possessions, rather than the small romantic gestures such as walking in the rain. After an exasperating day with Inez and her friend, Professor “If I’m not mistaken” Paul, Gil finds himself drunkenly wondering to Rue de la Montague St. Generieve. As the clock stroked midnight, an antique Peugeot Landaulet, filled with champagne-swinging revelers, chauffeurs Gil to the following destination -- the times of yore. Sacre bleu!
Back to the opening sequence, the first track was the song “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (If You See My Mother)”. It became clear to me that “the mother”, this song was referring to, was actually the motherland to arts and literature. In the 1920s, Paris, France was the place to be for artists and writers to receive coddling as well as vast encouragement with their unique craft. France was the supporting nourishment that bloomed distinctive genres such as Cubism, Surrealism and vigorous narrative prose. During his first late night expedition, Gil comes in contact with the Golden Age greats such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda , Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter plus Alice B. Toklas, to name a few. This is a dream come true for a literature admire. But wait for each trip gets better when he meets other artistic icons, specifically in the film category. –nudge, nudge, wink, wink- Though we, Americans, may have a heated grudge against the people of France, we must not take for granted what the land has supported before WWII. Witnessing Gil experience such an privileged adventures reminds us to never forget the past, yet we must keep in the foreground that staying in the past has its price. I won’t give away too much to the ending; however keep in mind that falling in love with someone who no longer exists is a tough relationship to keep.
Sure, Allen’s newest film is highlighting the difference between modern day luxury-tourist driven Paris versus Bohemian Paris, however the moral of the story is: by respecting the past, we have the ability to reanimate the present. Retreating completely from today is ill-advised. “Nostalgia is denial – denial of the painful present … it’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.” Ad-libbing the old clique saying - seize the day today for tomorrow is just the future of yesterday.
Restaurant Recommendation: ANY SUGGESTIONS?
I’ve never dined on French cuisine. Any suggestions would be helpful. Please come back later for a review.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Silence is Golden
Sunday, January 15, 2012
"Excellent!", I cried. "Elementary", said he.
Image of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" - Warner Brothers Studios |
"It's so overt, it's covert."
Guy Richtie willingly returns back for another whirlwind round to waltz with the English literary classic, Detective Sherlock Holmes. Once again, the story follows the guideline - “crippled war veteran teams with eccentric drug addict, become inseparable friends and together fight against evil in the British Isles”.1 You know, the same old typical Hollywood story. This modern take of Sherlock is not like your grandfather’s version of the character. No more of the sophisticated, high-brow, stiff-upper-lipped Sherlock whom best portrayed by the likes of Basil Rathbone and Peter Cushing. With Robert Downey Jr. wearing the metaphorical deerstalker cap, Sherlock has become a sexy, pompous, spoiled playboy who rejoices his barefaced masculinity, but more importantly, is a Jack-of-all-trades in self-defense. Almost like another celebrated English superhero, James Bond. This version of the man is more how Watson describes his partner, rather than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mature illustration. His physical attributes, though, are Guy Richtie’s own cinematic liberties. Surrounded by lustrous and voluminous costumes that mark the Late Victorian society, Downey’s rendering of the protagonist is more of a modern, “Steampunk”, 21st century man with his 5 o’clock shadow and bohemian outfits. Yes, Guy Richtie has visually sexualized Holmes with moments like fist-fighting sans shirt or donning a skin tight body suit as a disguise, however he stills keeps his witty traits of cunningly using chemistry, forensics and elaborate analytical skills to solve a problem. Walking into Richtie’s adaptation doesn’t need high expectations of being an intellectual picture, but more of a fun, Blockbuster adventure to openly voyage on for a few hours.
The entertaining part of the film for me was having my own opportunity to play Detective. While Sherlock is playing a cerebral chess game against Professor Moriart, it is best to keep one step ahead in order to crack Sherlock’s outrageous strategies. You never know what is up Sherlock's sleeves ... or under his hat, in pockets and gloves too. Other moments that make Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows a thrill ride goes to the gut-punching editing. For example, the Matrix-like slow motion FX during pain inflicting brawls and exploding warfare. With the use of blue filters plus slick camera movement for cinematography, it reminds us viewers how bleak and assailant it was in England circa late-1800's. In order to survive, you must stay on your wits and toes.
