The Rise of Michael Fassbender and his Cultural Relevance

It’s no secret that I am obsessed with Inglorious Basterds. All my friends know that I have an obsessive nature to begin with, and moreover a distinct fascination with World War II history, which is what catapulted the historically inaccurate but brilliant film to the top spot on my favorite films list. Well, to be fair it has been tied with Pride and Prejudice, despite the fact that they are polar opposites. They’re really on opposite spectrums, which is exactly what I like. I was first introduced to X-Men: First Class and Shame star Michael Fassbender’s work in Basterds, as he played a British soldier and film expert. His performance was meant to be almost silly at first, along with Mike Myers’, as they played on as many British linguistic and phrase stereotypes they possibly could. So, while I enjoyed his performance, I wasn’t exactly wooed, like I was with Christoph Waltz’ brilliant portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa of the SS.

However, my tune began to dramatically change as I watched the feature film Jane Eyre starring Fassbender and Alice in Wonderland’s Mia Wasikowska for the first time. As a devoted fan of the classic Charlotte Bronte novel, I had extremely high expectations for who was cast as the beloved Mr. Rochester, and the performance that would be given. Rochester is a cold and complex man fueled, driven, and captivated by his past and the mistakes he has made. This anti-social and closed-off mentality is what links and bonds him and the young Jane Eyre almost immediately after they meet. These nineteenth century novels feature such complicated and unpredictable characters that I have no choice but to be impressed when an actor successfully pulls off such a performance. Fassbender has a dark and deep quality to him that mirrors his old Hollywood type handsomeness and air of intellect. Basterds made me aware of him, but Jane Eyre made me a fan.

And now Fassbender stars in the two films I am most excited for this season: NC-17 rated and Steve McQueen directed drama Shame, and the Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung centered film A Dangerous Method. He has already received rave reviews for his portrayal of a sex addict named Brandon Sullivan in Shame, which costars a favorite actress of mine, Carey Mulligan, as his sister. The film follows his character as he explores his own darkness, and is another example of a gritty well-received film that deserves such star power and talent. A Dangerous Method, which costars another favorite of mine, Keira Knightley as a hysteria patient, and Viggo Mortenson, will show his character Jung struggle with his relationship with his mentor Freud. He will also struggle with the theory of psychoanalysis, and sexual infidelity in a time when the outright enjoyment of the carnal act was frowned upon. Essentially, it will be a story about human urges and desires, taking its queues from Freud’s theory of the “id” and the “superego,” the angel and devil on each shoulder. It is evident, with his recent project choices, that Fassbender enjoys playing characters that are at war with themselves. Rochester versus his painful past, Jung versus his desires and conflicted beliefs, and Sullivan versus his addiction.

It is refreshing to see audiences embrace such a diverse actor in a business filled with heartthrobs and fads. I can already draw comparisons between Fassbender and British acting treasure Colin Firth, who has played an assortment of different characters, many also at war with themselves. Fassbender is on the fast track to the A list, and will no doubt be appearing in numerous high profile films in the future.

Photos Courtesy of flickr.com (brixton21).

Steve Buscemi: One of the Most Prominent Actors of Our Time....and Ghost World

The other day I was watching Ghost World, one of my favorite films (despite the list being fairly long. Some might say endless, but alas this is untrue.) Whenever I feel the need to be inspired, I watch either this film or The Virgin Suicides. Yes, a big part of that is that I adore Thora Birch, who plays the main character Enid, especially in that outfit near the end of the film wear she is wearing a bright red dress, matching tights, Mary Janes, a scarlet headband, and bright bleeding red lipstick. It is a perfect contrast to her pitch-black hair and black-rimmed glasses. And I love it. Absolutely cannot get enough of it. In fact, you’ll probably catch me wearing that exact same outfit (minus the black hair and glasses…maybe) pretty soon. I’ll just have to introduce some black accessories to the ensemble. Anyways, I’m way off topic. As you can guess from the title of this article, Steve Buscemi is in Ghost World, and he plays a character so perfect, I can actually imagine that he is just like Seymour in real life. Seymour is the object of Enid’s affection, and enjoys Rag Tag Blues, Big Bands, and the haunting “Devil Got My Woman” by blues legend Skip James. So I definitely relate to him, which made me love the film even more.

