My Letter to the Editor.

Today unintentionally became Madonna day at the blog and I apologize if it seems like a bit "too much" (fanboy to death!) but on my way home, I was reading The New Yorker and ran into Anthony Lane's review for W.E.
To say I almost puked is an understatement, Mr. Lane's review was not only irresponsible, it also proved that men who have a problem with women in power take it out on them in any way they can.

I arrived home completely incensed and wrote the following letter to the editor:

"I was appalled to read Anthony Lane's chauvinistic review for Madonna's W.E. in which he makes it clear that he let his hormones and narrow mindedness get the best of him. Not only is the review itself an attack of its director as opposed to a smart deconstruction of the movie, but when Lane writes "what on Earth is the point of a Madonna product, in any medium, if it contains not a single orgy?", he makes it quite clear that not only is he unfamiliar with Madonna's work - he really should listen to her protest album "American Life" or the way she removes sex out of the equation in "Erotica" - Mr. Lane also makes it quite clear that he dislikes Madonna because he couldn't contain the sheer power of her artistic persona in his masturbatory fantasies."

Can you believe anyone would say that about an artist? Would Mr Lane suggest that Picasso's works were only limited to painting whores or that Truffaut only made movies about children? By reducing an artist to a stereotype of one of their many aspects isn's only disrespectful, it's utterly lazy as well. However Mr. Lane would probably never make such a comment if he were talking about David Lynch, Martin Scorsese or Terrence Malick, who despite being masters of the form, often revisit the same themes over and over. This reductive review truly made me sick, although what can you expect of someone who thought the best part in Albert Nobbs were Janet McTeer's "regal" breasts?

Am I right in being so offended by this sexist approach to Madonna's work? This comes in the light of a superb article posted in The Guardian which states that Madge's work is usually criticized because she plays in the boys' league and they hate it.

Queen of the Style.

Who are we kidding? Madonna's half time show during last night's Super Bowl might be the greatest cinematic spectacle we'll see for at least the first half of 2012. Right? From her inspiring choreography, to her endless list of cinematic and cultural references, the Queen made sure to put on a show nobody would be able to top for years!

Appearing on stage, carried by dozens of semi-naked slave boys (or "boy toys" as she's affectionately called them in the past) Madonna immediately evoked visions of the young Liz Taylor atop a gargantuan carriage in the infamous Cleopatra.

In doing so, the Queen wasn't only paying tribute to one of the most spectacular moments in all of Cinemascope history, she was also saying something about the way in which Taylor, miles ahead of almost any other actress of the Golden Era, was such an empowering feminist figure. A recent article in W Magazine alludes to how Taylor;'s movies singlehandedly dealt with topics that weren't thought of as appropriate in a male-centric world. Themes like abortion, homosexuality and abuse were front of the line in Taylor's movies, however Taylor, like Madonna often had to suffer from prejudices towards her sex and is mostly remembered for her jewelry and marriages.

Wearing a custom made Philip Treacy headdress, Madge combined Egyptian couture with the mightiness of a Nordic goddess.

Never one to deny her love for all that's mainstream and influential, Madonna also paid tribute to some of today's hottest artists including M.I.A, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Cee-lo Green - all of whom collaborated with her onstage- as well as indirectly paying tribute to others whom she loves and admires like Kylie Minogue and everyone she mentions in the famous "Vogue" rap.

Kylie during her "Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour" which had her don the pose of the title Greek goddess.

Her performance of "Vogue" in particular was such a landmark among her live performances because she incorporated all the elements that make her such a timeless artist.

Madge has always been a pastiche artist and in this particular performance she delivered a hybrid that combined sword and sandals epic-ness (the swoosh and clink sounds included with the song's astonishing brass sections were orgasmic), love for classic movie stars and style (that she used Vogue magazine's instantly recognizable logo was a thing of pure genius!) and most remarkable of all is her fearlessness when it comes to technology. The way she incorporate the visuals on the football field was a work of art. 

When it came to fashion, Madge went with Givenchy once more, who created a series of simple looks for her that worked like instant costume changes with minimum work (Madge showing you can be a mythical goddess and also a practical accesorizer was prcieless!).

