Sunday, October 4, 2009

First off, I'm pretty sure I've given up on the reviews... yes, yes I have. I've had a rough week, and after heading to Toronto for Nuit Blanche last night, I'm exhausted in every possible way. That said, I had a pretty good time, though my friend and I only got to see around a third of the installations. I found things to be weirdly dispersed throughout the city, but I'm sure a little bit more pre-planning on our part would have helped. The gigantic 'four letter word machine' at city hall was definitely the best thing I saw all night- well, aside from Batman picking small change off of the sidewalk.

Friday, September 25, 2009

A Serious Man

It's not often that one gets the opportunity to see the newest offering from genius duo the Coen brothers, a day after the premiere, at nine in the morning. It's also not often that I sleep in, or am late for anything, really. Both of these freak occurrences collided last Monday morning, when A Serious Man, the new Coen brothers flick, was screened during TIFF. My original plan was to wake up at six, get to the theater at seven, and wait in the rush line for two hours to ensure a spot in the theater. Instead, I ended up waking up at quarter to seven and running to the theater in the shoes I used to refer to as my "comfy heels", and making it to the theater around eight. Even though I was 30th in the rush line, the gods smiled upon my meager effort, and I was able to achieve my goal of the entire film festival: to see A Serious Man.
The film itself is, if nothing else, a return to form for the Coens. Taking place in late-sixties era Minnesota, the black comedy revolves around the steadily crumbling life of Larry Gopnik, as he seeks the wisdom and advice of three different Rabbis. The trailer, which I mentioned a few months ago, never alludes to the comedic aspect of the film, though it's evident even within the first few minutes. Every performance is incredibly strong, proving that the Coen's decision to use little-known Yiddish theater actors was for the better. As always, cinematographer and longtime Coen friend Roger Deakins makes full use of the intricate and authentic looking sets. A washed-out, antique colour scheme and sparse photography add to both the sixties setting and to the isolation and abandonment that Larry discovers within himself. The pacing is unconventional, using Larry's quest for an ancient, almost mythical Rabbi to divide the film, and as always, the Coens have their work neatly and cleverly bookended. While it's very possible that it will be completely ignored by the time awards season rolls around, A Serious Man is further proof that whatever it is the Coen brothers have, they've got it in fucking spades.

Monday, September 21, 2009

back, again

I wasn't able to find the time to post before I left for Toronto, so this post seems abrupt and out of place. In any case, I can't really put my experience at TIFF into words, to say that I had a fantastic time would be an understatement. Everything went off without a hitch; I was able to stay at the hostel, which was comfortable and conveniently located, albeit a bit dirty and, well, sketchy. The actual volunteering part was great, I met a lot of interesting people and learned a lot about the industry. The most interesting people, however, were the ones waiting in lines for the films. I won't go into details, but I will say that I think I was able to make some fairly useful connections within the past week. We'll see what comes of it!
And of course, I saw some incredible films, seven in total (six of which were free!). I plan on reviewing all of them, as well as going into more detail about the festival on here, starting (hopefully) tomorrow!
Tonight, however, I'm off to see a film called Moon, which is playing at the Princess. It's funny how going to the film festival has given me a taste for going to the movies alone.

Friday, September 4, 2009

christmas at the zoo

Silly me. I forgot that tickets went on sale for TIFF early, early today, and missed out on a ticket to A Serious Man. I'm planning on trying to get in via rush ticket, so I figure I'll have to get there around 7am, since the show starts at 9am. After working till 12:30 the night before, that might be a bit of a challenge, but I just have to repeatedly remind myself that it's for the Coens. It's for the Coens. It's for the Coens.

