#WHYISLIFEWORTHLIVING






January

Thursday, January 31, 2013

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Thank you to January for treating me so well, despite the cold and an unfortunate incident that happened to me on Sunday (I won't go into details). But January was actually quite a spectacular month for many reasons. First of all, it's the beginning of a new year and I'm really taking it as my chance to really turn over a new leaf. I want and need to live consciously and once again I'm feeling so in touch with my emotions, thoughts and creativity. Secondly, my Artist Visa application got approved, thank you so much U.S. Immigration for giving me this chance to stay and pursue my dream as a filmmaker in New York. And of course thank you to my parents, my diligent lawyer and my amazing friends for all the support and encouragement throughout these months of uncertainty and anxiety. So January is over. An entire month has flown off the calendar and it's February. I'm so ready for you, February!

1. Snowing, black and white city, romantic solitude.
2. Celebrating the best day ever: January 22nd!
3. Inez's birthday dinner at Pink Pony.
4. Picasso Black and White Exhibit at the Guggenheim. Moved me to tears.
5. Bought myself a cotton branch. 
6. Kate Spade window display. So Mondrianesque!
7. More snow.
8. More snow.
9. Can one own too many books? Thanks Housing Works!
10. Christmas lights.
11. God: A Comedy in One Act by Woody Allen. Most hilarious play in the world.
12. Finally decided to decorate my (temp) room.
13. Reading about the lovely Diane Keaton.
14. Spending many writing days at Housing Works.

Love Letter to New York in the Movies

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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A few days ago, my brother brought to my attention of my "obsession with Mr. Woody Allen" and I had to pause for a moment to really think about that statement. "Am I really that obsessed with him?" The short answer is yes, I suppose. I mean obsession is a pretty crazed word if you think about it, but am I completely enamored by this human being? YES. I am certainly very inspired and in awe of this creative and intellectual genius. And then I came to the horrible realization that I haven't met too many Allen fans. So please, if you love Woody Allen, speak up and let's start a club. I don't want to be alone, because I know I'm not the only one!

I had happened to stumble across this video on YouTube. I remember watching the Oscars in 2002 hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, but I hadn't been introduced to the works of Mr. Allen back then. Watching it now and being the fan that I am today makes me feel so very lucky and happy to know that Woody has always remained the same humble, spirited and neurotic human being. And he never ceases to make me cry and laugh. Thank you so much for being such a huge inspiration to me. I genuinely want to be a filmmaker, because you have inspired me. And I love New York beyond words can say.

Creative Lunch Meeting #1 and 2

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

creative lunch meeting 2

Inez Galvez is my New York partner in crime or partner in creativity. We're both just trying to MAKE IT IN AMERICA and in life basically. But who isn't, right? We're lost in a city where everyone is scrambling to get their work out there, to get work done, to get ahead and it can be a pretty exhausting process and journey. But everyday, we remind each other and ourselves that this tiredness, exhaustion, sleep deprivation and low bank accounts are part of the whole experience - we just have to keep our heads up and keep self-motivating and reassuring. I've had my share of self doubt and Miss Anne Hathaway said it best during her Golden Globes speech "Thank you for this lovely blunt object [referring to her award] that I will forever more use as a weapon against self doubt." Thank you, I will always remember those inspiring words.

Sometimes optimism doesn't come easily, especially when you're in one of the most competitive cities, where everyone is trying to make it as: a filmmaker, actor, designer, singer, dancer, artist, etc. How can one stand out? It's quite scary to think most people may end up not succeeding... it's like watching a reality show competition like Project Runway. You want all of them to do well and succeed, but there will only be one winner. Or rather twelve winners, twelve different seasons. So it's quite bleak if you think about it, but that's when I remind myself of Woody Allen's quote “If you’re not failing every now and then, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything innovative.” - Well, Woody, I'm trying. I'll embrace failure, so I know at least I'm trying to be innovative and hopefully one day, the hard work and perseverance will pay off and I may succeed.

Inez and I have plans to meet as frequently as possible for our #creativelunchmeetings, so we can catch up and make creative plans, brainstorm and make mind maps on her iPad (so much fun.) It is so great to know someone who is creative and motivated and Inez is a stellar example of a hardworking and inspirational designer. I really believe in her aesthetic as a designer and a human and I can't wait to see more of her work. I feel so lucky to help out and be part of her process and I found out just how much I enjoy fashion, when I accompanied her on her fabric sourcing day in the Garment District. *cough cough* Saw three Project Runway designers, all from the same season... weird.