Givenchy head designer Ricardo Tischi seems to have had a blast designing the pieces for Madge, who seamlessly moved between four different "settings", merely by removing or adding pieces. Now how's that for economical storytelling?

Did you enjoy the Queen as much as I did? What did you think of the way she threw all those pop culture references around?

And on the seventh day...

Style Sunday.

There was a time when Madonna always topped the lists of worst dressed celebrities, during the last seven years or so she has completely turned that upside down and now often pushes the boundaries of style like she did when she began her career. No longer the reason of constant scandal, she has narrowed down her new style to ladylike but aggressive. See this wonderful Marchesa gown for example. The armor-like bodice would've been enough to cause a stir, but the tulle makes it a "look at me" dress and Madge owns ever inch of it.

Few actresses can say they remember what they were wearing when they first were nominated for an Oscar, Jessica Chastain was in Armani Privé, watching their spring show, when she got the call. She already looked like a million bucks! (I hope she goes with Privé to the ceremony as some sort of good luck charm!)

Only Diane Kruger can pull off something like this. The Erdem dress tactfully combines a mini dress with a longer cut in lace. When others would've made it look tacky, Kruger makes it seem positively regal.

What do you think of Madge's fashion evolution? Feeling the love for Kruger or are you tired of her always being in this section?

Golden Globes Style.

I know y'all love Angelina and stuff but sometimes she looks extremely constipated. I'm loving that she's pulling the big guns for the Globes though (remember last year's emerald work of art?). This year she's back in Atelier Versace, wearing a luscious ivory dress with a curious red fold. It reminded me a bit of Cameron Diaz's napkin dress from the Oscars a few years ago but Jolie makes it seem almost vampiric, no?

Simple Chanel Couture dress + green earrings = perfection. (Remember what I was saying about redheads and green?)

For the 2006 Oscars, Charlize Theron wore one of the ugliest dresses I have ever seen: a mucus-colored contraption that had her carry a huge crazy bow around. Apparently she got in touch with the people at Dior and begged them to fix that previous sartorial sin. The result is this perfect pink confection. The bow is still there but the way she pulls it off this time screamed "movie star" like no one in the ceremony.

Jessica Biel's mind: I wanna so be like Florence Welch when I grow up! Especially cause sometimes I think I'm a machine and all.

People outside Jessica Biel's mind: are you trying on Victorian wedding dresses for your future nuptials?

Va-va-voom Viola! Seeing her sport this burgundy Emilio Pucci creation after looking like crap in The Help says: good acting!

Jessica Chastain had been flawless in all her red carpet appearances until the time came for her to actually attend big award shows. She was Pepto-Bismol embodied at the Critics Choice Awards and this time, even if she looks much better in Givenchy, there is something that still feels wrong. The dress is lovely in a Marilyn Monroe-meets-Joan Collins way but the hair makes her look like an extra from Nashville.

Oh you goddess of all that's avant garde and amazing...this Haider Ackermann pale blue dress-suit might be one your best looks EVER and you always look astonishing! 

Foregoing her usual Calvin klein fetish in favor of this demure J. Mendel worked wonders for Claire Danes. She certainly keeps it very simple and safe most of the time but this was slightly more playful, despite the simplicity of the black and white.

Am I alone in thinking that Michelle Williams totally looked like Grimace?

It's lovely to see Kate doing something other than dominatrix meets Metropolis looks, so we'll let this slightly boring Jenny Packham go by without any fanfare.

Natalie Portman seems to have been doing an audition for Marilyn Monroe, yet somehow this Lanvin does wonders for her. I loved her all throughout last season and bless her baby and all, but pregnant women rarely get to make the most out of couture, so it's lovely to have her finally showing off what she can do when she dresses up minus baby bump.

This custom made dual tone Lanvin makes Emma Stone look positively diabolical and extremely sexy. Who knows what the hell that eagle's doing below her boobs, those smoky eyes have long hypnotized you before you get to question her.

