baby you're a STAR

 

At 21, Zoe Kravitz is living the life that most aspiring artists could only dream of. Not only does she come from one of the best gene pools in the universe (she's the daughter of actress Lisa Bonet (Lilakoi Moon) and rocker Lenny Kravitz) but she's also the lead vocalist for rock band Elevator Fight. Add to that her stunning looks, modeling adventures and small roles in films like No Reservations, The Brave Ones, The Greatest and Twelve, and it's much easier to see why Zoe Kravitz is a MegaStar in the making.

Why I like her: Because she's eccentric, talented and mesmerizing. You can't buy a combination like that. Apparently the film gurus agree because we'll be seeing much more of Zoe Kravitz  in the near future. Her star status appeal has no where to go but UP. 

Kravitz can currently be seen in Beware the Gonzo (Bryan Goluboff) and It's Kind of a Funny Story (Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck). Her future projects include X-Men: First Class (Matthew Vaugh) and Mad Max: Fury Road (George Miller).

literature worth EATING

These days I'm enamored with everything Asian and as bell hooks would say, I'm thoroughly content on 'eating the other'. My current read for the moment is Pai Kit Fai's first novel, The Concubine's Daughter (2009). It's 471 pages filled with the courage and determination of Li-Xia  (Beautiful One) and I must admit I'm finding this book hard to put down. In brilliant detail, Fai recounts the heroism of Li-Xia as she rages against the confines of concubinage in an effort to free herself as well as the life of her daughter Siu-Sing (Little Star). Filled with insight and encouragement, it's a heart stirring reminder that one's mind almost always determines their situation in life.

Protect the secrets of your heart as others may protect the jewels and riches of a kingdom, share them only with those deserving of your trust. Do not allow your expectations to rise above your reach, but let no one set a limit to your hopes and dreams.

With lines like that, I can't help but wonder if there will be a film version someday. The Concubine's Daughter definitely gets 5 stars from me.

a PICTURE is worth 1,000 words

I Me Mine

There's something about Stella Im Hultberg (circa 2008) that I can't get away from...

http://www.stellaimhultberg.com/

so I was thinking, ditto...I'M NOT THERE

On Sundays, I normally wind down the weekend with a few films, a glass or two of Clos du Bois and an open mind that's willing to devour anything new, edgy or avant-garde. This weekend was no exception to the rule. When I came across I'm Not There (2007), I knew I'd been rescued from the hundreds of 'just average' films that have flooded my DVD for the past two months. After all, Cate Blanchett plays the role of Jude Quinn and I, for one, couldn't wait to see if she could pull off a role that was respectfully reserved for a man. And besides, I love films about gritty rock stars who've lived life without believing in the consequences.

So, I settled in, ready to learn about Bob Dylan, (better late than never) but I was less than prepared for the creativity of director Todd Haynes. Instantly, I was reminded of Tarantino when he believed in being more raw and less Hollywood, Gibson when he wasn't angry and Spielberg when he didn't want to paint everything so glossy and beautiful. It's important to point out that Haynes' film had nothing at all to do with the actual life and times of Dylan himself. In fact, Dylan is never portrayed as a character in the film. He is never part of the bigger scheme. After the opening credits, his name is never even mentioned again. But, where he is instrumental and most influential is through his music. It infiltrates the film. It defines the lives of six characters who all have a 'piece' of Dylan in their persona, in their making, in their genes. I couldn't help but think that if someone told the story of ME...I'd want it to be through my words as well.

The camera angles, still shots and montage sequences all combined to create a film that lived up to its reputation. Not only did Haynes introduce a new generation to the music of Bob Dylan, he changed the way a story about a man's life should be told. I, for one, am a fan of creative genius and Todd Haynes did more than deliver...he changed the game.