Bathing Beauties

Yeah...we're gonna need some waterproof window treatments. (Clever exhibitionist bathtub from The Water Monopoly).

And on a completely unrelated note, here is the pool scene from Wes Anderson's Rushmore. Happy First Day of Summer!

Smash His Camera

Pioneer paparazzo, Ron Galella getting his picture taken by a Jackie O. impersonator.

We all love those iconic black and white photographs of Jackie O. running around New York City in the early 1970's. "Smash His Camera" is the sad/funny/thrilling story behind many of those images taken by the infamous Ron Galella. Whether you love or loathe the paparazzi, this documentary is a really interesting look at the price of fame, the first amendment and what constitutes "art". On HBO now, trailer below.

Trailer

Mod South

Architectural photographer, Julius Shulman doing his thing. California, 1960.

And one of the resulting images, Case Study House #22

When I wrote about the Julius Shulman documentary back in September of 2009, I had no idea it would take so long for it to come to Atlanta. But come it will in June to the High Museum. (As much as I love Atlanta, I hate waiting for movies to wind their way around to us). The good news is, not only is the screening free, but it will be a part of Modern Atlanta 2010.

While MA is only in its fourth year, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite design events in town, the highlight of which is the Modern Atlanta Home Tour. You may remember this home from last year's tour, photographed here for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

Yes, this is the same house. Business up front, party in the back.

The interiors use the same logic, morphing from traditional turn-of-the-century roots into something unmistakably modern. I could not get over the guest bedroom, suspended in glass above the kitchen. While Atlanta is not really known so much for modernism, we do have a few surprises to share.

For more on the house and designers, visit Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and the BLDGS website.

Modern Atlanta events run from June 1st to June 6th. Hope to see you there!

Miles and Miles

Please don't get me this for Christmas. I'm being serious. I know I am a big Miles Davis fan, but I really don't think I can make it through SEVENTY CDs!! (Although, it's fun to look at the mini-LP replica jackets).

Miles Davis: The Complete Columbia Album Collection available November 24, 2009.

Drama Is Dead

"Dramas are dead," says producer Lynda Obst. "Some of the greatest parts for women -- the Academy Award parts for women -- are often in dramas, and this is the worst time for dramas since I've been in the business for the last 10,000 years."

It's all in this article from the Washington Post. Whatever happened to just making a decent film that has at least one strong female character? Do that, and women (and men) will buy tickets. The worst part of this news is that it is usually the dramas that provide us with the most design inspiration. Now if you will excuse me, I am off to see Amelia.

Reading & Wallpaper

"We wallpapered the stairs and hallways--it looked like an orange grove. Leafy light and dark green branches with Ping-Pong ball-sized oranges nestled here and there. The floors and stairs were painted a cream color, but we left the original walnut banister untouched. I loved that hallway. I used to just go up there and sit in it and be proud of myself."

- Isabel Gillies in her memoir, Happens Every Day.

Have you read this book? While it's not really about interior decorating, it has its moments. It's actually about making a home away from home, the never pleasant end of a marriage, and is all based on the author's true story.

Actress turned author Isabel Gillies, photographed above for Vogue in February 2009. (Is that Brunschwig & Fils "Les Touches" I spy?)

The book came to my attention, not from the Vogue article, which I missed, but from reading an interview with Whit Stillman, writer and director of one of my favorite films, Metropolitan. He mentioned that one of the actors in the movie (Gillies) had written a "very good book" about her family's move from New York City to a small town (with arguably disastrous consequences).

"We had ended up in Oberlin — in a big 1877, redbrick house we never could have afforded on the East Coast. It was our second year in Ohio. Before we bought the house on Elm Street we had lived for a year in a rented faculty house, but when we saw "Bricky," as we called it, we could not help but buy it and renovate it into our dream house. We spent all our money and took out a home-equity loan for William Morris wallpaper and a new water heater. I wish I had a picture because I'll never be able to write how great it was."

Though she never says for sure, I believe the William Morris wallpaper pattern to which Gillies refers, could be "Arbutus", designed by Kathleen Kersey in 1913. I wish I could find and example of it being used in a chic way, but all the photos I come across are from rather unfortunate bed & breakfasts.

Anyway, that concludes one of my infrequent suggestions for a good read. Those in NYC can catch author Isabel Gillies in person at the New York Society Library on October 15, 2009.

Visual Acoustics

Yes, it's another movie post--this time about architectural photographer, Julius Shulman. What can I say? I am thrilled that Hollywood is producing more design films and less comic book adaptations this fall. Trailer below. Official website here.

An Education

"Asking questions showed that you were naive and bourgeois; not asking questions showed that you were sophisticated and French. I badly wanted to be sophisticated." - Lynn Barber on her memoir turned movie, An Education.

Trailer here.

A Thing of Beauty

Images above are from Jane Campion's production scrapbook for the upcoming film, Bright Star.