I love fashion, maybe a bit too much sometimes, BUT I would NEVER work in fashion. It's almost like with film, I think the film industry can be a little... what's the word... I won't go into it here, but despite all the negativity that comes with the industry, I genuinely want to make films. But I digress. Even though I may not be a designer, I love fashion and I love seeing rolls and rolls of beautiful fabric, trimming, buttons, even zippers! We were on a hunt for something special for a special project that Inez is doing. Then we found the most amazing section of fabric and I just fell in love with this stunning brocade. And so marks my first ever purchase at Mood Fabrics. Thank you Mood! You will hear more about this in the near future. Stay tuned.

This sounds silly, but I really enjoyed our two hours at Mood and even though it was tiring, but I know tiring, I've PA-ed on film and tv sets and at least, we're indoors surrounded by pretty fabrics (avoid ugly fabric sections). I'm really looking forward to sharing our upcoming projects, because we mapped it out and I know that 2013 will be a productive and creative year for the both of us. And I know you have an awesome year ahead of you! More #creativelunchmeetings to come!

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SAG Awards 2013 Red Carpet

Monday, January 28, 2013

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I'm back for red carpet commentary SAG Awards 2013! There were a few standouts, but most dresses were once again quite uninspired. Fortunately, there weren't too many bad dresses on the SAG Award red carpet. Quite a few actresses really embraced black, but if you wear a black gown, it better be the most spectacular black dress in the world.  

Anne Hathaway's Giambattista Valli dress got some mixed reactions, but I personally love black and sheer and tulle and I think this dress is just so charming. Maybe we see too much leg, so I would have preferred a thicker tulle skirt. And I wish her hair was slicked down like that time (minus wardrobe malfunction.)

I just think Julianne Moore can do no wrong and she just looks like a goddess in this Chanel Haute Couture black and white floral gown. I personally would have preferred if it wasn't so low cut, but this lady has a great figure - so why not show it off I guess! This dress just has so much personality. I think Ms. Moore must be on a black and white kick right now.

Naomi Watts just looks so elegant and statuesque in this shimmering Marchesa gown. It's a simplistic gown, but she looks so radiant and ethereal and it's making her skin gown. She just looks like an Old Hollywood actress with those retro waves.

I actually really like Claire Danes black and white Givenchy one sleeved gown with geometric pattern. I'm not a fan of one sleeved gowns, but it works on her. I just think this is probably one of the better gowns she has ever worn. I love the geometric shapes, I love the graphic quality. It's fun and whimsical. And I love the dark lips.

I'm still mad that Jessica Chastain has yet to impress me with her red carpet looks. Supposedly she had a good year last year, but so far, I am just bored. Sure this is an Alexander McQueen, but I can't stand satin and red satin is just worse. And I don't think redheads can't wear red, but it has to be the perfect shade of red and in that case, she should be consulting Valentino.

I hate to be mean, but why is January Jones wearing a white bib? Is she about to go to Red Lobster? I don't understand this Prabal Gurung gown. I like high necks, but this dress is confused. And I like Prabal Gurung gowns. The white bib, high neck with her pompadour hair = overkill. Just wrong.

Jennifer Lawrence is starting to get it. I was sorely disappointed and disgusted by her Golden Globes dress, but this is going in the right direction. It's flattering, it's safe, but at least she looks nice. The hair looks polished, but relaxed at the same time. Now you better find something stunning for the Oscars, because you keep picking up these awards and if you win on Oscars night, you would want to wear a memorable dress! Can't believe the poor girl had a wardrobe malfunction. How much does these gowns cost, seriously? They can't afford to be ripping! (even if someone stepped on it)

A bit disappointed in Marion Cotillard's Dior Haute Couture gown. I don't really like empire waist gowns and the white just looks like a bandage around her chest. I do like the deep peacock blue/teal color, but that's about it. Random thought: are people afraid of wearing lighter blue or blue green shades on the red carpet or what?!

So Ellie Kemper is wearing a seafoam green Reem Acra gown, but I think this is probably the worst Reem Acra gown I've seen. I don't understand this dress, I really don't, sorry. I love seafoam green and I was so proud when Missi Pyle wore it to the Oscars last year. This color needs more attention and presence on the red carpet!