Buscemi’s performance in Ghost World got me thinking about how many of the films I have thoroughly enjoyed that he’s been in. The list is actually quite long. He’s most notably appeared in numerous Joel and Ethan Coen films, such as the immensely successful The Big Lebowski, critically acclaimed and Oscar winner Fargo, and the R-rated musical Romance and Cigarettes co-starring The Soprano’s James Gandolfini, Academy Award darlings Kate Winslet and Susan Sarandon, and Weeds’ Mary-Louise Parker (whose performance is wildly eccentric and all kinds of wonderful). Add to that critically acclaimed films such as Quentin Tarantino’s first two highly successful films Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Paris, Je T’aime, and Monsters Inc., to name a few. In fact his entire resume is impressive, featuring him doing voices for animated films and hosting and acting on SNL. Despite having played supporting characters throughout the majority of his career, Buscemi has managed to both impressive critics and ultimately land a starring role on HBO’s hit series Boardwalk Empire. It would appear that audiences are harboring a new appreciation for his work. And rightfully so. He has a way of drawing viewers in, whether it be as a creepy and crude character, or a lovable and shy character.

Buscemi is one of those actors I can see winning an Oscar eventually, which would no doubt be well deserved. He is one of the most hardworking actors in the business and audiences don’t seem to be tiring of him anytime soon. I adore eccentric and offbeat characters, so I really appreciate Buscemi’s performances. Now Ghost World won’t be for everyone, but if you tire from Christmas films this month, pick up a copy and give in a try. Scarlett Johansson also costars. And maybe in the process, you’ll pick up a love for Indian 60s music, green hair dye, Rag Tag records, and fake 50s diners. Who knows. It could happen.

"You're a beautiful young girl, I couldn't imagine you'd have any interest in me except as an amusingly cranky eccentric curiosity." -Seymour (Ghost World).

Photos Courtesy of Flickr (@zellaby and @csyncratic).

Getting Into the Christmas Spirit: Part II -"BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE" BY ZOOEY DESCHANEL AND LEON REDBONE

I’m sure that most of you have seen the 2003 modern classic Elf. For me, as with most of her films, the highlight of the Christmas movie was New Girl star Zooey Deschanel’s performance. And more specifically, her singing. Deshanel sings in the majority of her films, most notably in 500 Days of Summer, Yes Man, and, of course, Elf. Will Ferrell’s Christmas comedy introduced her forties-esque voice to audiences everywhere. Her unaware duet with Ferrell while her character Jovie showered, adds instant charm, and she even helps to save Christmas in the end with her singing.

“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” –Buddy (Elf).

For the film’s soundtrack, Deschanel performed the Frank Loesser classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” with Leon Redbone. The soft swing song was especially made famous by Rat Pack member Ella Fitzgerald in 1949. Deschanel’s voice pairs perfectly with Loesser’s, and her modern popularity adds a contemporary twist to a classically lovely holiday tune. So add the song to your winter Christmas playlist. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” will add some warmth to the chilly and festive season. Also, keep reading Pleasance Style for future additions to the Getting Into the Christmas Spirit series. We will return to Deschanel again soon with a She & Him Christmas album review.

Link to the Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_0D0Jqlfc

Picture courtesy of www.flickr.com.

Brand New Fashion Darlings

The Fashion World Welcomes Starlets Chloë Grace Moretz, Hailee Steinfeld, and Elle Fanning.

Over the years there have been many ladies of young Hollywood chosen as faces for numerous fashion and beauty campaigns. From Vera Wang to Neutrogena, fresh faces have always been the craze in our society. However, a new trend has risen in the fashion world: hiring actresses under sixteen to promote designer clothing. What is most interesting about this is the fact that these clothes are also intended for grown women. Essentially, these talented starlets are changing the fashion world as we know it. Perhaps the most influential and awe-inspiring of all these are up and coming actresses Chloë Grace Moretz, Hailee Steinfeld, and Elle Fanning.

