DETROIT - THE LOST CITY

So we've always had this fascination with Detroit. It's a strange one - something about the derelict suburbs, urban exploration and all the complete decline of population, leaving decay upon the city. 

We posted a while ago, these images that were discovered from Cass Tech High School, detailing the dramatic effect the economy had on this construction and essentially demolished the school, leaving ghostly outlines of adolescence. The images circulated wildly on the internet, promoting those of adventurous souls to capture and document the city and it's terrible rot into the 21st century. 

We watched Lost River the other night too, Ryan Goslings directing debut with a smashing cast and dreamy Drive-esque soundtrack from Chromatics. Listen, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Anyway the film is too realistic to some worlds and it encounters this suburban neighbourhood, on the edge of being 'damned' into a lost river. The citizens have moved away, there are no jobs and the slightly Twin Peakness of it all has hit the roof and next thing you know, Eva Mendes is showcasing some fetish-feline act towards the big city players, which hauntingly echo's that of the Laura Palmer theory behind those red curtains. It's pretty much like a sweaty nightmare - you know. Plus Matt Smith's in it too and performs a pretty shocking opposition to his well known Dr Who role (we didn't believe it was him, IMDB'ing instantly took place to clarify). 

So this fictional town, demolished and brutalized by society recalled all this research from Detroit. Now they say Detroit is on the up again, though almost 30% of it's current population are still unemployed. The 19th century, 8 bed mansions, dusty swimming pools and boarded up 7/11's can be revived once again, but it doesn't stop one thinking of the exploration and the deterioration that caused this once, vibrant city. 

Detroit was the hub of the motor industry back in the early 1900's thanks to the foundation of Ford and it's manufacturing and growth of industrial employment. It was known as the 'Paris of the mid-west' and was just booming with life, tourism and bussle. The city now hosts over 78,000 abandoned buildings after it's great depression and it's slowly taking off the band-aids to a rebounded, re-structured type of civilization. 

A while back we stumbled across photographer Philip Jarmain who's subject of 'American Beauty' heavily focuses on the decline of Detroit and it's aftermath of destruction. Jarmain states: 

“These are the last large format architectural photographs for many of these structures.”

Could the landscape of Detroit relish with the tourism from these ruins? This is an ongoing project, more to come. 


Words - Anna Jenkins
Images - Philip Jarmain & visual from Lost River, c/o The Film Stage. 

LISTEN TO ME MARLON

Our favourite place is the movies and it's been a while, so we thought we'd entice you with the recent Q&A screening we took part in aside our pals Jermyn Street Journal for 'Listen to Me Marlon'; a documentary on iconic screen legend Marlon Brando.

'Listen to Me Marlon' was released last year but we've watched it over and over and over and over to absorb it's clear-cut memoir of the legendary Brando himself, real-time, no acting. No only did every detail of the film goosebump our skins with chilling, archived footage from home-videos and audition tapes, it announced a highly sensitive Brando, a Brando that the world did not know other than Don Vito (The Godfather) or Johnny Strabler (The Wild One). Even for Marlon unknowns - those a little unfamiliar with his credits should be advised to watch this, as it details any human thrown into a spotlight - an alien life of Hollywood and multitudes of power.

Fine additions to movies, from a flitter of a piano to echoing heartbeats of the narrator can amplify a room. The audience were entirely captivated by the highs and lows of Brandos career and personal life, throwing everyone into his head, his thoughts and his ghostly accurate projections from before his time. Rachel Grimes composition of 'Loretto' played softly during flashbacks to a montage of performances and a key Chaplin routine. This is one of our favourite tunes notably added on the 'Winter' section of our Spotify playlist, for it's fall-like beat and breathable daydreamy notes.

Brando passed in 2004, aged 80. A life full of adventure and heartbreak. For a wholesome and actually quite reserved character, the film shows us an unbalanced tale of his involvement in acting. His upbringing, from a unfair childhood and his ease into Hollywood is settled into the film early on, exampling his historical televised interviews and phone calls with his parents - who slightly neglected his passion for the stage and their challenge for a 'real career of a man'. One of Marlon's most memorable tales was what he would do if he wasn't good at acting, what he would become? His unearthed human criticism of his own awards and achievements, shunned behind him as he disagreed with what many, thought was incredible. His Academy Award for 'On The Waterfront' was modestly brushed under for him. Marlon always demanded that he could and would do better, though many saw this as his peak, he did not. His romances, broad of children and milestones were largely featured throughout the film and it also gave an insight into the fierce Tinseltown behaviour and fight he put up with, with directors, fans and unruly journalists.

'I arrived in New York with holes in my socks and holes in my mind' 

- Brando on arriving in the city to catch his big break, 1943.