Er, yeah. So since I missed out on that ticket, I searched around the schedule for a while, and ZOMG the new Werner Herzog/David Lynch film is showing! Thrice! I changed my work schedule a bit and I now have, through email confirmation rather than in hand, a ticket to the second showing of My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

guns before butter

It's hard for me to believe that we've already arrived at the first day of September, but here we are. I spent the last few days of August saying goodbye to one of my best friends, who leaves for Toronto tomorrow(ish). Surprisingly, I didn't cry, but I really am going to miss her. I also took a little mini-vacation and went to Toronto with another friend of mine, to see her obsession live in concert. Whilst there I picked up my TIFF loot bag, went to my Ryerson theater training session and bought a couple of tickets to see Chad VanGaalen live! The TIFF related stuff went off without a hitch, so really, I'm in! And I have a hostel booked, all I can do is hope that they don't turn me away. I'm excited for it, but at this point it still feels a bit unreal. Give it a week, I guess.
While I was in Toronto, I did a lot of shopping, but not a lot of buying. That said, I found a heavy grey sweater from Urban Outfitters, a faux pearl necklace and black/gold flower ring from Forever 21 (you have to love the cheap accessories!) and a beautiful faux fur Russian style hat from H&M! And most importantly, I bought Entertainment! by Gang of Four, one of my favourite albums ever, on vinyl, for $10!! I screamed a bit when I saw it.
I still haven't finished my letter for Brazil, but I also still need to get a letter of good health from the doctor, so I still have some time. I'm also hoping to get some painting and drawing done this week. I have a year off, starting just about now, and fuck if I'm going to let it slip by.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Dr. Mrs. Vandertramp

Yesterday, I found myself standing at my Pharma Plus post, awaiting customers, and as always, flipping through the nearby magazines. To my delight, I saw that the September issue of Vogue had arrived on Monday, so I practically jumped on the 600+ page behemoth. I was just about to stash it behind the till, when another magazine caught my eye. Harper's Bazaar, which I admittedly haven't bought in years, was glaring back at me.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

...and I want my scalps!

First off, getting my tee shirt for TIFF was a success! Well, a success in that I had a friend of mine pick it up for me so that I wouldn't have to show ID, but a success nonetheless! I'm having some troubles finding hostels, since apparently you have to be 18 or older to stay in some of them. And so my birthday strikes again.
In other news, I saw Inglorious Basterds last night! I loved it, of course, and it's probably the best movie of the year thus far. Everyone was fantastic (Brad Pitt was absolutely hilarious), especially Christoph Waltz, who, at the very least, deserves an Oscar for his performance as Hans Landa.That said, when put in terms of Tarantino's work, I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's one thing to look at the movie as separate from his legacy, but it's quite another to compare it to his past work. As much as it felt like a Tarantino film, it also felt subdued. While the outrageous violence, the eclectic music and the quick dialogue were all there, it felt like some of the Tarantino universe was missing. Maybe it's because it was a period piece, and his usual tricks would seem out of place (and maybe even offend, considering the subject matter), but something was missing. Regardless, I'm going to see it again in a week or so, so maybe my opinion will change.

Anyway, I'm spending today catching up on some things, starting others, and just being by myself, finally. I picked up a military style jacket and a lace clutch from H&M on thursday, as well as a cream coloured blouse from Urban Outfitters. I also found Akron/Family's new album, Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free for seven bucks (!) and Dan Deacon's Bromst on vinyl for ten bucks (!!), so a good day it was.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

returned

I meant to blog a lot sooner than this, but I've been surprising busy, and I'm still recovering from my week at the beach! I had a fantastic time, the weather was beautiful and I certainly got a lot of reading/thinking/drinking/smoking done. We went swimming everyday, had bonfires every night, and even went skinny dipping under the stars- twice! In fact, there was a meteor shower the second time we skinny dipped, it was just glorious.
When I came back, well, it was kind of a shitstorm. My hours had been mysteriously cut in half at work (not cool.), and even though I've added an extra nine hours since then, I've decided to put hot yoga on the back burner, simply because of the cost. On the sort-of plus side, I picked up a few shifts during the film festival, though only one of them is at the AGO. And I have to pick up my shirt for TIFF this week, which means I have to show ID, which puts the whole volunteer position in jeopardy. Hopefully, they won't look at my age.
Now on the plus side, I received another email from GeoVisions, asking for a letter to the prospective family that I'd be staying with. So I have to get around to writing that. I also finally found some tiny water balloons, so I can continue my attempts at painting! And I never mentioned how the art sale went. While I only sold one print, and it rained almost the entire time, I still had a lot of fun, and... I kind of met someone there? Maybe? I don't know, we'll see how everything works out.
Now, I'm just trying to pack as much into the last few weeks on summer as possible. I'm in Toronto on thursday, Inglorious Basterds comes out on friday, and friends of mine are having a farewell tea party on saturday. I'm starting to get a bit jealous of everyone who's leaving town for school, but I think I'm really starting to enjoy what's going on in my life.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

margaritas and pop tarts


at the beach till saturday

Thursday, August 6, 2009

if I bring back the ashtrays, can I have my prefrontal?