Fourteen year old Moretz is quite the talented actress with an already hefty fan following. She is known for her charming role in Zooey Deshanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s 500 Days of Summer, and her eerie performance in the horror film Let Me In. But her most popular role to date is as Hitgirl in the critically acclaimed hero comedy Kick Ass. Her foul mouthed and violent character charmed her way into the hearts of viewers and critics alike, instantly catapulting her to stardom. She seems to be mature beyond her years, and stars in the newest Martin Scorsese film Hugo. Moretz has recently signed on to play the lead role in Dark Horse comic turned film Emily the Strange. Her offbeat characteristics and intensely focused performance style is perfect for the role, and most fans of the series couldn’t be happier. Along with her refreshing acting style, Moretz is known for the outfits she wears to premieres and interviews, as well as her hair and makeup style. Moretz has been most recently seen wearing Stella McCartney, Dolce and Gabbana, and Valentino. She is the perfect actress to showcase these creations as more and more people are beginning to notice and recognize her talent and influence. Moretz has a very 1920s-esque style that is communicated through her carefully sculpted blonde bob hairdo that screams The Great Gatsby’s Daisy Buchanan.

Steinfeld was a big breakout star of 2011. Her portrayal of Mattie Ross in the Coen brothers’ remake of John Wayne’s True Grit earned her nominations for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, and for a Best Actress in a Leading Role BAFTA Award. Steinfeld has a lovely innocence about her, but does not appear to be naïve. Her instantaneous star power and elegancy attracted the likes of Miu Miu, a brand from the Prada fashion house. Miu Miu is an adorable line with a lot of soft pinks and browns incorporated into its outfits. Its style is elegant, but lighter than regular Prada and Chanel. In May 2011, Miu Miu announced that Steinfeld would be its new face. Ever since, the ads have attracted controversy. Organizations claim that using the fourteen year old is inappropriate. Most recently, a picture of Steinfeld sitting on a railways track has come under fire for being “irresponsible,” because of her young age. Steinfeld, who is the right age for the part, has recently been cast as Juliet in an upcoming adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by director Carlo Carlei.

Fanning, the younger thirteen year old sister of accomplished actress Dakota Fanning, has a booming career of her own. She has most recently appeared in The Virgin Suicides director Sophia Coppola’s film Somewhere, and Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi film Super 8. Fanning is a lovely and confident fashion icon with maturity well beyond her years. Marc Jacobs, who has hired her sister in the past for his perfume Lola, used Fanning as a model for his Fall 2011 collection. These photographs were shot by his favorite photographer, Juergen Teller, and feature the younger Fanning sister modeling 70s style clothes and accessories. Both Fanning sisters have received criticism for their modeling, the argument being that they are too young to appear in such “mature” photos. But this has not fazed either of them, and from the looks of it, the duo is on their way to being the new Mary-Kate and Ashley of the fashion world.

It is nice to see the fashion world become more diverse. As long as the pictures of the starlets stay appropriate, criticism should not hinder the labels’ style and inspiration aspirations. All successful and memorable creative game changers have been victims of criticism at some point.

Photos courtesy of www.flickr.com

Getting Into the Christmas Spirit: Part I - SERENDIPITY

When I was fourteen, I was at the height of my film geekdom. I would, for the most part, watch a minimum of two films per day as I completed my homework, wrote in my journal, did yoga, and made collages. I figured that this was a great way to cope with being stranded in the middle of nowhere on a ranch without a license. And truthfully, it most certainly was. Sure it contributed to an already severely overactive imagination, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I digress, this passion led me to watch shows like Hollywood’s 10 Best, where I discovered new films and actors. One film that specifically captured my attention was Serendipity, a 2001 film starring Underworld’s Kate Beckinsale, My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s John Corbett, American Pie’s Eugene Levy, SNL’s Molly Shannon, 80s favorite John Cusack, and his close friend Entourage star Jeremy Piven. Serendipity initially grabbed my attention because it is my favorite word. It means “a fortunate accident,” which is a lovely thought and a wonderful premise for a film.

