*This post contains spoilers about the book and the 1974, 2000 and 2013 versions of The Great Gatsby!*

To say I was excited for the release of Baz Lurhmann's The Great Gatsby is a bit of an understatement. Since I was originally preparing for a holiday release, my boyfriend bought me a beautiful copy of The Great Gatsby for Christmas. I started to envision characters in my head (but always Leonardo in the role of Gatsby!) and started to get really, really excited. I even re-visited watching Boardwalk Empire, a show I had given up on after 6 episodes a year or so earlier, to fully get into the mood of the 1920s. I then watched the Robert Redford and Mia Farrow 1974 version. I felt like I had fully studied up on The Great Gatsby and was ready to see the "ultimate" version (I ended up watching the made for TV A&E version afterwards, but more on that later.)

And well... blergh. It felt all wrong. Gaudy. Atrocious. Of course, considering Baz Lurhmann directed it, I should have known that was coming. The really unfortunate thing about Baz Lurhmann movies is I love the subject material, the soundtrack, and the costumes but unfortunately, not all together. I'm a huge stickler for historical accuracy and Moulin Rouge, Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby misses the target for that. I get where Baz Lurhmann was going with the hip hop and modern music because he was trying to show just how taboo and outlandish jazz music was at the time. If he were to just play straight up jazz music, audiences would be like, "Ha, listen to this LAME jazz music!" I watched the special features for The Great Gatsby and I couldn't wrap my mind around how much "historical" research went into the project. You wouldn't know! Jordan Baker was golfing IN PANTS. In 1922. Some articles I found said they knew it wasn't accurate, but that they wanted to show that Jordan was a modern, advance thinking, independent girl. But couldn't this be shown through her actions? Through her speech? I know they want to contemporize the wardrobe but to me, that just dates it very quickly. While watching the 1974 version, which had a very, very minor 1970s luster to it, it seems dated. If you keep things historically accurate, they never seem dated. It will always seem set in the 1920s, not the 2010s version of the 1920s. Think Dirty Dancing. I love that movie, but a lot of people I know think it's set in the 1980s. Not the 1950s. Having the frizzed out hair was probably a bad way to "update" that film. Plus, there is no reason to contemporize fashion in films these days - so many people I know take fashion ideas straight from the looks of Downton Abbey and Mad Men! I bought 2 hard back Downton Abbey books without ever seeing the show. Just to take fashion inspiration from them.

I will let up on Baz for a second and rant about another version of Gatsby (but about basically the same premise.) Mira Sorvino had a wavy, sometimes straight hair style (basically a circa 2000 look, the year the movie was released) the entire duration of the film. NO NO NO. It needs to be in an updo!

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But despite that fashion faux pas, this version was pretty good. Tom and Myrtle were less like caricatures and more like real people, Paul Rudd was excellent as Nick. He seemed more like a guy who was curious about Gatsby, who couldn't figure him out, not like Tobey Maguire's obsessive, "got nothing going on in my own life so I'll follow Gatsby around like a puppy dog, then go crazy and write a book about him" version of Nick. Speaking of which (not to jump back to Baz's version again, oops!) but why did they have to make Nick in a sanitorium? That just makes him lose all credibility. Maybe Gatsby didn't actually have big parties or wasn't anything special. Maybe Nick was just a crazy stalker who idolizes ordinary folk.

But back to the TV movie. I liked Jordan, again because she seemed like a likeable character, except she didn't seem out of reach enough. The other 2 versions of Jordan were beautiful ladies, with voices that purred out in unhesitant rhythm. TV Jordan just seemed too down to earth, too friendly. I liked that she seemed a little more multi-dimensional, more like a real person but she didn't have enough pizzazz.

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As for likeability and unlikeability, I didn't think there was any reason for Robert Redford's Gatsby to find Mia Farrow's Daisy appealing. She just seemed outright snobbish. Likewise, I couldn't see the appeal of the TV Gatsby. If he were just a poor nobody, I'm not sure why Daisy would fall for him. He was not all that charming. It's pretty bad if I'm watching that movie and I'm rooting for Tom!