I'm sorry but I don't understand or like Sofia Vergara's Donna Karan gown. I enjoy an asymmetrical dress, but this to me is a huge mess. It makes her boobs look lopsided and what woman wants to look like her boobs are lopsided!!! I like that it seems to be Grecian inspired, but I cannot forgive that neckline.

I find Rose Byrne's Valentino floral gown is be so whimsical and a daring choice. I love Valentino and I would wear a Valentino gown in a heartbeat. I love that this dress makes her stand out from everyone else and of course in a good way, in my opinion. It reminds me of the Valentino gown Michelle Williams wore to the Golden Globes in 2011.

Once I kickstart my film career, I'm totally getting into acting and applying to SAG, so I can vote! We'll see, whatever haha. DGA Awards 2/2, BAFTA Awards 2/10, WGA Awards 2/17, Independent Spirit Awards 2/23 and Academy Awards 2/24! I love Award Season!


Second Chances

Sunday, January 27, 2013




Did you know that Michael Moscovitz and Gideon GMan Graves are brothers? *cough* I mean Robert and Jason. Small world, huh? Nah, I knew that years ago. Yeah, this is how I spent my Sunday night. Dreaming away... and recovering.

Happy Birthday Inez Galvez

Thursday, January 24, 2013

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It was my dear, talented, beautiful, amazing, creative designer friend Inez Galvez's birthday on the 22nd. And we all had a ball last Saturday celebrating the birth of this awesome human being. We had a cozy dinner at Pink Pony on Ludlow. Pink Pony is the most perfect restaurant / literary and cine club. It's quaint with adorable French decor, the perfect spot for a low key date or soiree. I just love that it's a literary and cine club, I would love to host a film event at this location sometime in the future.

The food was delicious, our tummies were very satisfied. Their bread was heavenly. I can't tell you how much I love bread, especially good bread. Remember when Colette in Ratatouille says you have to listen to the sound of the crust - sound of the crackling of fresh bread and that's when you know it's good bread. It definitely sounded and tasted like a symphony in my mouth. Bread and butter, yum. It was such a lovely evening and we snapped way too many photos with our iPhones, my polaroid camera and Happy Effing Birthday disposable camera! Can't wait to scan and develop those photos!

I just want to take a moment to express how much I adore this girl. She is one of the most genuine people I've met ever and I am so lucky to call her my friend and confidante. We're both trying to make it in New York City and we're gonna keep going... trying to make it happen! We share so much in common and it makes me happy to know that we can enjoy jazz or classical music together one minute and be totally goofy and silly the next. She truly has a wonderful spirit and I wish her all the success! Welcome back to New York! Please check out her amazing turbans and keep your pretty little head warm this winter! xoxo

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Capote

Saturday, January 19, 2013

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The film opens in a small rural town in Kansas. Fields and nature for miles. Knock knock. "Hello?" A young woman, to her horror, discovers a dead body, lying lifelessly on the bed.



Truman Capote was a famous American author, living his heyday in New York in the 40s through 80s. He is best known for Breakfast at Tiffany's and the film tells the story of the inception of In Cold Blood, which is universally acknowledged as the greatest true crime novel ever written. I was in awe when Philip Seymour Hoffman utters his first word - he had completely lost himself in the character. His voice, his facial movements and expressions, his walk, his body movements, the way he carried his body. There was no doubt, he was Truman Capote. 



It is amazing when an actor has the ability to let go of themselves and become totally immersed in that character. I truly admire method actors, but I also think method acting can be quite dangerous and psychologically exhausting. With method acting, the actor has to forget who they are and embrace the character in every way and just become the character. It can take years to become that character, as Daniel Day-Lewis so adeptly demonstrates in so many of his performances. 



I was always interested in seeing this film, but it was sitting in my hard drive for over two years, until I finally decided I am truly interested in the film. Not only in the film, but I was truly fascinated by Truman Capote's life and work. I had just picked up and started reading Andy Warhol's New York City Four Walks (great read for Warhol fans) and discovered that Warhol was a huge fan of Capote's. He tried to contact him and wanted to be friends with him; he even befriended Capote's mother. Until he realized he could only become friends with Capote once he would become famous. And of course, Warhol became famous and eventually Andy and Truman became friends. I was so fascinated by this, I needed to know more about Capote. 



