What to get a movie lover for Christmas

It's that time of the year again...and we're all wondering what to get our loved ones. If they are movie lovers, here are some ideas, some of which I would personally like to receive, if you know what I mean...

• tickets for the latest movies released - also consider a couple of movies and/or the premiere
• a collection of classic movies always works
• autobiography or biography of favourite actor(s), 'cause we love finding out what happend behind the scene
• unique posters of the actors - if you get the chance, why not get them signed?
• a movie magazine subscription is an awesome gift; consider the great one Variety
• a wide screen monitor, if you got the money
• cinema books - what a delight!
• movie action figures - they really add colour to your life and office
• movie T-shirts - let's include TV shows also
• a movie calendar would keep a movie lover happy all year long
• aaand...what about movie themed shower curtains? 

Psycho! - uncommongoods.com

Ho Ho Ho!

On leaving and living

Source: wikipedia.com

L'auberge espagnole (2002), also known as Pot Luck or The Spanish Appartment, presents one of the greatest experiences ever: the Erasmus life. This French movie presents 6 students from Europe living under one roof, enjoying the hot city of Barcelona. Probably the success of the movie is owed to the fact that many students (or not) recognize themselves in one of the characters: either untidy, or funny, or too serious. Erasmus students, be prepared for a bit of nostalgia...!
~ "I did some research on the exchange program at my university. It’s called Erasmus and it’s a complete mess."~



Xavier (Romain Durris) studies economics and reaches the conclusion that a year abroad would help him with his career. He is the main character and we see everything through his eyes. During the movie, the director does not focus on his studying, but on his private life, because Erasmus means actually personal development.
~"Leaving isn’t easy."

Packing, leaving the airport, crying on the plane, missing the girlfriend, meeting new people, being shy, sightseeing, language problems, partying, falling in love, learning, breaking up, saying goodbye, coming home and then so much changes. The story is the true portrayal of an Erasmus student. Cause I am one!
~"The confusion that dominated there seemed a lot like my own muddle."~
 
Otherwise, the movie does not impress from a directorial point of view, it has its funny moments and also a lot of stereotypes. While some are true, some are totally wrong.
~"There has happened a lot between the two kisses."~

Being released in 2002, the movie could also be a metaphor for a united Europe. Young people everywhere are the same. They are connected by the same things and have a huge desire to live life to its fullest.

~"It's all about taking off."~

Sing sing sing!

Last week I was listening to Travis - "I love you anyways" and this lyric stuck in my head: "You were on my mind inside the cinema/ I almost had to go", so this is how the idea of showing you guys songs about cinema, movies and movie stars popped into my head. 

Songs in movies, but how about songs on movies? Here you go, they're worth your time!

Pixies - Debaser
Based on the movie "Un chien andalou"
*funky*


Kate Bush - The Red Shoes
"The Red shoes", dance dance dance!
*energetic*

Oasis - Wonderwall
You probably love the song, but don't know the movie. Being a wonderwall isn't always good.
*hopeful*

Deep Blue Something - Breakfast at Tiffany's
Haven't seen it yet? It's time. Now!
*AudreyHepburn*

The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
About what happens in the cinema. And when you're in love.
*powerful*

Ladytron - He took her to a movie
If only the movies were the solution in every situation...!
*intense*

Kinks - Celluloid Heroes
A lot of references on Hollywood! "Everybody's a star"
*melancholic*

The Eagles - James Dean
A real rock'n'roll song on James Dean. "You were too fast to live, too young to die, bye bye"
*feelgood*

Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
One of my favourites!
*jazzy*

Erin McKeown - Cinematic
"Longshot! Jumpcut! Close-up!"
*lalala*

Radiohead - Motion Picture Soundtrack
"Cheap sex and sad films", no thank you. 
*depressing*

Sleeping With Sirens – If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn
Teenage rock, but what a title!
*cute*

James - Just Like Fred Astaire
Who do you feel like when in love?
*eliberating*

K-OS - I wish I knew Natalie Portman
Natalie is mentioned only in the title, but "I can't really make you love me"
*RappinOn*



What's your favourite song from the list? Can't wait to read your comments!



PS. Some songs cannot be played on YouTube in Germany. You can look them up on Spotify.

Top 3: Christian Bale

I really love Christian Bale! He's not the best looking actor in Hollywood, but his acting is great and he also has charisma. Here are some of my favourite movies and interviews to a better understanding:

3. The Machinist (2004) - Can you imagine not sleeping for more than a year? How it affects your judgement? That's what this movie is about! While the plot doesn't appeal too much sometimes, the atmosphere is excellently created!
And Christian really lost a lot of weight for the movie, one can actually see his skeleton!

2. The Dark Knight (2008) - Not the superhero kind of lover, but I really enjoyed this movie! Even if most of the attention goes to Heath Ledger, one of the reasons being his death, and Christian's performance is overshadowed, this movie wouldn't have been as good! Pure pop entertainment.