Marchesa dresses are showy enough without the crazy-ass Lea Michele turning them into sideshow attractions. it would've been lovely to see this in someone less craving for attention, perhaps it would've made more sense (the liquid skirt is still to die for though)

Even if Rooney Mara has made us all get used to her love of black and white, this is quite an unexpected turn by Nina Ricci. The dominatrix meets old time screen siren dress is absolutely astonishing. The top recalls January Jones' Versace look from last year's ceremony but Rooney makes it all her own by toning the sexuality down, in the same way that January turned it up. The simple makeup and the - gasp - severe ponytail, were magical.

Diane Lane in Reem Acra is how all movie stars should look.

Octavia Spencer was lovely in this pale lavender Tadashi Shoji design. The slight folds made her curvaceous body achieve new levels of sexiness. The clutch, ring and smile were the perfect compliments.

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Sofía Vergara should be Vera Wang's spokeswoman. 

Nicole Kidman has found a new ally in Versace. Their dresses make her absolutely ravishing and sexy. Some designers highlight her beauty and if this had been Chanel for example, she would've been more "ivory tower" than milky lusciousness. 

Madonna isn't only perfect for having Andrea Riseborough (in Vivienne Westwood) as her date, she also rocks for making this Reem Acra dress look so fierce. The shiny top screams Joan of Arc, while the bottom alludes to Madge's love of the adventurous. The look, complete with crucifix and fingerless gloves seem to pay tribute to her legendary career and as her Globe win showed us, she is ready to give us much more.

Who of these ladies impressed you the most?

Why the Golden Globes Rock:

Long live the queen!

Sheet-y Saturday.

Where we take a look at posters for upcoming features.

You mean Madge means serious business when her name isn't mentioned in huge, glittery letters anywhere in the poster for W.E. Gotta love the tasteful Tiffany blue and the beautiful still of Andrea and James (who knew the king was so buff?). However the tagline sounds so forced and almost catastrophic, gotta give kudos of sorts to the designer who decided that people would be too stupid to get the title and highlighted the W and E in the characters' names. Really people, most of the ad campaign for this movie has worried about the title and what it means. Wouldn't it have been easier to change it?

The look on Fassy's face! The hand going to his Fassboner! The other hand showing the emptiness next to him! This poster fulfills on the promise made by every other wonderful piece of advertising done for this movie. It's truly breathtaking!

Best Image of the Week!

How excited are you about this?

Style Sunday.

Diane Kruger is such a fantastic dresser! Like seriously, how many celebrities ca you think of, that ALWAYS look so breathtaking? She rocks this simple Elie Saab in such an unexpectedly perfect way that you have to wonder if she has made a deal with the photography devils to always look so dreamy.

See how simple the hair and makeup are? How the color easily could've washed out being almost the same tone as her skin. Seriously wow! Also, this is supposed to be one of the first times Kruger does a big red carpet in Saab. Zhe should keep it up, no?

 Madge in Vionett. Sigh. Just perfect. For more on this look though, head over to The Film Experience where Nat and I engage in a good old fashioned red carpet talk.

Long Live the Queen.

Madonna turns 53 today. May her second foray into film directing turn out as magnificent as we all expect it to be!

What are your bday wishes for Madge?

Wee!

You all know how much I disliked The King's Speech but even there I was mystified by the story of Wallis Simpson (played in the movie by the superb Eve Best) which I think offers much more complex material than a stutterer's struggles.

I was thrilled today to finally see official pictures of Madonna's W.E. which will tackle her story in a much more direct way. I always knew Madge had it in her, how can she not when she's worked with some of the greatest directors of all time? (David Fincher anyone...)

How excited are you about this project?

Meet Me at the Met.

Guess who's back in da motherfuckin' house!

Exactly one week ago I had a date at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Much to my disappointment the Met was closed (I later found out it's always closed Mondays but still...) however to my surprise, that day they were setting up the red carpet for the Costume Institute Gala: my second favorite red carpet event in the world.

This year the festivities were dedicated to the memory of the late genius Alexander McQueen as the Costume Institute set up an exhibition of his work appropriately called Savage Beauty. People in New York, do yourselves a favor and go see this show. It was one of the most breathtaking art exhibits I've seen in my entire life and since this blog isn't about my life, but about movies, I'll review the red carpet and seam it into a travelogue sort of thing.

The fantastic Stella McCartney wore a design by well, herself and rocked the asymmetrical leg with Alasdhair Willis.