I'm completely exhausted after spending all day yesterday running around downtown Toronto, but goddamn, was it ever worth it! I didn't find much in the way of clothes, but I managed to pick up two black skirts (yeah, redundant, but for whatever reason, they caught my eye), a pair of vintage printed shorts, a giant studded belt, a black and gold chain clutch (which I'll probably un-clutch, and add a chain strap) and a couple of "photo cubes" which I plan on using at the art sale on saturday. Most importantly though, I went to the TIFF orientation and interview, and despite being ridiculously nervous and showing up far too early, it went fantastically! I won't go into details, as those only interest me, but I signed up to work at the AGO's theater, which screens avant-garde films throughout the festival! I also signed up for the Ryerson theater, which is a much bigger venue, and holds Midnight Madness screenings, and it all just sounds fantastic! Since I'll really only be in Toronto to work, I figure I'll probably pick up a few extra shifts, hopefully at some of the red carpet events!
In other news, my first solo hot yoga class went well, and I plan on going again tomorrow (for a morning class, yikes!). I'm also slowly getting my shit together for the art sale, tomorrow I'm going to the furniture warehouse to try and find a table, or whatever will work. Tonight I'm taking it easy, finally filling out my GeoVisions application, and watching Blade Runner. And my week at the trailer looms ever closer, ee!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Mostly-Funny People

I didn't mention in my last post that I saw Funny People on Friday night. And as you can tell from my oh-so clever title, I'd sum up the almost three hour behemoth dramedy with a solid "meh". The first half of the film was typical hilarious Apatow fare, focusing on Seth Rogen's character. It was during the second half of the film that everything started to lag. Maybe I'm alone in this, but as great as Adam Sandler was in Funny People (and I never thought I'd be praising Adam Sandler), his storyline lost it's charm quickly. It was as though everything that was set up in the first half was put on the back burner to make room for a storyline that really didn't have a purpose. Aparently, Apatow said in an interview prior to the film's release that he wanted to make a film in which the main character doesn't change, and well, he succeeded. Congratulations? Honestly, I just wanted to see more of Jason Schwartzman and RZA.
Anyways, my weekend of solid work is over, thank god. I met up with Anna, Kylie and Michel to discuss food and booze for next week, when we head up to my trailer! I haven't been up there in almost two years, so I'm excited to return, especially sans parents!
I ran around town earlier today, returning books and movies to their respective libraries or video stores. I renewed VALIS by Phillip K Dick for another three weeks, as I didn't get around to reading it this month. I also picked up More Than Human by Theodore Sturgeon and Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn, two books that have been on my must-read list for a while. And I borrowed Blade Runner, because I've made it almost eighteen years without watching it, and that's just not right.
I'm planning on going to hot yoga again tonight, because I want to get as much in this week as possible. Tomorrow, I'm off to Toronto to go to the TIFF orientation and do a little bit of shopping. I'm really, really nervous about the orientation, and I don't want to talk about it until it's over. I don't even know what I'm going to wear! I'm also slowly planning for the art sale thing on Saturday. I was just going to take some folding tables and chairs, but the more I think about it, the more elaborate I want it to be. I'm considering taking a trip down to a local used and vintage furniture warehouse and picking out a neat looking bedside or end table, and using that instead.
I could even use something like that (only a bigger version, of course) and put my photos in the drawers, and just leave them hanging open. Hmm, something to think about, at least.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