As for the other portrayals of Gatsby, both Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio do an awesome job in my book. I love the sense of vulnerability both were able to show around their respective Daisys.

For overall authentic portrayal of the book, hands down winner is the 1974 version. It played out almost identically like how F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote it, pulling dialogue from the book and everything. I was so disappointed with Lurhmann's version, how he revealed who Gatsby was halfway during the movie (isn't the entire point that we can't figure the guy out?) and that he skipped having Gatsby's father at his funeral. During the special features, he said that they filmed the scene  but that they cut it out because the scene was just telling the audience what they already knew (that his name was actually James Gatz and such.) Right Baz - because you weren't supposed to tell them yet! Oy! As for giving away too much too soon, the TV movie shows *spoiler* somebody getting shot in a pool in the opening credits. Even the lead up in the climax in Lurhmann's movie gave away too much too soon. It should have unraveled naturally. You should see things spiral out of control one step at a time. Tom tells George. George is distraught. Oh no, George is going to Gatsby's house. What is he going to do? Is he going to confront him? Showing that he has a weapon right away and stressing that "Gatsby's gonna get it" or however they put it leaves nothing to the imagination.

Phew. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I feel better. I think I got everything out of my system. This was supposed to be a legitimate movie review and it turned into a Baz bash fest. But it was cathartic! This must be how internet trolls feel.

In other news, I'm on a huge 1920s kick so I'm gonna' be writing flapper related posts all week! Check back for more fun soon!

Holiday Giveaway via Sincerely, Cam!

I love a good contest. The other day, I actually googled "Modcloth giveaway" and then just "giveaway" to see what contests I could enter (sadly it seems, I had just missed the deadline on most of them, drats!) While doing some blog hopping, I saw that Cam over at Sincerely, Cam was hosting a giveaway... and I actually LOVE all the prizes! (Well I can't say for sure that I love The Perks of Being a Wallflower but I hear great things about it.)

The prize pack includes The Perks of Being a Wallflower on DVD, a 3 pack of Rifle Paper Co notebooks, a stationery set, Burt's Bees lip balm and hand salve set, OPI red nail polish and a giant peppermint lollipop.

Sound good? Head over to Sincerely, Cam to enter now! I know I am!

Movie of the Week - Marley and Me

A few months ago, when my sister was making the switch-over from paper books to an e-reader, she let me take a look at her library to see if I wanted any books before she donated them. Most of the items I felt apathetic about (except the "how-to" books, I'm ALL ABOUT THOSE.) A few books I took because I figured I would at least read them before donating them myself. One book that fit this criteria for me was Marley and Me. However, the book exceeded my expectations and so did the movie. It will legit make you bawl. I think the book is even sadder, however it's not a tragedy exactly. Ninety percent of the book/movie is straight comedy, detailing instances of a dog so bad, you'd think it was made up. The "make you cry" segments, sadly are just a part of life, dealing with aging pets and *spoiler* the eventual loss of them.

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I thought Jennifer Aniston was perfect casting for Jenny (and not because they share the same name!) Just looking at the pictures of Jenny Grogan in the insert of the book, it was a really good pick. I was kind of enh when I first heard it was Owen Wilson. (Well "re-heard." Reminded myself I guess. I vaguely remembered he was in the movie from all the tabloid gossip I read circa 2007 but had forgotten.) Turns out he did an alright job in the end. The Marleys did a good job (apparently there were 22!) although I thought a lot of them looked too different to be the same dog. 

I'm a dork and while reading the book, I kept dreaming of the show, Dexter. It's also set in Florida and when the Grogans originally lived in their shoddy neighbourhood, it's shown in a horrible light. I'm pretty sure there were multiple murders and robberies on their street. They did make mention in the movie of the huge event of their neighbour girl being stabbed and John going to her aid, but I liked imagining it all gritty and Dexter style. When they moved to Boca, I would picture my grandparent's house in Florida because they live in a gated community and although it's no Boca Raton, to me it's a pleasant idea of Florida.

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I also took this gem out from the library but ended up not watching it. I think I made the right call.

Once upon a time, I had my own "Marley" - a clearance puppy (although she was nearly full grown by the time we got her) that we not only threatened to give away to a farm, but actually did.