The film follows two people (Beckinsale and Cusack), both in relationships with other people, who meet randomly at a Bloomingdale’s department store in New York after simultaneously grabbing the same pair of cashmere gloves. Or WAS it random? After spending the evening together skating in Central Park, sharing a delicious blended coffee drink at the famous Serendipity café, and finding that they are attracted to each other, the two decide to leave their relationship in the hands of fate. Cusack’s character writes his name and number on a dollar bill, and Beckinsale’s character writes her information in a novel. Since they are both in relationships, they decide that if they are meant to be, fate will bring them together. The notion is lovely, but over the years, after searching for the objects, their other relationships become more serious and the possibility of ever finding each other becomes less and less likely.

Finally, both characters decide that in order to be happy with their future spouses, the must try extra hard to find each other. The goal is closure, but fate has something else in mind. The reason why Serendipity is such a wonderful film to catapult you into the Christmas spirit is because the two meet while Christmas shopping. The feeling follows the characters throughout the film, as we get to see the wintery streets of New York, the perfect Christmas city, and bask in the yuletide tunes and glittery festive lights. After watching Serendipity for the first time during the first snowfall of the season on a family vacation through Lake Louise, I bought a pair of black cashmere gloves and a black scarf. I then proceeded to wear these every single day of winter during 2005 and 2006. This spawned my “New York fashion” phase, which I still recall with much fondness.

Serendipity is not the most common example of a Christmas film, but it will certainly inspire your Christmas spirit none-the-less. The greatest holiday of the year is exactly one month away, as we must enjoy every single day of the season. So watch Serendipity, have peppermint mocha, and download Louis Armstrong’s “Cool Yule”, the first track featured as the two serendipitous lovers meet.

Serendipity Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=156kqMJ7Ra4

Pictures courtesy of www.flickr.com

Borat’s Sacha Baron Cohen to Play Freddie Mercury in New Biopic

A Freddie Mercury biographic

al film has been in the works for quite some

time now. Over the years, there

have been talks of Johnny Depp

playing the

Queen front man. Howev

er, as of November 21, 2011, B

orat star Sacha Baron

Cohen is officially the frontrunner. O

bviously most people associate him with

comedy, but Cohen is a very talented actor who has proven

himself to be a

box office heavy hitter. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, it is still

unknown whether he will attempt to replicate Mercury’

s famously flawless vocals, or if original tracks will be used.

The film will follow Mercury's career from the beginnings of

his band Queen, to their legendary performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium. This performance is c

onsidered to be one of the greatest of all time, and features Mercury’s signature energetic performing and shows his appreciative relationship with his audience. According to Rolling Stone

, the final years leading to Mercury’s tragic AIDS-related death will not be in the film. It is also unknown to what level the film will consider the topic of Mercury’s sexuality.

Freddie Mercury is a legend,

often referred to as one of the greatest, if not the greatest vocalists of all time. He is famous for his four-octave range and flamboyant

performances. In his personal life, Mercury was known as a shy and private man who let very few people get close to him emotionally.

Over his career and up to his death, tabloids and fans speculated about his sexuality. Mercury was known to be a bisexual man,

but never acknowledged this publicly. He did not announce his illness to the public until the day before his death in 1991. It is

the belief of many that had he come out about his illness earlier on, he would have been able to raise significant awareness and

funds for the AIDS cause.

Cohen’s participation so far is a stroke of genius casting-wise. There

are many physical similarities between him and Mercury

, and Cohen is known for his outgoing and energetic performances, much like Mercury. Cohen is no stranger to controversy, much

like the Queen singer, and has always appreciated his fans. Queen, one of the most famous rock and roll bands of all time, has

penned such hit songs as We Are The Champions, Another One Bites The Dust, This Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You,

and Bohemian Rhapsody.

