Thursday, February 28, 2013

2013 San Francisco Silent Film Festival Winter Event a Recap


On February 16, 2013 I had the pleasure to attend the San Francisco Silent Film Festival’s Winter Event.  This is a one day festival, fully packed with terrific movies this year.  From the listed films, only two were new to me: the 1916 Snow Whiteand 1927’s My Best Girl.

The morning began with a breakfast meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, and then off to the Castro to plant myself in a seat and prepare to enjoy the day-long celebration of silent film.  Attending in the neighborhood jewel, The Castro Theater is always a pleasure.  With the program the festival had lined up, I knew I would be sharing the experience with plenty of like-minded and appreciative audience members, I was not wrong.
 

The program opened with the Famous-Players Film Corporation 1916 version of Snow White.  The film was introduced by J.B. Kaufman.  Commercial plug:  do yourself a favor and buy his two recent books on the Walt Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Art and Creation of Walt Disney's Classic Animated Film and The Fairest One of All: The Making of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, they're beautiful and so well written.  J.B. Kaufman is an eloquent speaker and set up the film beautifully.  The print was sourced from a restoration by George Eastman House.  Accompanied on the piano by Donald Sosin.
 
The big reveal for me was the delightful performance by Marguerite Clark as Snow White.  Clark is one of many what you might call a silent film cipher.  A cipher because so little of her work survives that it is impossible to judge her career.  Seeing her as Snow White was enough to whet my appetite and make me long for another feature or two to be miraculously located in an archive.  She was quite naturalistic and even though there was what might be called the obligatory “bird kissing” scene, she was charm itself.  Like her purported rival, Mary Pickford, Clark showed plenty of spunk as Snow White.  She was neither maudlin nor ridiculous, for a stage performer, she was very subtle.  The film is a recreation of the stage play, in which Clark originally starred on Broadway.  Filmed in Georgia, I found the Spanish Moss charming.  The handsome prince was a youthful Creighton Hale and he played his part well.  He was quite pretty.  Dorothy G. Cumming was the evil Queen and the witch was delightfully portrayed by Alice Washburn.  While completely different from the animated Snow White we’ve all come to know and love, it’s easy to see why this inspired Walt Disney to use this tale as the basis for his first feature film.
Next up were a trio of Buster Keaton shorts: One Week, The Scarecrow (both 1920) and The Playhouse (1921).  All were produced by Joseph Schneck for Metro Studios.  The prints were Rohauer-era prints, and as with similar Keaton presentations past at the Festival, quite frankly, the prints could have been much better.  This is my only real complaint/caveat.  Better source material for Keaton films is out there and I wish we had the opportunity to see them screened that way.  This has been a problem in the past for Keaton films, in particular.  Buster deserves better!
One Week is a marvelous short in which the groom (Buster) and his new bride (Sybil Seely) are gifted a do-it-yourself house as a wedding present.  All they have to do is put the thing together.  A rejected suitor causes havoc by renumbering some of the crates and the house ends up not exactly as pictured.  Much mayhem ensues culminating in a house warming party that (literally) turns, wild.  As if that is not enough, it is revealed they’ve built the house on the wrong lot and have to move it across the train tracks.  I won’t spoil the end.  ;-)
The Scarecrow was also produced in 1920.  It features roomates Buster and Joe Roberts as farmhand rivals in love with the farmer’s daughter (Sybil Seely).  The first thing to love is the wonderfully creative setup they have in their little farmhouse they share.  Rube Goldberg on a budget and totally creative, lots of surprises!  Fast moving, I won’t spoil it if you ‘ve not seen it. It had been a long time since I had and it is now numbered as one of my early favorites.
Last up in the trio of Keaton shorts is The Playhouse.  I won’t give anything about this wonderful short away.  It’s probably #1 of my favorite Keaton shorts.  If you’ve not seen it, Netflix it or watch it online here.
The Thief of Bagdad is unquestionably my favorite of the big budget productions, the “swashbucklers” if you will of Douglas Fairbanks.  I’ve seen this film on the big screen several times, at least once previously at the Castro, and it is always a treat for me.  Lush and lavish hardly describes it.  It is a fantasy film, balletic in nature, epic, stately and not at all boring.  It is called by some to be slow moving, but I never find myself becoming bored nor do I find it slow.  It is a languid pleasure!
We were treated to a digital projection for this film, the newly restored film, released by Cohen Media on standard DVD and blu-ray.  The source material derives from several prints and the film is sparkling.  The color tints are consistent with those at the time of the original release.  My only caveat was that I thought it might have been a bit soft, might have been focus, or it might be the print.  I took a test drive of the blu-ray at home and it looked very nice on my 40” television, clearer than the big screen.  The score was performed by The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra with liberal quotations from Rimsky-Korsakov at add that dose of orientalism.
 
