Moonrise Kingdom

I was excited to see Wes Anderson's latest movie, Moonrise Kingdom. The Royal Tenenbaums is one of my favorite movies.  But I think what I love overall about his movies is the art direction of them.  I love this color palette pic someone assembled:

I enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom but I have to say the art direction trumped the story. It was a story of two young pre-teens who "run away" together on a New England island on a stormy night. I did enjoy the performances (especially Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton), but I really enjoyed the look and feel of the film. From the fabricated books and phonograph young Suzy carried around, to the scout camp setup, to Suzy's home, to the fantastic cast of the Noah's Ark play at the church, to the each character's style and makeup, the look was magical and mesmerizing to me.

I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates unique art direction. Frankly I want to see it again so I can enjoy the it again--so imaginative and inspiring!

Les Miserables trailer!

Does anybody else get teary when watching the trailer for Les Miserables?



First, this song by Fantine ("I Dreamed a Dream") alone just gets me teared up. If you're familiar with the musical, this song nails the cruel and harsh realization of dreams and hopes dashed.  Abandoned by a lover while pregnant, then forced to put her daughter in the care of greedy tavern owners (who abuse and use the girl as labor), Fantine's life spirals downward as she is fired from her factory job (exposed for having an illegitimate daughter), sells her hair, forced into prostitution to keep supporting her daughter's upkeep, and eventually dies without seeing her daughter ever again.  It's a very sad and cruel tragedy that plays out in various ways through history but man, this song just captures the essence of how innocent and pure trust turns to hopelessness when so cruelly abused in greedy, selfish, and merciless hands.  I cry EVERY time.

Second, how much is Hugh Jackman going to KILL it as Valjean?  I love him in this role.  I can't think of better casting. 

And finally, when I think about the musical and all that it inspires--kindness, mercy, and justice--I can barely wait to see this film adaptation.  With the ability to use sets and scenes beyond a stage (which was wonderfully staged on Broadway), I can just see the imagery being more powerful.  Can't wait until this movie comes out.