The film is still in its early stages, as nothing is written in ink yet, but the script will most likely be written by Frost/Nixon and The Last King of Scotland writer Peter Morgan. According to cinemablend.com, Gangs of New York and The Departed producer Graham King will be producing the film, and has worked with Cohen on Martin Scorsese’s newest film Hugo.

“Who better to play Freddie Mercury than Sacha Baron Cohen?” said King. “You never know [if a film will actually come together] until it's done, but I'm hoping [he plays the part]. He's so talented, and you see a side to him in Hugo that no one had ever seen before. Very emotional, and very heartfelt.

”

With this kind of critically acclaimed talent involved, the upcoming Mercury film is sure to continue generating buzz. Much of that buzz will most likely be Oscar related as the Academy loves biopics such as Walk the Line, Ray, and

My Week With Marilyn.

"Freddie Mercury was an awe-inspiring performer,” said King. “So with Sacha in the starring role, coupled with Peter's screenplay and the support of Queen, we have the perfect combination to tell the real story behind their success."

Freddie Mercury and Queen's greatest performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQsM6u0a038&feature=related

Photos courtesy of Flickr.

What You Should Be Watching, But Have Probably Never Heard Of: Bored to Death

Few television characters have entertained me so thoroughly as Ted Danson's character in HBO's thirty minute detective comedy Bored to Death. The show has just entered its third season and still remains incredibly originally and hilarious. The offbeat show is led by cult favorite Rushmore's Jason Schwartzman (of the famous Coppola family) in the role of Jonathan Ames. The show was created by the real life Ames, but his character is purely fictional. Schwartzman is a writer (primarily mystery) who decides to moonlight as a private detective. He is often backed by his two best friends, crude cartoonist Ray Hueston (played by The Hangover's Zach Galifianakis), and rich restaurant owner and uber stoner George Christopher (played brilliantly by CSI's Danson). Danson steals the show, which is hard to do with Schwartzman in the picture. He may be stoned most of the time, but he is always around to bail Ames out of whatever thirties noir-type fiasco he has gotten himself into.

Fantastic casting aside, Bored to Death will appear to fans of mystery noir, Bogart, and offbeat humor. The show still sticks to the tone of the HBO network (home to The Sopranos and True Blood) as it has adult humor. However, it is neither tasteless nor inappropriate for its genre. The supporting cast is also superb, with Miss Congeniality's Heather Burns, Mac commercials' John Hodgman (Hi, I'm a PC), The Big C's Oliver Platt, What's Eating Gilbert Grape's Mary Steenburgen, Moonstruck's Olympia Dukakis, and SNL's Kristen Wiig, to name a few. Galifianakis' character is the weakest part of the show, with mostly unlikeable story lines and an unchanging character. However, Schwartzman makes up for it with his signature offbeat style and effortless charm as he follows potential murderers around the city of New York. New York, as in most films and shows featuring the city, is a character in itself. Many people think of New York when they think of the style of shooting that Bored to Death is going for and achieves. The goal of the show seems to be to capture that Thin Man vibe (William Powell and Myrna Loy), while still appealing to modern viewers and including contemporary culture references.

Again, the real treasure of this show in Danson. His childish and soft mannerisms mixed with his hippie interests and adventure seeking is endearing. Watch the show for him, if for no other reason. The murder mystery part of the show is not an overwhelming and continuous part of the general plot, which is interesting. What I mean is that each mystery will only last for four episodes at the most. The show is definitely light, with major character problems only lasting briefly. This makes the show easy to watch, and allows for a lot to be going on without overwhelming the viewer. I have never seen another show like it, which really appeals to the viewer in me that longs for something original. Bored to Death relies heavily on the city of New York, as it is very setting dependent. The show deals with a lot of modern styles of exercise, therapy, and trends.

There are a lot of new age references and a lot of white wine (not to the level of Cougar Town where the cast spends entire episodes drinking red wine, but still). Generally, this show is just fun. The theme song is performed by Schwartzman (the front man of band Coconut Records and brother to Rooney lead singer has plenty of experience singing). Bored to Death is thirty minutes of pure entertainment and oddity that you won't want to get back. You're in for a treat.

Pictures courtesy of Flickr.