From voicemail recordings, cassette tapes, the library of footage edited into the movie wholly brings us this beautiful figure of energy and sadness that is and was Brando. Listen to me Marlon opened our eyes into this character, something like we'd never witnessed before. Please watch. 

Here is the Showtime preview of the documentary, to get a taste. 

S/O to our pals Jermyn Street Journal. 

COPPOLA'S BLING RING

T-B ( Emma Watson, Coppola filming, Still & Official Poster release) 

With 'The Virgin Suicides' being in my top 5 list of favourite films, anything Sofia Coppola writes or directs- I'm quick to follow. The critics slated her for 'Mariontoinette' back in 2006  but after 'Somewhere' and Portmans Dior ad's it seems she's on a roll. The Bling Ring' focuses on the real story ( think Larry Clark's Bully with Bijou Philips but less grimy) of a group of LA kids who rob celebrities homes. The burglaries took place in 2008 and 2009 and exploded a media frenzy with the group of teenagers on the run with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan's jewels and garms. The overall kill was £3million dollars of cash and belongings and it rocked Tinseltown into a wreath of tight security and nurtured properties. Opening one of the sections at the 2013 Cannes Festival, the film is set to embark on some home truths from the suspected criminals ( with many such as ringleader Alexis Neiers, stating it's 'wrong') but is nearly close to the original happenings. I do hope Coppola pulls this off. Pretty set on seeing this. To research, Coppola attended LA Clubs and documented the teeny Hollywood gangs. The suspects were known to track and follow targeted celebrities activity through social media, to stage the isolated break-ins which lead to their (almost) success of being notorious robbers. On studying today's youth within new technology and social networking in research for the films portrayal, Coppola states:

“It was almost sci-fi, this idea that living does not count unless you are documenting it. All those things interest me and say so much about our culture, and what is emphasised as important.”- Coppola for The Telegraph. 

MAGIC HOUR

I am SO sorry I haven't posted in a while. I'm still without a LT and still roaming around London exploring like a little tourist ( though I grew up only 40 minutes away from the city) 

Thought I would share this short film directed by American actress and fashion designer Tara Subkoff. This seven minute short film 'Magic Hour' revolves around Grey (Played by Chloe Sevigny, wait it gets better..) who has moved to LA but reminisces over her long distance love for home, New York. Everything about the short film is on point. It's slightly 'Coppolaesque' Virgin Suicide lighting and the peachy rooms only enhance Greys hatred for Los Angeles sunshine in contrast to the NY smog which she longs for. The way Grey also describes LA society as 'The worlds largest waiting room', people just waiting for things to happen is significant. Having been to LA twice and fallen in love, there is an obvious cloud of aspiration that floods the city but to me, living in London- there is in every city. The film was presented by global contemporary art channel MOCAtv to celebrate the opening of the 2013 Urs Fischer exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Big love for Chloe Sevigny too, her character in 'Kids' will always be such a footprint for an early generation of youthful 90's teenagers, growing on careless, adolescent journeys.

Watch Magic Hour above and see what you think.

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS

I don't watch a lot of television. I think I'm pretty hard to please and due to a storm of reality TV airheads, I'm praying that in 2025, human beings will still have a couple of useful brain cells to,  you know, work the world. The only real shows I ever got into were Freaks and Geeks ( way before it's time, a young James Franco playing an 1980's high school bad boy) and most recently, HBO's recent success 'Girls'.

Created by Lena Dunham ( who plays Hannah ^ top photo), Girls is based on the lives of four twenty-somethings struggling yet embracing the harsh realities of a New York City,exploring real-life experiences. Unpaid internships that are supposed to 'benefit' you, yet destroy you financially. Falling for assholes, attending 'secret' warehouse parties in the gritty outer suburbs and the lying phone call of telling your parents 'you're okay and money is fine' when really your eating 11p noodles that you can buy in bulk at Chinese wholesale stores and your rent is a month behind. Being a Postgraduate and a Writer (not linking either) I cannot express the true co-incidental production of this show and how easily related it goes with not just my personal life, but probably the majority of it's audience. 

Lena Dunham has completely changed the sugarcoated reality of being a young twenty-something amongst the harsh clouds of the current economy, sea of the 'cliche' opposite sex and the honest and brutal storm of adolescence and pushing away that sheltered childhood. This has notably been compared to renown HBO drama-comedy 'Sex and The City' following the memoirs of writer Carrie Bradshaw in the NYC 90's with her 3 best friends approaching their forties and swimming the channel of marriage, families, work and relationships. However, although there are striking similarities, Girls should not be lazily compared to a younger SATC. Each show holds a unique and strong flow and I don't think anything on the level of Girls has been attempted before. Dunham is able to communicate and shock with her special and humorous manner and at only 26 years old ( I'm 23 as I write this, I better hurry up and create something pretty soon), Lena has transformed the face of the current young female generation. 