With this film, Fairbanks was at the height of his power as a producer and star.  He was also likely to have been at his peak in his personal life, he was 40 years old and was he ever buff!  Nary an ounce of fat on him and those semi-transparent harem pants made plenty of the audience members swoon with delight.  In his introduction to the film, author Jeffrey Vance indicated that Fairbanks drew upon Vaslav Nijinsky as inspiration for his portrayal of Ahmed the thief.  His costuming is quite similar to Leon Bakst’s designs for the Diaghilev ballet Sheherezade (of 1912).  Fairbanks moved throughout the scenes with grace and lightness, much like a dancer.  He was also quite the dashing and romantic thief.  In this film, Fairbanks might also have given Rudolph Valentino a run for his money as a screen lover.  Audible swoons from the audience as well as the silent swoons of Julane Johnstone!
Speaking of costumes and sets, it is all one big fantasy of an imaginary Bagdad!  Adapting what was standing of the castle from the 1922 Robin Hood, the massive sets were decked out and glistening, oversized jars of oils, oversized turbans and minarets.  So much silks and satin!  The film is a visual feast.
The massive set for Bagdad!
The special effects in the film compared to the CGI of today are primitive.  That said, they still give you the illusion of working and the audience, en masse, let out a whoop and cheer when the flying carpet took off.  Doug spent the equivalent of a multi-million dollar budget on the film adn the effects and they work to take you into the fantasy.   The audience reaction illustrates abundantly the cinematic magic of the film. 
I ended the day with Mary Pickford’s 1927 film My Best Girl which was new to me. Pickford has also long been a favorite of mine and I was expecting to be charmed and delighted by this film, and I was.  Pickford in an adult, rather than adolescent role, she still exuded the spunk and charm she’s known for.  Her portrayal of the stock girl in the department store was genuine and Pickford was canny in the choice of her leading man in Buddy Rogers.  They complimented one another very well.  It is said you can see them falling in love in this film.  I do not see it so much except perhaps Buddy was smitten, and who would not be? 
 
Pickford, never one to be stereotyped if she could avoid it, had a marvelous sequence near the end of the picture in which she (as Maggie) tries to convince Joe (Buddy) that she was playing him for a fool and was only after money.  Pickford was a far greater actress than some people give her credit for. Rarely over the top, she nailed this sequence beautifully.  That she was a crackerjack, read that to be ruthless businesswoman, she knew what her audiences wanted and in this film delivered in spades. 
I was tired and skipped out on Faust, which is another fabulous film.  I’d seen it before and felt dinner bells beckoning with visiting friends.  It was, all in all, a terrific day.  I never tire of spending the day, or during the summer festival several days, sitting in the dark enjoying silent films.  I’m so fortunate The San Francisco Silent Film Festival is in my back yard.  They do a great job bringing interesting films and terrific musicians to screen cinematic art as closely as it was seen 80-90 years ago.  I’m looking forward to Summer 2013 for the Hitchcock 9 screenings in June.  These are the existing nine silent films of Alfred Hitchcock restored by the British Film Institute (get your tickets here) and for the regular festival in July.

Kelly Brook Shows Curves in Tight Dress

Newly single, Kelly Brook showed off her famous body at Riverside Studios in London. She looked breathtaking in a bright printed dress with neon pumps and a Chanel handbag. Loving her fun orange lips and bold cat eyes..You rock babe..




 Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Katie Holmes Rocks Casual Look

American star, Katie Holmes flaunted her super sexy casual look while enjoying the Knicks vs Warriors game in NYC on 27 February 2013. 34-year-old looked great in a full sleeves shirt which she paired with blue ripped jeans. Neon pumps and black handbag were the perfect complement to her casual ensemble. We are obsessed with her messy hair..She is Flawless!!



 Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Maria Menounos Shows Hot Legs in Red Dress

Super hot Maria Menounos was looking fabulous at The Grove in LA on 25, February 2013. She looked red hot showing off her endless legs in a bright red dress with full sleeves, a plunging neckline, a white slim belt and a pleated skirt. She teamed it with nude pointed-toe pumps, gold earrings and smart shades. She styled the locks in half up hairstyle.



 Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Kate Beckinsale: Burberry Prorsum ‘Crush’ Bag

Hollywood superstar, Kate Beckinsale was spotted out and about in London, February 19, 2013. Yummy mummy, Kate opted for a turquoise long coat with a pair of black leather pants.

She sported Burberry black pumps and a Burberry Prorsum ‘Crush’ Bag. The look was finished out with her trademark voluminous ponytail and dark manicure.





 Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Shop Bella Thorne Wildfox Make Out Party Hooded Sweater

Hollywood girl, Bella Thorne was spotted out and about candids in Los Angeles on February 18, 2013. She was wearing a  Wildfox Make Out Party Hooded Sweater with skinny jeans.

Shop Bella Thorne Wildfox Make Out Party Hooded Sweater from Here.

Lipstick kisses offer a romantic touch to an open-knit hoodie from Wildfox. Dropped shoulder seams lend the cropped silhouette a slouchy drape, and delicate stitches finish the edges for an airy finish. Semi-sheer.






Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Nina Dobrev Ponytail Hairstyle: 2013 Independent Spirit Awards

Ponytail Trend is still on the rise! After Jennifer Lawrence, Nina Dobrev was seen wearing a worth-admiring pony look at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California on February 23, 2013.

Wearing her beautiful locks in an elegant but a little bit messy high tousled ponytail, Nina looked very cute. The long bangs on the both side made the look more gorgeous. 24-year-old actress wore a Michael Kors Spring 2013 dress with Jimmy Choo gold sandals.





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Stana Katic: Braid Hairstyle and Pink Jumpsuit

34-year-old beautiful Stana Katic showed off her pretty pink look at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California on February 23, 2013. She was wearing a bold pink silk jumpsuit with a plunging neckline, long sleeves and ruffle detail in the front from Donna Karan Resort 2013 Collection.

She also opted for a spotlight-worthy hair do. Her two toned hair was styled in a high teased fishtail braid that gave her look edginess and lots of style. Kohl-rimmed eyes and pink lips were the perfect complement to this complicated hairstyle.




 Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Jennifer Lawrence Ponytail 2013: Vanity Fair Pre-Oscars Party

22-year-old actress Jennifer Lawrence attended the Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood Pre-Oscars Celebration of ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ in Los Angeles on February 20, 2013. She looked lovely wearing her blonde locks in a messy ponytail with tons of volume on the top.

Her cat eyeliner was so oh-la-la and pink lip color looked super-delicious. She rocked a dress from Roland Mouret Spring 2013 Collection with Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap sandals.



Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Maria Sharapova In Amanda Wakele Gown At 2013 Vanity Fair Party

Russian star Maria Sharapova showed off some skin while attending the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood, California on February 24, 2013. She looked great in a a silk georgette halterneck dress with Cleopatra beading detail from Amanda Wakeley. She paired it with Manolo Blahnik sandals, Isharya earrings and Katherine Sultan cuffs. The look was completed with Alexander McQueen clutch.

You can buy this awesome gown in white color from Amanda Wakeley. Check the Look 04/10.




Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Miranda Kerr LAX Airport Fashion 2013

Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr was caught by paparazzi at LAX Airport on 2/25/13. The yummy mummy rocked a cool dressed down look and looked quite stylish. She flaunted her slender frame in a black top, blue jeans and white and black plaid coat.

She complemented her airport ensemble with black accessories including pumps and a handbag. Oversized sunglasses and straight hair finished the look. Also, don't miss out Lucy Hale airport look 2013.






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Brandi Glanville Cleavage Show At 2013 Oscars

Brandi Glanville graced the red carpet at the 2013 Oscar awards at Hollywood & Highland Center’s Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 24, 2013. "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star created buzz when she arrived in the attention-grabbing cleavage baring gown(designed by Brandi Glanville) styled with silver peep toes by Christian Louboutin. She finished out the look with diamond necklace, bold red lippie and side bun.




 Don't forget to check out more information on celebrity styles and latest fashion trends on Krazyfashionrocks.blogspot.com