Scanner technology was crappy 15 years ago

Her name was Emily and we had purchased her from the Classifieds in the newspaper. She wasn't scared of thunderstorms so much as being left alone. She chewed through all of my dad's new woodwork that he had just put up, my sister's toe shoes and all sort of other things. We had her less than 2 months and didn't have the patience for the expenses she racked up. It takes a special kind of person to be able to do that I think, but my dad is the type who jokes about me not being able to come over anymore because I'm such a slob. Watching Marley and Me reminded me of Emily so much. I think if we had kept her, our lives would have been just like that. The scenes that reminded me most of Emily were when Jennifer Aniston was walking Marley. Yep! Been there.

The dog we got right after Emily is my current dog, Skippy. He's mostly well-behaved (although a little cranky in his old age) but he's what my boyfriend calls "high maintenance." He's definitely a prissy little thing, has a preference for pillows, needs to be carried up and down the stairs (but that's only because he's blind) and always has to wear his kerchief.

He's also definitely a solo type dog. He didn't really like my hamster and he doesn't like my niece and nephew or my sister's dog, Freddie. I think it's partially because of his disabilities though and he can't see or hear them come up behind him and it scares the crap out of him.

The reason that I bring up Skippy though is because reading Marley and Me and watching the movie, it reminds me that Skippy is not going to last forever and it makes me so sad. He's 14, deaf and blind and limping a lot. His deterioration is a lot like Marley's in the book and seeing it so plainly in print made me sad, even when Marley still had years of living yet to do. Because you always know what's at the end. I guess I'm a bit in denial because I haven't had to deal with death very much, and I find myself making really immature wishes (like wishing Skippy could be a vampire or something equally impossible) but I guess I'll cope with it when it comes. 

Wow, downer post! But to sum things up, Marley and Me - thumbs up. Having pets - thumbs up. Them having a shorter lifespan than humans- thumbs down.

I guess that's all for me! What did you all think of Marley and Me? Have you ever had Marley type pets? Talk soon!

Movie of the Week - Addams Family Values

When thinking up movies for Movie Monday, I've been trying to think of movies where I can re-create some sort of outfit from my closet that is inspired by a character in the movie. I feel like my Sound of Music outfit set some sort of precedent and I have to keep doing that. I doubt I'll be able to, but it's going to be fun to try! But with Hallowe'en coming up and having a dress in my closet that I got a few years back from a consignment store in Toronto, I was all set. Unfortunatetly, I've gained 17 pounds since I bought it, and it was actually too small to begin with (remember I have a bad habit of buying things that aren't my size?) There is an un-Godly amount of shapewear and fashion tape going on in this outfit. I took a pic of my underthings (not NFSW) because I look like a circus performer. Oh, the things girls go through!

Outfit Details

Dress - Zara bought second hand

Shoes - vintage Ferragamos

Tights - Ardenes

Make-up - all Besame

Purse (in background) - Ardenes

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It would have been better if I had braids, but alas, I can't afford wigs that aren't for my Hallowe'en costume.

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As for the movie, the premise is pretty simple. The Addams welcome a new addition to the family, a baby named Pubert. Wednesday and Pugsley feel some sibling rivalry towards their new brother and go to great lengths to harm him (my favourite is shown in the clip below!)

Their parents, Gomez and Morticia, feeling the strain, decide to get a nanny and bring in a woman named Debbie. Awkward Uncle Fester is immediately smitten with her, but unbeknownst to him, she is actually the The Black Widow, a serial killer that marries and kills rich men. Savvy Wednesday is onto her scheme so Debbie urges Gomez and Morticia to send the kids to summer camp. 

I actually watched this movie a lot as a kid, but I didn't remember the majority of it. However the scene that stood out to me most was the Thanksgiving scene with the fire. Mostly, because I was super afraid of fire. There are a lot of morbid scenes and lines in this movie but this was definitely the most terrifying to me.

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It was really fun to re-watch this movie as an adult. So many one-liners I didn't understand as a child. Like this gem below

And another one about Fester never experiencing love and then Gomez saying something about him having Thing? Hahah, oh gosh, that's something you only catch when you're older! Wednesday is definitely the darkest character but Gomez is a hoot. I think I have to declare that he's my favourite.