I think that time period had such an allure. It was such a beautiful era. The men, the women in their slim black dresses, red lipstick and manicured nails - they made smoking look so elegant and appealing. There was such a huge emphasis on celebrity culture. Everyone knew everyone in that circle. The glamorous glitterati littered all over New York City, but you had to be invited into that world. Capote knew everyone. He was childhood friends with Harper Lee. He was friends with many artists and movie stars. I can imagine it looks so beautiful from the outside, but it probably feels so lonely, pretentious and fake inside the circle.



I think celebrity culture is so interesting in that, there are many ways to become a celebrity. You don't even have to be talented in any way to become a celebrity. Celebrity is just defined as someone famous for whatever reason; whether you're in the entertainment world, art, music, literary, political, and even reality television nowadays or you're friends with celebrities, etc. People know your name and your face. But honestly, who wants to be famous? Why do you want to be famous? What's so good about being famous? And is it true that you can only be friends with a celebrity if you're also a celebrity? Do people really want to be friends with celebrities? Why? Is it only for the perks? There's a difference between an artist and a celebrity. Can they be mutually exclusive? 



Let's say if a person wants to create art and make films and one day their work garners attention from the media and public, would they automatically become a celebrity? Can one be an artist and receive attention and not be a celebrity? Can one put their work out there in the public and still maintain a truly private life? Personally, the idea of fame doesn't appeal to me. I would want my work to stand alone and be recognized and publicized to an audience, but the idea that sometimes fame goes hand-in-hand with creating and showcasing art makes me really question society's obsession with pop culture and celebrities. 



I learned a lot about Truman Capote's life and his relentless desire to write In Cold Blood. I've always had a bit of a morbid fascination of death, so I'm surprised I never had the desire to read it, but now I can't wait to read it in the near future (my reading list is too long.) I am so interested in reading about homicides, but it terrifies me so much at the same time, but I can't help myself. It must have been a huge struggle for Capote to want to delay their (inevitable) death sentence, whilst befriending Perry Smith and Dick Hickock and trying to find out the truth of the night of the murders. Clearly, Capote was never going to shed some light on them, since he named his novel In Cold Blood, but he must have really still cared for them. 



Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood are definitely going on my to read list. I want to educate myself and read more. Not just literature, but also biographies of influential people. I also want to watch more biopics of people who I admire. I was very pleased with the film and I was so moved by Seymour Hoffman's performance. I must watch more of his films.

Capote (2005)
Directed by: Bennett Miller
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Chris Cooper

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Golden Globes 2013 Red Carpet

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

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photo credit: instyle

I haven't done a fashion commentary on red carpet dresses since 2010. I've missed this. 

Disclaimer: I am by no means a fashion expert, but I've always had a strong opinion on fashion and red carpet dresses. I've been obsessed with award shows and red carpet events since I was a kid. Mainly because I aspire to make films, but I've always dreamed of wearing stunning dresses on the red carpet one day. So when I saw the dresses on Sunday, I was quite disappointed by the lack of imagination and boldness. Considering how these people have access to the most gorgeous dresses out there, they show up to the Golden Globes in dull, boring, unimaginative and frankly, some quite ugly dresses. I know it doesn't affect me in the slightest, but it really bothers me. If I ever have the connections in the future, I would try to take advantage of it and wear something that's beautiful and artistic.

Fashion is art. Red carpet dresses and haute couture dresses are a true art form. You'd think an award show would be the time to wear something that's breathtaking (don't get me started on the Met Gala dresses from 2012). Be daring! Be bold! Mermaid gowns and sweetheart necklines dominated the red carpet and I was just... bored. I mean I've never like fishtail gowns, so seeing them every award season just makes me yawn. I am so over nude on the red carpet. I want to see color and I don't necessarily mean neon colors or even bright colors, but color in general. Something atypical, something original please. I love red, but red on the red carpet is also starting to get predictable, unless it's Valentino red. If you're going to wear black on the red carpet, let's see a spectacular black dress, like the black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's designed by Hubert de Givenchy. I just want to be inspired.

I've loved Anne Hathaway since she was Princess Mia and she usually doesn't disappoint on the red carpet, but I was slightly underwhelmed by her Chanel Column dress. It was flattering and minimal, which isn't a bad thing, but I think she could have been a bit more daring. I loved the Prabal Gurung dress she wore, that was absolute perfection with that pixie cut. Her speech moved me to the core, she inspires me so much and if I were to ever meet her and work with her in the future, I would be the luckiest person ever.