blueberry strawberry orange smoothie

I intended on writing a post after my hot yoga experience, as most people come out of their first time a little bewildered, and often pretty out of it. I actually felt great after my first class, and went for a bike ride after, rather than coming home and coming on here. I can honestly say that I have never sweat that much in my life, in fact I really didn't think it was possible to perspire like that! It was a challenge just to stay in the room for the entire 90 minutes, let alone do all of the 26 poses! But I really did enjoy it, and since I bought two weeks of unlimited lessons, I'll be going back. Unfortunately for me, I'm busy as fuck again this week, so I won't be able to go again till Monday, possibly Tuesday.
So yeah, I'm busy as fuck. Today was shift two out of four in a row for this long weekend, hoo-rah. That said, since Monday is a holiday, I get paid time-and-a-half. And I could certainly use the money. I finally had a chance to talk to the rep from GeoVisions, and I've been sent the official application for the program, but I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, and I'm too stoned to look it over now. I also finally made it to the lab to pick up a few rolls of film, and I ended up with about ten or so pictures that are reasonable. Here's one from the Gaudi garden in Barcelona:
I ended up going to a dinner party of sorts at a friend's house, and I actually had a pretty solid time. There was poppyseed cake! And I almost lost my bike tonight, because I managed to leave it attached to the rack on the front of the bus. Waiting for the bus to come around to the stop across the street forced my friend and I to be fashionably late, however, so everything worked out. And I got my bike back. Success!
Anyway, David Cross is on the teevee behind me doing standup, so I'm going to go watch.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

busy busy busy

I'm back, after a few busy days. On Monday, I went "mission shopping", which is to say that I actually went to a mall (surprise number one), with my mom (surprise number two) and bought the things that I intended on buying(ultimate surprise!). Yoga wear, a yoga mat, new pants for work (I managed to rip my old work pants right below my ass, how convenient) and new "minimal" sandals were all on the list, and they were all checked off at the end of the day! I also stopped by Gen X to pick up Barry Lyndon, since it was 'half price monday'. I had to watch the film in three pieces, which is something I usually feel bad about, as I'm pretty adament about films being watched in their entirety, but since it's a bit over three hours in length, I don't feel so bad. To say it was great would be an understatement, it was fantastic, which is to be expected from Kubrick. The cinematography is legendary in this one, specifically because of the cutting edge cameras that were used in the candle-lit scenes (of which there were many). Every frame was like a painting, absolutely gorgeous.


On tuesday I ended up in Stratford with my mom (yes, again; she has this week off, and because of the weather, she's having a stay-cation), and even though we weren't able to see a play, as all of the discounted tickets were sold out, and we weren't prepared to pay $102.95 per ticket. We wandered around and checked out all of the little shops around Stratford, and ate at a restaurant called Othello's. Once we were back in town, I picked up a couple of rolls of film that I had dropped off last week, and ended up being offered a job at the camera place. I'm not sure if I'll take the job or not, because as much as I complain about Pharma Plus, I have it made there, and I'm not sure if it's worth it to give up a solid job to work in a field I'm sort of interested in. Plus, I'll hopefully be gone for most of the winter, and if I continue to work at Pharma Plus, at least I'll have a job to come back to upon my return.
Speaking of being gone for the winter, GeoVisions called! I missed their call because I didn't hear my phone go off, but I left a message for them on Tuesday, and I'm supposed to call them sometime today. I'll do that once I finish this.
After work yesterday I hung out with one of my favourites, Michel, who is finally back in town. We went out for a late dinner, and I had an awkward run in with a friend of mine that I hadn't seen in months. I think he was on a date, and I was just giggly and awkward for no reason, so I wouldn't say that it went well. And I further proved to myself that I'll be alone forever after talking to a ridiculously cute waiter, and not asking for his number. Greeeeeeat.
That description makes it sound like last night was awful, but I actually had a a lot of fun! Today, I'm doing some housework, going to drum lessons and then I'm off to try hot yoga! If I don't die in the process, I'll be back with a full report. I also rented Man On Wire and 12 Monkeys yesterday, so hopefully I'll get to watching one of those tonight.
Also, there's a trailer out for the new Coen Brothers film, A Serious Man. It looks incredible!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

to what end?