So excited--I am long overdue for a 19th century "corset movie". Trailer here.

It's Complicated

With Nancy Meyers directing, Beth Rubino as set decorator and Jon Hutman in charge of production design, the dream team that created the look we loved in Something's Gotta Give is back. (And even if the decor fails to live up to our expectations, we can still admire the scenery that is Alec Baldwin--I have a thing for him).



For movie stills visit Silver Screen Surroundings. For more on the original set that made us forget about the movie we were watching, be sure to visit this post at Cote De Texas.

The Art Behind Up

If you have not seen Pixar's "Up" yet, all I can say is that you are in for an artistic treat.

Lou Romano, one of the films production designers from 2005 to 2008, has dedicated a fascinating and lengthy post about Up's artistic direction on his blog. It is incredible to see the amount of work that goes into this type of animated feature.

Without giving too much away, the illustrations above were done after a research trip the Pixar team took to South America. The point of the drawings was to convey the feeling and style of the proposed film. To me, it has a mid-century, Miroslav Sasek vibe. It's almost a shame that these are just for experimental, pre-production purposes since they are so beautiful. However, the second illustration did secure a spot in the finished movie as the mural Ellie paints above the mantel.

Hope you enjoy the film as much as I did. (Take a Kleenex).

Three Mediums

More goat painting sightings--I think I am on to something.
Photographs by Erica George Dines for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

Kidding aside, more paintings by "goat lady" Helen Durant have popped up in print--most recently in the the very cool home of son-in-law and fellow Atlanta artist, Andrew T. Crawford and family. (More photos of their home can be seen Here).

You may recognize Crawford as the creative force behind several of Atlanta's sculptural landmarks, such as the Federal Reserve Bank seen here, as well as several of the gates at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

He also creates one-of-a-kind railings, furniture and fixtures. This rocker totally reminds me of something out of the creepy, but brilliantly artful Coraline film.

I don't think it is out on DVD yet, but I highly recommend a viewing for anyone in need of creative inspiration. (The stop-motion animation is simply badass). Just don't watch it at night by yourself.

Modern Atlanta

Ansley Park Glass House, Atlanta

I know I have been all about cupcakes and magnolias lately, but in order to preserve what is left of my edge, I am also participating in MA09, a week-long celebration of modern design in Atlanta.

Out of the numerous events, of particular interest to me is the Modern Atlanta House Tour, happening this Saturday and Sunday. The tour will feature 13 contemporary residences in our city, including the Ansley Glass House pictured above.



I was also able to attend a screening of Objectified, an enlightening documentary about the humanity behind industrial design. This is the second film in a design trilogy by director Gary Hustwit of font flick Helvetica fame, which is now available for download on itunes or in DVD format.

Hope you are looking forward to your weekend as much as I am.

UPDATE: I just received my June issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and was thrilled to find a full spread of the Ansley Glass House and interiors--absolutely gorgeous.

Grey Gardens

A restored Grey Gardens Cottage in East Hampton, New York, photographed in 2005. The Beale family owned the famously dilapidated home from 1923 to 1979.

If ever a home could be considered a character in a story, Grey Gardens would qualify. Just in case you have not yet experienced the original 1975 documentary about the home and its lovably crazy inhabitants, there is still a little time left before the motion picture premiers this April.



It took me a second of watching this trailer to realize that this was the new version because Drew Barrymore's accent is so good. And while the original may be more inspirational for its message, the latter promises something stylish in its memory.

(Top Photograph from the East Hampton Historical Society)

And The Award Goes To...

any year but this year.

NPR has a funny article on why Sunday's Oscars are going to (for lack of a better word) suck.

By the way, am I the only person in the free world who didn't love Slumdog Millionaire?

Ah, the good old days...Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando at the 1954 Academy Awards.

Happy Valentine's Day

A big, breathless hug to you all from Atlanta, GA!

To celebrate, I am marking my calendar for Atlanta's 70th Anniversary of Gone With the Wind. The April 19th event, which coincides with the Atlanta Film Festival, will include discussion panels, multiple receptions and concludes with a screening of GWTW at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater.



The premier of Gone With the Wind in 1939 at the Loew's Grand was considered to be one of the most exciting events in Atlanta's history. In case you are wondering why the anniversary celebration is not being held at the original theater, please refer to the link in my sidebar regarding historic preservation.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tickets (at $10-$15) will be available via Ticketmaster beginning February 16, 2009. For more information, visit the Margaret Mitchel House website.

Bond on the Run

This Friday, James Bond is back with his passport full of exotic stamps. I am usually not an action movie goer, but 007 films with their beautifully shot destinations are the exception. Quantum of Solace lists seven different countries in the film location credits and will take place mainly in Europe and South America.

In the meantime, I will soothe my vicarious vacation lust with Concierge.com's list of James Bond's Greatest Travel Moments. Never mind that they forgot to include one of my favorites...

Daniel Craig as James Bond in the Bahamas for Casino Royale.