Can We Talk About Baz Luhrmann Movies?

Le sigh. Baz Luhrmann creates the most visually stunning movies.

They aren't for everyone, sure... but goodness are the expertly done.

The costumes!

Feathers? Yes! Sequins? Yes! Beads? Fringe? Yes and Yes! Over the top? Always!

The music!

Great singing, great dancing, great soundtracks!

The sets!

So elaborate! Candles? 10,000. Flowers? Thousands. Lanterns? More than 10,000 please. Rooms? Luxurious.

The parties!

Confetti! Glitter! Music! Drinks! Dancing! Merriment! "Take off your hats!"

The terrific humor!

Nicole Kidman! Shirtless Hugh Jackman! Awkward Paul Rudd in spaceman's suit!

The drama!

Death, love, tragedy, these movies have it all folks!

I love it all. :) & I grew up watching the first two over and over in high school.

Romeo + Juliet (1996):

Highlights: Young Leo & Claire Danes. Ugly Crying. The post-ball pool scene. The nanny. Anytime Tybalt or Mercutio does something ridiculous! The modern day ('90's...) adaptation of the classic.

Moulin Rouge (2001): 

Highlights: Nicole Kidman's hilarious elephant scene, Elephant Love Medley... the tango... all of it?! Any time Ewan McGregor sings...

Australia (2008):

Highlights: Australian history, outback setting, civil rights, Hugh Jackman water scene. Makes me LOL every time! :P

The Great Gatsby (2013):

Highlights: The scene with all the orchids, any of the party scenes... the soundtrack. Leo again...













I haven't seen Strictly Ballroom yet... but otherwise I'm totally ready for new movies. Please, Baz. Please! :)

What do you think, do you love any of these?

What are your favorite movies from high school or college?

XO,

Alexandra

Gatsby, What Gatsby? // Book. Movie. Music. Fashion.

I meant to post about this when the movie came out.... but the DVD came out yesterday.. so let's just pretend that I meant to post about the DVD release. ;) 

Have you seen The Great Gatsby yet?

We went with some dear friends to see it the night it opened in theaters. 

I LOVED the movie. I generally appreciate Baz Luhrmann films, I like the quirky, artsy way that he portrays a story. This movie was no different, filled with loud music, over the top sets, gorgeous costumes and lots of exaggeration of the characters.

I did think that this film was a bit more accessible for those who don't typically appreciate Luhrmann's style.

My favorite part of a Baz Luhrmann film is that he is able to create an entire world of his own based on the written plot. It is so detailed, meticulously crafted and ornate that you become completely immersed in his creation. You forget where you are, who you're with... and just revel in the magic that is a Baz Luhrmann movie.

I find the jazz period very interesting and enjoyed seeing it come to life through Luhrmann's perspective. I love the book and would like to read it again, just to compare the two before and after. I would also love to read other Fitzgerald novels. Recommendations on favorites please!

One thing that always gets me though, is I forget how much I dislike Daisy's character. I get caught up in the romance of the setting, the description, the clothes and the music and forget what a selfish character she is. I know many people love Daisy.. but there are so many other literary heroines I would choose first. That being said.. Carey Mulligan did a FANTASTIC job playing the part! She nailed the character, looked the part and truly made me believe that she was Daisy.

To my surprise my favorite character in the film was Nick Carraway portrayed by Tobey Maguire. What I remember of the book Carraway was not that central of a character, but seeing it on film, seeing it narrated... really brought Carraway and the story to life for me. 

Tobey Maguire is not typically a favorite of mine, but he played such an endearing character so very believably. He was fantastic! It makes me want to keep track of his roles in the future.

The soundtrack is also wonderful. 

I can't help but love Lana Del Rey's "young and beautiful" from there you'll find dance mixes of jazz age music with current pop or hip hop artists like will.i.am, fergie etc. Along with the party tracks there are also some moody alternative ones to balance it out including artists like the xx, Florence + the Machine, sia and jack white just to name a few. I'd highly recommend this album to add some diversity to your current music library! What is your favorite track?

For the opening night of the movie, I took the chance to dress up a tad (because why not?!). I put on my flapper-y-est top, painted my nails dark, slipped into my peep toes and grabbed some vintage-y gold accessories.

Top:?, old from my mom. 

Skinnies: TJMaxx. 

Handbag: Vintage ($12!). 

Peep Toe Wedges: Ross. 

Nails: Vampsterdam by OPI.

Not Pictured: Dangly gold earrings: gift. Hair clip: Anthropologie. 

What did you think of the newest Gatsby?

How do you pull off a subtle flapper look?

Are you buying Gatsby on DVD?

What is your favorite song on the soundtrack?

Let me know in the comments below. 

Thanks for reading! :)

Alexandra

*all Gatsby/Luhrmann images via google, all collages combined by me. :) *