I'm so proud of Kristen Bell's choice to wear Jenny Packham. If I ever had access to Jenny Packham's dresses, I would proudly wear them on the red carpet. This was a stellar choice. The color is so ethereal and the bead work is always beautiful. I'm sure she chose an empire waist dress, because she's got a bun in her oven. I personally would have chosen a different silhouette, but I love this dress.

Although I'm not a fan of fishtail mermaid gowns, I was surprised to like Taylor Swift's Donna Karan Atelier gown. That dark aubergine has a very regal feel. Maybe a bit too much of the side boob and the fabric is a bit too shiny for my taste, but it has a classic feel overall. And I think her side parting is a little too far to the side. P.S. It's a shame she didn't win Best Song, because weirdly enough I prefer Safe and Sound to Adele's song for Skyfall.

I've never liked the Carolina Herrera dresses I've seen on the red carpet unfortunately. So I was pleasantly surprised to see Lucy Liu is this over-the-top floral Herrera gown. It's almost verging into wallpaper or curtain territory, but it's actually quite beautiful. I'm a huge fan of florals, so I wouldn't mind wearing a curtain as long as the floral pattern is pretty. At least this dress stood out. It looks like Lucy is the only one who wore a print too.

I'm not in love with Emily Blunt's Michael Kors dress, but it works on her. If I had her body, I'd work a cutout dress like that. I would have preferred either a different color and/or fabric with that silhouette. I actually prefer her dress at the Critic's Choice Award.

I love Zooey Deschanel and I've loved her since Almost Famous, but I'm starting to feel underwhelmed by her red carpet choices. Yes, she's wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress. The silhouette is exactly the same as the Reem Acra dress she wore to the Emmy's last year. Now that's probably my favorite red carpet look of hers, she looks like Cinderella. At least this dress is way better than the Prada she wore last year. I wish she wore a different necklace with this dress too.

I'm very impressed by Naomi Watt's dress. Her entire look is so polished and elegant. As much as I love maroon or bordeaux or whatever you want to call that color, I would have preferred it in a deep forest green or even black or silver! She would look like a stunning silver statue. Not gold though, I think gold is too obvious a choice at the Golden Globes.

None of the black looks are really worth discussing. Rachel Weisz's black dress looks confused, but I personally like it. It was a bold and edgy choice for her. I don't picture Rachel Weisz in something unconventional as this choice. I think this dress would probably work better as a cocktail dress, there's just too much sheer, which doesn't work on a red carpet in my opinion. I'm always a fan of an illusion necklace.

I've mostly been impressed by Julianne Moore's red carpet dresses. That french twist is perfection and that lip color really works with the Tom Ford gown. I like the graphic quality, it's very Sixties and it just reminds me of her looks in A Single Man. Loved her in that film.

Then comes the worst dresses. I don't want to be mean, I'm just being critical here. Halle Berry, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Claire Danes, what were you ladies thinking? Halle Berry, you don't want to know what I think about that dress. I've never liked Versace dresses to begin with. Jessica Chastain, you'd have a pretty good run of red carpet looks, but this Calvin Klein gown is just unfortunate. And that hair. It's a nice color, but somehow it doesn't work with the hair and skin tone. And I love redheads: Julianne Moore, Florence Welch, Rachel Curd Wood. Somehow that dress isn't sitting right on her body. Is it trying to be draped and what? How can you mess up a halter neck dress? I don't know. Jennifer Lawrence, I love you and I loved you so much in Silver Linings Playbook. But you need to fire whoever put you in that dress. It's not exactly a bad dress, but I promise there is something wrong with the bustier and how the dress fans out. Dior Haute Couture? I am confused. It's not flattering. If she didn't have big boobs, they would just pop out. Somehow she keeps wearing unflattering and age inappropriate dresses, she needs a new stylist. Claire Danes, just another boring halter neck dress that isn't very flattering or original by any means.

Hopefully these ladies will step it up from here. Award season is just beginning, so they have many opportunities from now till Oscars to step up their game. I really want to see something beyond. I want to be impressed. I also hope to see more Jenny Packham, Valentino, Erdem, Jason Wu, Elie Saab this Award Season.