Last night I sat down to watch The Draughtsman's Contract (on my new teevee, hurrah!), and I was absolutely floored. Beautifully shot, well acted and accompanied by a fantastic score, I really wasn't expecting so much from what seemed to be so little. Period pieces often get a bad rap, for being long and unwieldly, and oh, incredibly boring. Not only was The Draughtman's Contract very well paced, the dialogue was suitable to the setting (1694) but still accessible and interesting, and the cinematography! My fricken god, it was beautiful. The intricate costumes, combined with beautiful scenery and more than a few candle-lit scenes; it was a joy to watch.This is only the second Peter Greenaway film that I've seen, and I'm now determined to see more of his work. Though it may sound strange, the way that he's able to work sex and sexuality into his art is fascinating, and I would recommend his work to anyone interested in art cinema.
In less interesting news, work was mediocre, and the only thing worth mentioning about today is that we had another monsoon-like storm. I really don't mind all of the rain that we've been getting recently, though warmer weather would be more than welcome.
I've found someone to drag along to hot yoga, so I'm hoping to go tomorrow night, maybe wednesday if tomorrow is a no go. Right now they have a "Look Great Naked" special (two weeks of unlimited classes for $30!), so I'll probably opt for that. And if the special gives the results it advertises, well then, mission accomplished. I'm also planning on picking up some film tomorrow from the lab, which I haven't been able to afford lately. It'll be interesting to see more pictures from Europe, as I feel like I've forgotten half of the trip already.
Speaking of trips and traveling, I haven't yet heard back from GeoVisions. Fuck. I'm starting to get a bit worried, because that's what I do best, but I figure if they don't respond soon, I'll email them asking what's up with that.
Tonight a friend is supposed to come over to watch Kill Bill II, which he hasn't even seen yet (I know, I know), so it'll be fun to watch him go ZOMG at the ending and all. Tomorrow is half price at Gen X, so I'll probably rent Barry Lyndon, since I'm in the costume piece mood, and it's been a while since I've watched some Kubrick.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

4. blog more often!

And so I'm going to start on that now. School has ended, and now that I don't have to be in a certain place for six hours a day anymore, I need something else to do. I've been filling that void with far too many hours at Pharma Plus, reading, film view'n, picture takin' and workin' out. That last one isn't a joke. And now, for whatever reason, I feel like blogging again.
Brazil is almost a definite. I sent in my application a few days ago, and now I'm just waiting for them to actually get back to me. And volunteering at TIFF is preeeeetty much definite, so long as I can make it through the interview next week without having to show id, and thus revealing that I'm not 18. In any case, the interview gives me an excuse to go to Toronto for a day, which gives me an excuse to shop. Sandals sandals sandals. And speaking of clothes, I bought a bathing suit on Urban Outfitter's website for $9.99, and I'm going to show it off because it makes me happy!And hurrah, it can be strapless.
I had today off, and I ended up getting my hair cut, buying a new teevee (the old one had a psychadelic colour thing going on), getting a little bit of sketching done and getting some boards to paint on, which I'm hoping to start on monday. And The Draughtsman's Contract is waiting to be watched.
Tomorrow I'm back at work, for a shift which is almost certainly be to spent entirely on cash, but I think I'll survive. I might be going to Stratford with my mom this week, which should be good for pictures and maybe a bit of shopping. I'm also hoping to start hot yoga this week, but I have to find someone to drag along first. This goes along with the whole working out thing, and I'm not sure why I suddenly feel the need to do it, but I do, so I do.
I'm going to end this with a picture of Rio, and hopefully I'll be back tomorrow, or Monday.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Hangover: Avoided

I haven't blogged in just about forever, but if there's a time to start doing something again, it's New Years Day. Last night was fantastic, definitely the best New Years Eve yet.
Here are my New Years resolutions, because if I don't get them down on paper of some sort, I'll probably forget them.
1. learn Spanish, at least to a conversational level
2. learn a few songs on the piano (When I'm Sixty Four is a must)
3. buy that beautiful melodica from the tiny instrument shop in Kensington Market
4. blog more often!
5. cook for myself (and others) more often
6. somehow survive the rest of this semester, and make the most of the extra time that I'll have next semester