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If you too would like a Wednesday Addams' look, try this dress from ASOS. It says it's a maternity dress, but whatevs! It's so cute and has the perfect look.

Well, that's all for me! What movies have you been watching this week in preparation for Hallowe'en? Have you been taking any fashion cues from them?

Premiere of Movie Monday!

Woot! Writing my first entry of Movie Monday! Only took 2 months after my blog launched to do it. Like I was saying the other day, watching movies is... well, a bit of a chore for me. It's really strange. I practically have to be forced to sit down and watch them (mostly because it's impossible to get me off the computer) but even while watching the movie, my mind wanders or I focus on really stupid things in the movie that serve no part of the plot (I'm really good at finding editing errors and plot holes. However, if someone asks me afterwards what the movie was about, I couldn't tell them. It's almost like I can tell when the movie doesn't add up while I'm watching it, but I can't see the big picture once it's done.) It's really frustrating because I often don't understand twist endings or when things are supposed to be a metaphor for other things, even when it's glaringly obvious. I actually did pretty well in an English Media class in high school and I'm not sure how because I've always had movie attention problems. I much prefer reading because there's less stimulation (aka distractions like costumes and music) so I can actually focus on what's going on. The funny thing is when I do sit down to a movie and I actually like it, I watch it excessively. I only like a handful of movies, but those dozen movies have all been watched 50 times a piece.

So I figured an easy introduction to Movie Monday would be to talk about a movie I know well. Less pressure that way! The one I chose to focus on this week (this year? Ha) is Sound of Music. Growing up, the amount of play this VHS got was only rivaled by Dirty Dancing and Big Bird in China. Dirty Dancing still gets a lot of action. Big Bird in China does not. I actually just found out Big Bird in China was a TV movie my mom taped and we added to our regular viewing rotation. No wonder none of my friends have heard of it! 

But back to the movie at hand! I always wanted to be Liesl growing up. Her 16 going on 17 song and dance number is the stuff little girls' dreams are made of!

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Another highlight of the film for me is the puppet show. I tried to look for a YouTube video of it and was only able to find a version where someone had videotaped their tv and another that was film stills with subtitles *sad face.* But there is a bright side to the story! I stumbled upon a really cute version of Julie Andrews singing the song with the Muppets. It more than makes up for not being able to find the film version.

Another thing I really love about Sound of Music is the clothes. To be honest, many of the movies I love have awesome fashion. The only ones that aren't fashion centric seem to be Christopher Nolan movies (I really like those!) but the rest seem to have a fashion element to them. Some would argue that Sound of Music has bad fashion, but I just bought a dirndl recently, so I would beg to differ.

My favourite dress would probably be Liesl's purple one pictured above but another dress (more like dresses) that I really liked were the ones Maria made out of curtains. A few years ago, I went to a local fashion show and I found a dress that reminded me of them. Now that I have the pics side by side, they actually don't look similar at all, but at first glance, you're totally like, "OMIGOD! Sound of Music dress!" I had actually worn this dress to Easter a few years ago and my sister had said the exact same thing.

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I'm so sorry in advance. Pic Monkey is really fun.

I've had the top underneath forever. I don't know what it is. I can't let it go. It's a baby-doll top and legit makes me look pregnant. It's pilled like crazy and has butter stains on it from eating popcorn at the movie theater. It's survived so many closet clean outs and I have no idea why. But maybe it's a good thing because I had nothing else that would have worked under this dress! Of course the dress is cute worn alone too but the whole point was for it to look like a dirndl.

Outfit Details

Dress - Dilly Daisy

Shirt - Le Chateau

Necklace - vintage Avon

Shoes - Value Village

Socks - Modcloth

I should probably lay off Pic Monkey a bit but it's fun. Maybe I could just be the blog known for seriously obnoxious photo edits? Is there a niche for that? That's all for me! I promise to queue up some movies in my Netflix! Talk soon!

If you'd like to see all my best looks from the season, check out my wardrobe wrap up post!