Midnight in Paris

I finally got around to watching Midnight in Paris. Why I didn't do it sooner, I don't know. It was fantastic-- but this could be my personal bias towards: Owen Wilson, Paris, the concept of living in an earlier time period and well known authors/artists.

So let's start with the first, Owen Wilson. Why do I have a personal bias towards him-- simple. Bottle Rocket. The 1996 Wes Anderson film starring Owen as Dignon. Dignon's character is perfect. Wilson's brother Luke is also in this film, and as a result I also have a strong bias towards him as well. But my love of the Wilson brothers has continued for many years-- largely in part to my corresponding love of Wes Anderson. (meanwhile, if you have somehow been living completely unconnected with reality for several years and have missed ANY of the Wes Anderson films-- please remedy that very serious problem immediately). As my love for Owen's characters has grown, it is no real surprise that Midnight in Paris is high on the list of likes.

Secondly, let's review this situation with Paris. I went there once-- a long time ago. There are two places in the world that I have visited thus far in which I was left with such a distinct, lasting impression that I will forever hold these places in my heart. One was Paris, the other Chicago-- where I now live. There is something about both of these cities that captured my heart immediately. The architecture, the history and the abundance of art, and the artistic, intellectual lifestyle wooed me from the moment I set foot in either city. Paris- the home of the Louvre- arguably the most famous and most impressive collection of art in the world. How could I not love Paris-- historically the epicenter of literature, art and political intellectual free-thinkers for decades. Each time I think of Paris I see myself in an earlier time, short hair, black turtleneck (yes, I realize that could be today) with a cigarette in one hand (it's the 40's-50's smoking isn't dangerous yet), at a coffee shop debating the finer points of some underground group or novel. Of course I don't live in these times, but rather consider them a moment in which life held a certain validity that we just don't have (especially in America) any longer-- but that brings me to the point of Midnight in Paris.

Throughout the film, Wilson's character is struck by the concept of living in Paris in the 1920's, the romantic view that life in another, past time period is somehow better. He is transported through time to the 1920's and beyond, finally living in a time he identifies with. Of course the moral of the story is that every intellectual artist of any time feels this way and as such we must all realize that each time in which we live is precious, it's just difficult to recognize it, especially when as artists we are all caught up in the past, reading and studying the past writers, and artists.

Thus, the final bias. Well known authors and artists. Look, you throw F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Picasso in a film-- I'm probably going to like it, if for nothing other than the mention of their names. But also manage to throw in their personalities and quotes AND add Dali, T.S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, Josephine Baker and Matisse-- and you've got my attention.

Overall, it's a great one. Loved it. And, check out what others have to say:

NY Times-- a historical view

 The Atlantic-- a cultural cheat sheet

Let's face it, this film had everything I would fall for going for it. Plus, the added bonus of figuring out that even though I am a literature masters candidate at the prestigious Northwestern University, I am not overly pedantic. --Whew!

Vavoom Pinups-- a heartbreaking story-- with a happy ending

UPDATE:

After the below was unleashed in various public forums, Heather, the owner and photographer of Vavoom took a personal interest in the concerns I was voicing and stepped in to take care of it immediately. I got my initially promised image (above) plus an additional image of my choice for the situation. She also extended a gift card for future purchases. I am soooo glad and relieved that this was taken care of-- I really hated having to be negative about an experience I truly enjoyed more than words can describe.

Yes, it is expensive, but I have to say that the day of the shoot -- you find out why it's worth every penny. I  wanted to have a pin up shoot for my bachelorette outing with my girls for the following reasons: 1. I LOVE vintage stuff, especially pin up artwork 2. If I thought I could pull it off and not get fired from my corporate job, I would dress that way everyday 3. Hello! It's awesome. Duh.  And, Heather and her staff do not disappoint during the shoot. Every single one of us felt amazing during and after the shoot. I left that day on cloud nine and I left the make up on for our wedding rehearsal dinner-- it was a hit. I didn't want to take it off!

Yes, it is true that we had some communication problems following the shoot. Apparently there have been some staffing changes at Vavoom which had accounted for the lack of organization and customer service situation. As a Client Services professional-- I was severely disappointed, but after my complaints were listened to and taken seriously, I felt a lot better. Plus they got me everything they promised in record time.  I do truly love them, and they are a great company-- whose aim is to empower women -- and they do it. If I could work there,  I would.

I am so glad that this was resolved, as it truly hurt me that I was disappointed in such a great experience as  a result of poor organization.  I might even sign up for another shoot-- trust me ladies, it was unbelievable, and I trust they have worked out the kinks.

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Originally, I was looking forward to receiving my pictures, and posting them here, singing the praises of the wonderfully fun, exciting and fantastic experience, but instead, months of poor customer service and apparent lying have changed my tune.  I wanted my own picture to post here, use as my profile picture etc. I could purchase them, but I can't now on principle. Vavoom, I loved you, the idea of  you, but now, I'm just bitter and disappointed.



For my bridal shower in July 2011, my lovely bridesmaids gave me the gift of a day long makeover and pin up photo shoot from Vavoom Pinups. (www.vavoompinups.com) I was thrilled with the days activities, from the wardrobe choices, the make up and hair makeover and the pose coaching. The owner and photographer, Heather, was great, and offered my girls and I a special gift, an additional complimentary image that may be used on the website, but she wanted to give us a comp image as my wedding gift. Our images would be linked and sent to us for approval and we could order etc.

The day of the shoot was great, the following weeks and months however, have been severely disappointing.  Firstly, for the cost, (which is extremely expensive for some pictures you still have to purchase) the customer service after the shoot is terrible. It takes weeks and sometimes months for Heather and her staff to respond to any requests, such as re-posting the link to purchase pictures. As a Client Services professional, I am appalled by the lack of organization, attention to detail and response time of Heather and her staff. Considering that they stand to profit significantly for the purchase of pictures, you would expect them to respond more quickly, and be more helpful. Additionally, and perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this experience is the "wedding gift" Heather promised of the additional comp image-- which I was really excited to post all over the place, singing their good praises-- she went back on her word with a impersonal, "thanks but no thanks" email to all of us in which she explained that she no longer wanted to use our images on her website thus we no longer get a digital comp image.

I do not recommend Vavoom. It's too expensive, the customer service is terrible, and they lie.

Hearts for the Holidays

As the Holiday season approaches (rapidly), all of us are of course feeling the season's giving  spirit, and the heartwarming feeling towards our families and strangers alike. This early December, usually filled with Christmas shopping and planning trips home to spend time with family, has been a bit rougher than usual. I have spent the better half of the last week with my family due to the recent heart attack my father suffered last weekend. He is doing better and is home, undergoing therapy and taking medication. Hopefully, with luck and time he will make a full recovery. I have a full heart this year as we approach the holidays, as I have realized, due to this event, that my parents are no longer the young 30-somethings they were when I was a child. My heart is with them both, and every member of our families this year. May each of us live to our fullest, never take life for granted and be glad each day that we have each other, and we love each other.

This past week has been trying, my final papers for the quarter I am sure have suffered greatly. But, Dad has made a lot of progress. In two weeks when we see him again for Christmas, it is sure to be a much more pleasant and wonderful visit.  Besides, who can resist 3 great danes? (Our two plus my mom's). Should be a good time.