Dunham also wrote and directed a feature film in 2010 'Tiny Furniture' which received positive and influential  praise linking to a focus on Girls, which aired this year and a Season 2 is approaching in January. 

If you have not watched this yet, I beg you. Girls need to watch this to feel like they are not completely alone and all those 'things' that you think just happen to you, happen to everyone else. Guys need to watch this to understand us. It's not Gossip-girl material it's gritty, sexual, reassuring and one of the most significant productions to ever grace the screen. 

SUBCULTURES

Fred Perry Japan has created a series of several documentaries entitled 'Born To Be Wild', directed by Don Letts. The series focuses on several spoonfuls on English subcultures and inspirational aesthetics such as the beat generation and early cinema. The examination also pinpoints how the innovation is now resulting in today's current trends, giving fashion heads the knowledge of replicating something original but enhancing and  changing styles. From teddy boys to punks, the 6 film documentary establishes all heavy subcultures and British youth. It's interesting to visually witness the aftermath of the war and the teenage rebellion which economically and socially impacted the generation, giving the Kingdom some colour after a grimy war. The 6 part documentary continues with all the classic trends and organic influences up to the millennium and beyond.

THE PUFFY CHAIR

I watched this movie a couple of years back and completely forgot the title of it. It was a 4am movie on a film4 season and I completely loved it. Now I've finally found the trailer, I can't remember anything that really happens except these 2 brothers buy a chair on ebay and go on a road trip to track it down from the owner. Only there are huge motel flights, a random marriage and heavy low budget realism. It's a feature film debut from the Duplass Brothers who have made a couple movies in their homeland of Austin, Texas and are steadily getting recognised for their efforts such as the movie 'Cyrus' with Jonah Hill. 

THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT

OH MAN. So I have fully supported the idea of The Impossible Project. It's still insane effort to try and get Polaroid 600 Film, especially as I have thrift and vintage models lying around waiting to be used but at least it's not entirely extinct from humanity. I'm still stubbornly refusing to spend up to £8 per sheet for a potentially disappointing photograph but hopefully after silver screening, chemical experiments and small business distribution, the project will launch itself into the game and become a little larger in the retail industry. I know Instagram (which has recently been bought by Facebook, boys be rolling in it !) captures a similar approach as does the Polaroid, but I believe there is nothing more nostalgic and tangible than the original. As protesters and celebrities endorse the project to maintain it's presence in today's technology, new apps like Instagram are easily shooting it down unless they get into gear and start manufacturing the film again. Rumours circulated that the last ever films were held in dusty boxes in some warehouse outside Silicon Valley, deserted and priceless. However, after in 2008 when founders of The Impossible Project bought Polaroid machinery and compressed the factory and location to Enshede, the project was in full movement and is yet growing into something major . I would love to go to this exhibition in the flagship of Soho, NYC. For all things 'impossible' in America, the Impossible staff have created a show featuring their personal experimental progress with the film. I believe, forever young. 

STEPFORD WIVES '75

I watched the original 1975 Stepford Wives last night and fell in love with the imagery. Something about 70's films- made life seem a whole lot more beautiful. Katherine Ross was a dream girl. They also filmed in Westport, Connecticut where I visited a few months ago. Pure suburbia. When you look at Virgin Suicides, Coppola easily captured the nostalgic, sunbright and faded scratched kinda picture that is linked to the seventies as do many motion pictures try to re-create these days. However, there's nothing better than the originals. Soft spoken voices, long angelic locks and denim overloads. Much more beautiful than blue-ray.

THE LOVED ONES

I actually think I'm too scared to post this trailer up. While flicking through the channels on our tiny hotel room telly in Paris hunting for something to watch in in English ( worst culture kids ever, just wanted some home comforts I guess) we came across this movie 'The Loved Ones' Directed by Sean Byrne. Subtitled in English when we watched but actually an Australian movie this film is truly fucked. The elements that caught me were the colours, the soundtrack and just the general creepyness the film encountered. Set somewhere in Oz, a young girl and her freaky father kidnap a local boy and torture him while creating this eerie prom night scene in their kitchen. I'm not one to be scared very easily, but i remember we had to turn it off, then on again because I couldn't handle how intense it was. I sound ancient but films like this, no matter how good they are- do worry me as to where creators get their ideas. This screenplay involves a drill, some boiling water and a hidden basement. And it's not predictable.

THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER

SUMMER

Just read about this new movie in this months NYLON Denim Issue. Premiered at this years SXSW festival and now selected for The Cannes Critic Week. The film has been picked up on regular inspirations from the likes of John Hughes movies (The Breakfast Club) and has hints of (yet again) Kids, Bully, Thirteen, American Graffiti and even a small glimmer of This is England (though contrasting to it's obvious American teenage summer story). Summer vacation films are always a heart-felt hit for many people. Everyone experiences their 'summer of love'. Take Baby for example. After I watched Dirty Dancing I believed that every summer could potentially result in this runaway attitude of rebellion and first loves, and when the summer ends it's always the saddest thing. I always wanted my last days of summer to be like the evenings of American Graffiti. That act of freedom, doing nothing but riding round in cars and stopping through drive-ins. Life is so much easier when your sixteen. You just don't really know it.

VOODOO & VACCINES

Culture Series ONE.

VBS/ ONE.org film collaboration documenting the country of Benin and it's traditional culture of Voodoo. 'There are more voodoo healers that physicians-and like much of the rest of the continent, for good reason, people seem wary of outsiders'

The communities are stuck in the tradition of believing in voodoo power to cure illness, though many organizations are pleading for these communities to seek medical help. It's footage like this that visually makes you witness strength and dedication. ' People will not abandon their tradition'

"Our goal with Voodoo and Vaccines is to raise awareness about the need for these vaccines, and to help add thousands of signatures to ONE.org’s campaign to get children of developing countries access to these most basic vaccines"

To watch the Vice Documentary Click here : http://www.vbs.tv/en-gb/watch/one--2/voodoo-and-vaccines-in-benin-africa-no-subs-vice

Spring

Life is definitely moving too fast. More talk soon.

Paris on Thursday. Much Much needed.

Photo: Edward Steichen, 1926.

TAKEN

Photo taken by : Anna

Subject : Lily

I really miss summer. I had six months off and I don't even really know what I did.

FAIREY VS. NYC

I'm Still Here Guerilla Advertising

I defiantly drafted this ages ago but never posted- so here it is..

I'm Still Here is being converted into street art on the city streets of New York. After finding out the whole doc was a hoax, I'm in more need to see this. I almost cried when I saw what a state Phoenix was in. I think the world can breathe again, knowing that he has, yet again- proved what a great talent he is. Shepard Fairey's artwork around the city is a great impact on promoting the film , attracting eager eyes to the cinema screens to watch an idol who everyone loves.

SGP

ARMPITS AND LINGERIE.

Discovered this through the disposable collection from Secret Garden Party '10. There are so many things I love about this photo. Getting photo's developed has to be the funniest thing. I need to clean my scanner.

I'M STILL HERE

Phoenix & Affleck.

The media is completely confused. Casey Affleck has made this documentary or ' Mockumentry' as some are calling it, of Joaquin Phoenix's life as he transforms from his well established acting career to a rapper, buzzing the hip hop community of America. The trailer itself is astonishing. I am a following fan of the Phoenix impact. I fell in love with River and after Joaquin in Buffalo Soldiers and playing my love of Johnny Cash it was inevitable the brothers have a well respected trademark of success in the film industry.

A first for Casey, however I trust his film choice and I'm choosing to ignore the recent claims in the media about his unprofessional production and I'm nervously waiting to see this outcome. It's typical to witness a celebrities mid-life, quarter-life crisis in the eyes of the public, However on footage, Phoenix looks shocking and almost frightening. Some are choosing to believe it's a hoax, which understandably- could be, However some viewers are stating it's the real Phoenix.

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2spHiYOORc

DEPP SEASON

AMBROSIA SALAD.

This summers been long. Been doin stuff. Miss bloggin. Got a job. Moved house. Watched some meteors. Living on the beach. Its been pretty sweet. I live for winter though. A summer in England is 50/50. So me and my housemates introduced Depp season. Gilbert Grape is yet to come but we had a late night showing of Scissorhands in our boudoir last night. Scissorhands always amazes me, I would like to live in a pastel house with a contrasting ice cream car and bitch all day while my husbands earning big bucks. Just kidding, but in this world I really could.

I'm waiting on Burton's new piece, however I miss his 90's taste, not admiring his high HD Freaky Wonka kids and 3D spurts.

MOON MAYHEM

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON

This reminds me, of a British documentary I watched a while back. In the Shadow Of The Moon was a beautiful montage of footage and interviews from several astronauts from numerous Apollo missions which featured at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Last year as know, was the landing's 40th anniversary in 1969. Many have their controversial views- After watching this documentary I couldn't believe in it more. The value of the film received incredible views by the media. It's emotional, outstanding and beautifully edited also referring to sixties surrounding and culture which evolved around the journeys fame.

SOMEWHERE

SOFIA'S DONE IT AGAIN.

I realise I bitch about a load of stuff. Well here's something I'm looking forward too. A LOT. Sofia Coppola's new film ' Somewhere ' .The trailer looks typical Coppola. Ambient tune, beautiful shots, characters in simple life situations with a subtle and a relevant, sweet, life-changing story. Release in December ' 10. <3 div="">