1. The Prestige (2006) - Because of this movie I fell in love with Christian and also Christopher Nolan, the director. Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, magic, rivalry and so many twists! Superbly crafted! Not spoiling it anymore for you, just see the movie. You'll love it.

Movie lovers, what are your favourite Christian Bale movies?

Thank you for smoking: filtering the truth

Source: imdb.com

"Thank you for smoking" (2005, director Jason Reitman)  is a must-see movie especially for those studying communication or PR, because it will give a stronger appreciation for the art of argumentation. The movie presents the rather unethical side of PR as we can see from the main character's statement, Nick Naylor played by Aaron Eckhart: 
"My job requires a certain... moral flexibility."
The story focuses on the career of the successful tobacco lobbyist, rather then on a very elaborated plot. The movie is more of a dark comedy, a satire also loaded with cultural significance that applies very well to the 21st century.

Rhetorically the focus in the movie is on the logos, the dialogue is very lively and has many levels of significance, so here are some things to dwell on:

• Nick Naylor: The beauty of arguing is that if you argue correctly, you’re never wrong. 

• BR: We don't sell Tic Tacs, we sell cigarettes. And they're cool, available, and *addictive*. The job is almost done for us.

 

• Lorne Lutch: You look like a nice enough fella. What are you doing working for these assholes?
  Nick Naylor: I'm good at it. Better at doing this than I ever was at doing anything else.

 

• Polly Bailey: How about it Nick, are you a tit man?
  Bobby Jay Bliss: Don't answer that, that's a trap.
  Nick Naylor: Depends on the tits.  

 

• Nick Naylor: I didn't have to. I proved that you're wrong, and if you're wrong I'm right. 

 

• Joey Naylor: But you still didn't convince me
  Nick Naylor: It's that I'm not after you. I'm after them.
  [points into the crowd]  

 

• Joey Naylor: Dad, why is the American government the best government?
  Nick Naylor: Because of our endless appeals system. 

 

• Nick Naylor: I don't have a MD or law degree. I have a bachelor's in kicking butt and taking names. 

 

• Nick Naylor: Most people have this image in their heads of tobacco executives jet-setting around the world on private planes, eating foie gras as they count their money. Not me. I like to ride with the people. Know your clients. My people cram themselves into a tiny seat, pop a Xanax, and dream of the moment when they can stuff their face with fresh tobacco. If I can convince just one of these kids to pick up smoking, I've paid for my flight. Round trip! 

 

• Nick Naylor: You know that guy who can pick up any girl, I'm him.On crack. 

Is this P.T. Barnum approach still going on now? Right or wrong? True or false? Moral or immoral? Here's a perspective from the business ethics.

Reasons to watch "Skyfall"

The 23rd James Bond movie "Skyfall" really seems to hit it off. Already grossing $US518.6 million worldwide in only two weeks, director Sam Mendes and the cast made a beautiful homage for the 50th anniversary. Some even call it the best Bond movie ever.

Here are some reasons to watch it:

1. More realism than previous releases. While your father may still not enjoy it as much, the movie is closer to real life by losing some overrated gadgets and improbable plot situations. Also one of the important themes throughout the movie is 'doing things old-school', 'coming back to one's roots'.

2. Javier Bardem's acting is great. First we see a blonde Javier Bardem. Then the sociopath Javier Bardem. On top of that, he acts gay or, at least, bisexual. His performance as Bond's antagonist is spectacular, Bardem's Silva is creepy and amusing, resembling a bit with Heath Ledger as Joker (we know Sam Mendes also directed "The Dark Knight", right?)

Source: sevenstreets.com

3. Insight to the characters' psychology. The movie invests much effort in showing us that the characters are made of flesh and blood and that they also make mistakes. Bond is, under his beautiful exterior, sometimes undecided, and the Freudian mommy issue is forever. We also get to see the house Bond grew up in and we also find out things about M's past.

4. Bond's girl: Bérénice Marlohe. Three words: charming, dangerous and human. An all too short on-screen appearance, though. Mark my words: she's your new favourite French actress.

Source: tumblr.com

5. The new Q. Nerdy Ben Whishaw and I've said it all. The movie replaces the old weapon supplier with a young dynamic man, underlining once more the recurrent opposition theme of old vs. new.

Source: flickr.com

5. Soundtrack and visuals. Adele's "Skyfall" is already a big hit. Adding the visuals from the opening credits, we get quite an artsy film. Camera and colour lovers, you will like this (sorry for the bad quality, though. This is just to get you to actually see it):

... and of course Craig. Daniel Craig. My tweet after watching the movie was: Wish I had abs worthy of Daniel Craig. #losesomeweightwoman

Bonus: You can see here a video featuring the trailer and interviews with the actors!