Salma Hayek, as many others, went with a McQueen design which gave her an ethereal aura that neutralized her overcoming erotic sense of fashion. She looked elegant and simple. Notice how she's even subduing the boobs! Well done Hayek!

The statuesque Giselle Bundchen opted for a simple McQueen (if there is such a thing in the designer's oeuvre) that highlighted her height and gave her a regal look.

Madonna, fresh off the time machine, rocked this Stella McCartney that paid homage to great screen sirens like Ava Gardner and Joan Fontaine. the color is absolutely perfect and her Jean Harlow-esque hair is perfect.

Only Beyonce can grab Emilio Pucci and make him seem like he's an understudent at the House of Dereon. This all too tight dress highlights B's gorgeous body in all the wrong ways. She needs to lay off the black and gold for a while.

Even if I'm not a fan of this Alexander McQueen, props should always be given to SJP, who time after time pushes fashion forward.

Blake Lively, who I never ran into despite my best efforts, is a vision in this Chanel Haute Couture. The nude and print paired with the chiffon make her look like a Greek goddess out of a modern orgy.

If something works for you, keep it up, no? Gwyneth Paltrow's state of mind seems to be that since column dresses with sexy high slits have worked for her recently, now's not the time to stop. I would've loved to see her try something new but this Stella McCartney truly defies criticism.

J. Lo chose a McQueen inspired Gucci that highlighted her curves while adding a sense of purely dramatic flair. This reminds me of getting lost on the 6 train (true story).

I, for one, am glad that Taylor Swift gave up her "angelic girl" look for this event. Sure, this J. Mendel dress and severe hairdo make her look like Carolina Herrera but hey, it's about time she embraced womanhood, no?

Oh Diane Kruger. When will this perfection let us down? Your Jason Wu dress is nothing if not simple, yet you wear it with such grace and add this strange sexiness to it that Veronica lake herself would come from the grave to ask for your fashion advice.

Michelle Williams finally smiles for the cameras and looks stunning in this Miu Miu with golden patterns. Speaking of which, I think I finally saw what others see in her acting-wise. She was phenomenal in Meek's Cutoff (that's what I ended up doing after my failed Met date...review coming soon!)

Pé rocks my world, as you all know, but she's been lacking a little something after her pregnancy. This Oscar de la Renta is efficient but looks too much like what she wore for last year's Golden Globes.

Emma Roberts owns Scream 4 and she also gives this Michael Kors design a youthful sexiness not anyone would've achieved.

The awesome Jennifer Hudson highlights her best assets in this lovely Vera Wang dress. The big skirt and see through chocolaty cover make her look good enough to eat.

Amy Adams should stop trying to pull off L'Wrenn Scott. It just doesn't go with her! While the idea of this dress is rather nice, the execution looks cheap and plain dull. It doesn't help that she tried to do her hair in a manner that resembled the gown's pattern.

Wednesday Addams is back! Christina Ricci rocks this strange Zac Posen in a way Helena Bonham Carter only dreams of! The odd skirt and weird patterns are pure runway Posen but the Gothic romantic feel is all Ricci.

The adorable Hailee Steinfeld gives the Fanning sisters (who wore Valentino) a run for their money in the "freaking cute" department. Unlike them however, Hailee is always age appropriate. This Stella McCartney has the edge of the knee length but balances it with a graceful neckline.

Kristen Stewart, really? Let's concentrate on how dreamy the Proenza Schouler guys are instead.

Stella McCartney seems to have been the designer of the night, with apologies to Lee. Kate Hudson looks positively gorgeous in this gold and crystal appliqués design.

Now, out of all the people who donned Alexander McQueen, I think Coco Rocha pulled it off best. Not only did she go with a Lee that's actually wearable in the real world, she also gave it an edge by accessorizing with the dress and not against it.

Kate Winslet was astonishing in this Stella McCartney. People in NYC you must head out to The Museum of Moving Image and see some of the Mildred Pierce costumes they're currently exhibiting. One of my biggest disappointments in coming back home was that I was unable to attend a screening of the entire miniseries at the museum. Can you imagine how awesome that would've been?

Anyway, how have all of you been doing?