You can’t have action without a dash of comedy. Some of the best “bromance”, to use modern slag, are moments that involve outlandish situations between Doctor Watson (Jude Law) and Holmes. I.e. Train attack scene plus Sherlock's disguises - Peter Sellers inspired. In this sequel, it should be noted that Watson is no longer Holmes’ subservient “Igor”. Don't fret for he’s still very much Holmes valuable sidekick, to the point of being a bickering old married couple, nevertheless, he has his own estimations that matter just as much as Holmes'. Watson is very much Holmes better half therefore Holmes cannot properly function without him. This is amplified by the fact that Watson finally marries his fiance thus leading Holmes to drastic behavioral habits such as drinking embalming fluid. Women or no women in their personal lives, these two are two peas in a zany pod.
You can’t have action without a dash of comedy. Some of the best “bromance”, to use modern slag, are moments that involve outlandish situations between Doctor Watson (Jude Law) and Holmes. I.e. Train attack scene plus Sherlock's disguises - Peter Sellers inspired. In this sequel, it should be noted that Watson is no longer Holmes’ subservient “Igor”. Don't fret for he’s still very much Holmes valuable sidekick, to the point of being a bickering old married couple, nevertheless, he has his own estimations that matter just as much as Holmes'. Watson is very much Holmes better half therefore Holmes cannot properly function without him. This is amplified by the fact that Watson finally marries his fiance thus leading Holmes to drastic behavioral habits such as drinking embalming fluid. Women or no women in their personal lives, these two are two peas in a zany pod.
To conclude this review bluntly, without panache or flare, I’d say go see Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows when you want to escape from any madness in your life. It’s silly, upbeat, sly, action packed, mysterious and unusual. I could rant about how women are treated unfairly throughout the film and are punished for having their own strong characteristics, but I’ll keep it light and say that Noomi Rapace as Madame Sizma Heron is someone to keep an eye on. If anything, enjoy Sherlock’s flamboyantly shameless brother, Mycraft Holmes, and his gaudy personality. A certain scene is certainly a nod towards Austin Powers. In the end, I would investigate that this film will lead to a good time had by all.
Restaurant Recommendation: Fox and Goose Public House
Though they do serve traditional British fare such as fish and chips, pasty and Cornish beef hash for lunch and dinner, however my favorite grub to nosh at Fox and Goose is their breakfast. There is nothing like the comforts of a full plate, gluttonously displaying treats such as: eggs, bangers, English country potatoes and your choice of an English muffin, crumpet or scone smothered in Welsh rarebit cheese sauce. An Englishman would joyfully declare, "it’s bloody good!" A few months ago, dining on Fox and Goose's morning nourishment substance, was my first experience with a scrumptious crumpet smeared with the sweet Devonshire cream, also known as clotted cream. It may clot arteries, but I am willing to take such delicious fatality. This ace pub, located on 1001 R Street in Sacramento, offers various live musical performances as well as a wild Pub Quiz on Tuesday evenings. One day, I would love to go back, sit back with a pint of Guinness and inspect attending patrons. I'd like to think that Sherlock Holmes with approve Fox and Goose's kookiness and buoyant lifestyle. Pip-pip!
1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/dec/18/sherlock-holmes-game-shadows-review
1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/dec/18/sherlock-holmes-game-shadows-review
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Welcome, Bienvenue, Gesundheit
So, you've found my wee little blog about my two favorite passions: Cinema and Cuisines! Now you're probably wondering who I am! Allow myself .... to introduce myself:
My name is Stefanie and I am a recent college graduate who studied Digital Film Production as well as Graphic Design. In my spare time, I love to research various recipes and make a brave attempt to whip up thus food item. Yes, I count snacking as a favorite pastime. With that said, this blog will be a documentation of the two. With each film I have reviewed, I will punctuate it with a dish recommendation and/or a hidden restaurant gem that shares a common ground with thus film. Sit back, relax and join along with me at the table in savoring delicious motion pictures morsals found in the cinematic timeline. Bon appetite! Now that you know a bit about me, I'd love to have the chance to, as Deborah Kerr would belt with a vibrato plow, "getting to know you, getting to know all about you".
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